PANAJI
Philippos Matthai of Delhi was adjudged the champion of the second round of the Indian national autocross championships (INAC) held at the Goa engineering college grounds in Farmagudi on April 29 and 30.
Philippos clocked a time of 1:36:37 for the 1.2 km track followed by three Goans, Azim Hanchi (1:40:64), Amey Desai (1:41:06) and Saamag Kudchadkar (1:41:81).
There were eight classes in the INAC event and the top five racers from each class have qualified for the finals of the Indian national autocross championships. Saamag Kudchadkar (27) of Goa was adjudged the fastest driver of the meet, when he clocked 1:36:22 minutes in the “Time Attack” category.
Among Goan male racers, Saamag Kudchadkar, Amey Desai and Azim Hanchi were adjudged the fastest while Kartavi Mashelkar Marathe, Ashrafi Gaikwad and Reshma Hussain were the fastest Goan women racers in the “Time Attack” category.
Saamag was very happy with the Goa Engineering College track at Farmagudi. “It is a very fast yet safe track as the many turns reduce your speed,” Saamag said.
Saamag, racing in his second national autocross event has requested the Sports Authority of Goa and sports minister of Goa to support motorsports. “This is a costly sport and support from the government will help Goan drivers take part in national tournaments across India,” Saamag said.
Another interesting racer at the championships was Pradeep Nair of Mumbai, who at 67 was the oldest racer. A racer and rallyist for the last 50 years, Nair who has been a three-time past winner in the Formula Indian grand prix racing said, “Racing has been in my blood. I love to take part in dirt track racing nowadays.”
Key results: Fastest Goan men: 1) Saamag Kudchadkar 2) Amey Desai 3) Azim Hanchi; Fastest Goan Ladies: 1) Kartavi Mashelkar Marathe 2) Ashrafi Gaikwad 3) Reshma Hussain; INAC results: 1) Philippos Matthai 2) Azim Hanchi 3) Amey Desai.
