Indian sports wrap, April 24: Nikhil, Dhruva shine in Indian National Autocross Championship 2024

MOTORSPORT

Nikhil J clocked a blistering 1:25.094 to beat fancied Dhruva Chandrashekar who managed only 1:26.267 in the INAC1 800 to 1650cc class finals, while Nikeetaa Takkale excelled as a woman driver, in the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship 2024 (INAC).

The two fastest drivers in the class saw tough competition in the top INAC1 class.

This is the first of the 12 Nationals organised by FMSCI which completed the Nationals 2024 and Indian champions were declared.

Philippos Matthai clinched the title in the INAC1 1651 to 2400cc being the only driver in the fray. The championship finals also highlighted outstanding performances from Dhruva, Mazdayar Vatcha, Nikhil J, Daksh Gill, and Nikeetaa, among others, across various categories.

Dhruva’s triumph in the INAC 2 Open Class, with a timing of 1:26:738 in VW Polo underscored the intensity of competition, with his closely contested victory against Philippos and Nikeeta, showcasing the pinnacle of racing excellence.

In INAC 3-Open Class, Mazdayar emerged victorious with a standout performance of 1:30.657, with Goa’s Amey Desai coming in second with a time of 1:31.277 followed by Praveen Dwarkanath with a time of 1:33.474.

In the women’s category of Time Attack event, Pune’s Nikeeta secured first position with a time of 1:31.380 followed by Tarushi Vikram with 1:32.988 and Nikita Nair coming in 3rd with 2:01.456.

INAC results (Provisional)

INAC Open: 1. . Philippos Matthai 1:26.000; 2. Uday Pilani 1:28.909; 3. Naveen Puligilla 1:32.422;

INAC 1 (800 to 1650cc): 1. Nikhil J 1:25.094; 2. Dhruva Chandrasekhar 1:26.267; 3. Arshad Pasha 1: 26.854;

INAC1 (1651 to 2400cc): 1. Philippos Matthai 1:26.489;

INAC2 Open: 1. Dhruva Chandrasekhar 1:26.738; 2. Philippos Matthai 1:26.759; 3. Nikeetaa Takkale 1:29.736.

INAC2 (800 to 1400cc): 1. Arshad Pasha 1:2.840; 2. Mazdayar Vatcha 1:32.228; 3. Kiran Reddy 1:32.336.

INAC2 (1401 to 1650cc): 1. Arshad Pasha 1:27.564; 2. Nikhil J 1:27.606; 3. Dhruva Chandrasekhar 1:28.142.

INAC3 (Open): 1. Mazdayar Vatcha 1:30.657; 2. Ameya Desai 1:31.277; 3. Praveen Dwarakanath 1:33.474.

4wd Open: 1. Daksh Gill 1:27.786; 2. Sravan Kumar Kuttoor 1:33.222; 3. Mazdayar Vatcha 1:34.002.

-Team Sportstar