By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: Some of the best motorcyclist riders of India will be seen in action flexing their muscles for top honours in the third leg of the Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing to be held here in Bhopal from February 25 to 27. Apart from glittering trophies the total prize money at stake is over Rs. 4,50,000/- for which the riders will have to put their best foot forward to lay their hands on it.
Addressing a Press conference here on 15th Feb. Mr. Shrikant Karani, chairman Organising Committee, said that for the two-wheeler racing enthusiasts of Bhopal the event is a double bonus, as the Clash of Titans will follow the third and final leg of the event, at the at BHEL Dussehra Ground opposite Carmel Convent School here. The Clash of Titans pits the winners of the three rounds – in Hyderabad, Nasik and Bhopal. The event is sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation and is being organized by Sportscraft, Mumbai
Mr. Shrikant Karani, chairman Organising Committee, addressing Press conference in Bhopal
Mr. Karani said leading the challenge in Bhopal are none other than the top riders from the Hyderabad and Nasik rounds. TVS Racing team riders Arvind K. P., C. S. Santosh, R. Nataraj and H. K. Pradeep all of them won their respective categories with a degree of comfort in Hyderabad and Nasik and are expected to repeat their showing in Bhopal. However, the local challenge from Bhopal, like Muzzafar Ali, Mohammad Anees and Shujaat Khan could give them a run for their money.
Explaining as to what the dirt track racing is all about, Karani said, it is a test of one’s skills as riders race round a serpentine gravel-laden track, which has slush in some areas, and are timed to the hundredth of a second. While many take a tumble or two, particularly around the sharp bends, as they look to generate speed, only the best, both bikes and riders, survive this test of man and machine.
Replying to a question Karani said about 120 to 150 total entries are expected in all the categories.
It may be mentioned here that Sportscraft, which was started by Mr. Shrikant Karani, was named in the Limca Book of Records in 2007 for achieving the landmark of organising 250 motorsport events from 1984 to 2006.
It may be pointed out here that the event has been sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Limited, (GOCL). The GOCL or simply Gulf Oil, which is a Hinduja Group Company and is more than 100 years old with its famous Orange Disc Logo, is present in more than 90 countries globally. Gulf Oil is renowned for its association with motor sports internationally with the famous Lemans 24hrs endurance race and Gulf Cup Dirt Track Racing in India.
Photography Contest:
Meanwhile, Gulf Oil Corporation Limited has arranged special prizes for photographs (Colour / Black & White) published in newspapers, magazines etc. for the following:-
Photographs published on 26th to 28th February 2011: 1st Prize – Rs. 3500/-; 2nd Prize – Rs. 3000/-; 3rd Prize – Rs. 2000/-; 4th Prize – Rs. 1500/-; 5th Prize – Rs. 1000/- & 6th Prize – Rs. 750/-
Photographs published between 1st to 7th March 2011: 1st Prize – Rs. 2500/-; 2nd Prize- Rs. 2000/-; 3rd Prize – Rs. 1500/-; 4th Prize – Rs. 1000/-; 5th Prize – Rs. 750/- & 6th Prize – Rs. 500/-
For the contest the photographers will have to submit the photographs and respective press cuttings to Sportscraft Office, Chitra Kut, 3rd floor, Siri Road, Chowpatty Band Stand, Mumbai 400-006 by 12th March 2011. The photographers should write the name and full postal address on the back of the respective photograph. ([email protected])