Young drivers excel in National Road Racing Championship

Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu), June 21 (ANI): Sriperumbudur, a suburb of Chennai, hosted the 13th National Road Racing Championship at the Madras Motor Racing Track (MMRT) on Sunday.

Over 100 motor racing drivers and enthusiasts took part in the various categories, including single-seated category, Formula Swift, super saloons and LGB Swift.

Sanjay Sharma, head of motor sports, JK Tyre and Industries Ltd, said that this national-level racing event would help Indian drivers to take part in the international level and Formula 1.

"The participation level of the drivers has come down between 16 and 19, 80 percent of the grid is drivers between 16 and 19 (years). So all these years, whatever we had aimed our goals, we have achieved finally. Technologically we have world's best cars, now we can run in this event," he said.

"It is a great organization done by JK (JK tyres). They have also allowed Volkswagen to come into the picture with Volkswagen Cup. Winning this race is a great boost for me," said Sailesh Balicity, winner of the Formula Swift.

India is represented in the Formula 1 racing by the Force India team led by businessman Vijay Mallya and HRT (Holden Racing Team) driver Karun Chandhok.

Plans, though not yet ratified, are in place for a Formula 1 grand prix in India in 2011. (ANI)