International class motocross track inaugurated

Chennai, Mar 27 (UNI) In its continuing endeavour to give a fillip to motorsport at grass roots level, Madras Motor Sports Club today inaugurated an international class motocross track at Irungattukottai near here.

Venu Srinivasan, Director, TVS Motor Company, the main sponsor of the track, through its racing arm ''TVS racing'' told reporters after inaugurating the track that the 800 metre long MMSC super cross track meets the minimum international standards.

The facility has been put up with a view to provide a training ground for aspiring young motocross riders, as part of the measures to develop the sport, he said.

The course is made up of jumps with soft and natural material, so that the impact on falling is minimal. Bikes used for this type of racing are different. They are fitted with suspensions and special tyres to transverse on the jumps and loose soil.

The new track would also be used for the company's research and development, Mr Venu said.

He said TVS racing, which has provided two classes of two strike bikes of 125 cc and 250 cc, was developing four stroke engined bikes in tie up with an European firm.

TVS racing team manager and General Manager (R&D) TVS Motor Company Arvind Pangannkar said the track has one table top, 30 m high, nine double jumps of 20 m each, one triple jump, 'whoop-de- doos' and two table top learners jums of 5 m each. It also has a 900 m long dirt track without any jumps for newcomers to improve their riding skills.

To mark the occasion, four inaugural events, two in international category and one each in Victor and Fiero-were held. Top riders from TVS racing, including the 2005 national champion C S Santosh participated in the races.The races were held on mported Group A bikes and Indian bikes.

The new motocross track is in addition to the international class F3 MMST Race complex at Irungattukottai.

UNI VV AY HT1945