While it is a justifiable source of pride that India boasts a grade one circuit capable of hosting Formula 1 races, it is a shame that there are not as many active karting circuits that there should be in a country that has high ambitions in motorsport. Finland, for example, has never hosted an F1 race but boasts karting circuits in nearly every one of its cities. And most of them are undoubtedly as technical as the Kohlapur circuit that had briefly fallen into disrepair. Karting lays the groundwork for drivers that come out of the Scandinavian country.
The fast, flowing and undulating circuit offers drivers a real challenge when it comes to driving and it was good to see karting action at the national level return to the circuit. It would have been a shame if it slipped into anonymity on India’s still developing motorsport landscape.
BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT
The JK Tyre FMSCI National Rotax Karting Championship returned to Kolhapur after a gap of 3 years, to the 1.1km circuit at the Mohite’s Academy provided for some fantastic racing. The competition across all categories saw India’s top drivers battle for supremacy in changing weather conditions.
The Junior category saw Bangalore boys, Kush Maini (Darkdon Racing) and Ricky Donison (BPC Racing) finish on top. Mumbai’s Aaroh Ravindra came in 3rd for Rayo Racing. In the Final the top 3 started and finished in the same order. For Aaroh and Kush, this was their 3rd podium in three races.
The senior category witnessed the most exciting racing of the day. The action packed Pre Final saw Chittesh Mandody finish ahead of Dhruv Mohite. The Team Mohite Racing duo were followed by Rayo Racing’s Ameya Bafna.
BAFNA IN CHARGE
In the final, Chittesh Mandody got off to a good start from pole. The Rayo Racing duo of Ameya Bafna and Nayan Chatterjee made excellent starts & slotted in behind. However at the end of lap 1, it was Rayo Racing 1st and 2nd as both Ameya and Nayan battled ferociously for the lead. Behind them, Dhruv Mohite moved to 3rd with Vishnu Prasad of Meco Racing hot on his heals. Vishnu eventually pipped Dhruv for 3rd, while Ameya bagged his 2nd victory of the year. Ameya’s team mate from Rayo Racing – Nayan completed a very mature race in 2nd position.
“After an unfortunate problem in Round 2, I’m happy to finish on top here in Kolhapur. It is good to be racing here, after 3 years again,” said the 2012 National Champion Ameya Bafna.
The Micro category, for drivers under 12 years of age, was a Meco Racing whitewash. Paul Francis won, ahead of Yash Aradhya and Shahan Mohsin.
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