Click to play videoMargao: Go-karting is the stepping-stone for every racing enthusiast in the world. From Juan Pablo Montoya to Lewis Hamilton most F1 racers have made their beginnings here. Pavitra Sazawal was in Goa to witness India's very own Karting extravaganza.
It was the perfect setting. The finalists all geared up to burn the racetracks at one of the most picturesque karting circuits in the country.
“Goa seemed to be the place and it followed because the circuit is in a beautiful location, it's a good kart. It is one of the better entry-level karts that we have across the country,” said Akbar Ebrahim.
It's been a four month long journey for these kids from Mumbai, Bangalore, Kohlapur, Chennai and Goa. As many as 800 racers had participated in the regional rounds.
As the sun went down on the Verna karting Circuit 12 karters looked determined to take the chequered flag. And to inspire them there was Armaan Ebrahim whose career took off from these very circuits.
“There is a lot of raw talent, which is here because there is no training, just come, and race. And there is some talent, which needs to be worked on. It's good from every city we have got about 200 entries. Finally we have come to the finals, so it's the best from every city basically,” said Armaan.
High drama ensured 12 laps of pulsating racing. The top two racers were engaged in a tough fight with the eventual winner over taking the race leader in the penultimate lap. Tej Naik the local boy took the top place on the podium with Rahul Sharan from Bangalore and Mitra Yerawadekar from Pune finishing behind him.
“First time I am getting a victory and winning the national championship, so I'm feeling great today,” said Naik.
“The competition was really good and one good thing I can take out from this event is that I learnt a lot and it gave me a lot of experience and how to deal with the championship,” said Sharan.
And this win means Tej will enjoy the benefits of full sponsorship to participate in the Rotaxmax challenge; the next step up in this form of racing. Rahul and Mitra too will get partial sponsorship for next season.
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