Speed, thrill and exhilaration filled the evening air at HiFY (Hub for Youth) Go Karting Arena, Mangamaripeta, here on Sunday. True to its pedigreed racing heritage in Europe, the ‘Orange Day’ organised by KTM India for the first time in the city saw some serious racing action.
Around 50 passionate young bikers and owners of KTM Duke racing bikes and RC 200 customers set the track on fire with their racing skills, amidst loud cheers from scores of people who thronged the venue. With more than 250 world championship titles in various categories, including the consecutive 14 prestigious Dakar rally titles, racing is an integral part of the KTM brand. “The response from the youth of Vizag has been terrific. There is a growing culture of biking and racing here and KTM bikes cater to the aspiring youth keeping in mind high technology, safety and the fashion quotient,” said Karthik, Manager, KTM, Vizag. Since the time KTM started its branch here in 2012, it has sold 350 vehicles.
KTM Orange Day was organised also to create an opportunity for the youngsters to interact with fellow KTM owners on a race track. Similar event was held in cities across the country including Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.
The spirit of camaraderie was prevalent all through with participants bonding with one another over a common passion after the races. For the youth of Vizag, it was an exposure to the stunning performance of KTM bikes. Later, a stunt performance was held by KTM riders. As the stuntmen leaped with the bikes performing breathtaking feats, the youngsters cheered in sheer joy and many captured the skilful acts in their cameras. Every time the trained men on the bikes defied gravity, the venue reverberated with loud applause. “This was my first experience in a KTM racing event. Racing on the well-defined track was an out-of-the world experience,” said Phanendra Senapathi, who won the first round of the race.
Besides all the action on the track there were service-camps, stalls for KTM power wear and power parts, refreshments, music and a fun-filled ambience. With the city witnessing the rise of a strong community of riders, events such as these would provide a platform for the community to grow on a par with other metrosmany felt.
Source : thehindu.com
Photo: K.R. Deepak
