04 Jun 2023  |   05:24am IST

Supercross Racing League launched

Supercross Racing League launched

JOVITO LOPES

PANJIM: Goan sports two-wheeler riders have plenty to cheer about with the proposed Indian Supercross Racing League to be held in collaboration with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

It was Bollywood's heartthrob Arjun Kapoor who launched the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) with Ceat as title sponsors and Toyota Hilux as official vehicle partner of the league. It will be managed by Team SXI.

The first-ever franchise-based League is expected to bring together riders from all over the world to compete in various formats and categories.

The inaugural season will be held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in coming October. It will be followed by events in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad from October to December.

Eeshan Lokhande, co-founder and director of Supercross India Pvt Ltd stated that fans will witness breath-taking displays of skills, daring maneuvres and high speed action that will redefine supercross racing. He further added: "The League aims to capture the hearts of motorsports enthusiasts, showcasing the spirit of adventure and pushing boundaries."

"The League aims to provide a platform for young riders to emerge and nurture their talent with international riders, attract attention from sponsors and manufacturers. It will also create great opportunity for auto manufacturers to showcase their futuristic products and innovative technologies. The League is a positive step to boost the growth and recognition of motorsports in India, and is expected to have a significant impact on the auto industry through exposure to world class competition," pointed out Lokhande.

Akbar Ibrahim, president of FMSCI, said: "The federation is overwhelmed with the thought process and the initiative taken by SXI team, in elevating the motorsport culture in the country. This initiative will not only bring global talent to the country but also provide a platform to nurture young talent and position India on the global map of the sport."

The SXI team has several former international races in its ranks and is led by Eeshan Lokhande, Veer Pate and Aashwin Lokhande.

Goa remembers Allan Sequeira of Sirvodem, Navelim, now based in London, who raced to become Goa’s first-ever MRF Supercross champion and later Motocross champion in 2010. Javed Shaikh later, emerged as the second Goan champion in 2012.

There was one Goan at the official launching of the event in New Delhi - Hanif Shaikh from Margao. It is a positive, sporting message that Goa is duly recognised and has ample potential in the sport.


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar