The Rotocross – Autocross for two and four wheelers a venture by Rotary Club of Deonar was a roaring success.
With the entire area of Sion came alive when the first motorcycle was flagged off by Mr. Puneet Kapoor – Executive Vice President – Kotak Mahindra Bank at 9:00 a.m on the Somiya ground – Sion East.
There were over 85 entries in the 4 wheelers and 65 entries in 2 wheelers. Participants were not just from Mumbai but to show off their skills participants from Pune, Kolhapur and Nashik too came along.
Spectators came in numbers to cheer the participants and witness the event. The event was presented by Kotak Mahindra Bank and supported by Eureka Forbes.
The competition was tough and the participants were timed to a 100th of a second, all were as close to each other but Badal Doshi from Navi Mumbai beat all and was fastest rider of the day with 2 mins & 11 secs on his Yamaha YZ250. His riding skills gave him an edge over his other competitors.
While as Gaurav Soodan from Pune was the fastest driver of the day in 2 mins & 16 secs in his Mitsubishi. He was smooth and precise, his excellent driving techniques led him to emerge fastest amongst all. Rufina Karmali was the fastest among all the lady contestants.
All the participants had to take two laps of the set track.
There were 9 categories in 4 wheelers while as there were 5 categories in 2-wheelers. The various classes for cars also generated much interest. Though it is not easy to effect sharp turns, particularly in muddy underfoot conditions, it must be said that most drivers came through admirably.
The event for the bikers started first and was followed by the cars.
With such a large number of entries the event concluded as per the schedule. The credit goes to Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft who organized the event with precision.
Said Hutoxi Tavadia “This is the first time that I have been a competitor in Autocross and I must say more than the competition I learnt a thing or two in driving. Watching the others go around the bends increased my confidence. I hope to use the experience when driving daily to work.”
Sanjay Rajan the first timer in 2 – wheeler felt the Autocross would make him a safer rider. “I hope these organizers have more such events.”
All in all, it was an event to remember for Mumbai’s motorists. Most experienced driving in competition for the first time, yet they had nothing to complain about the trying conditions. If anything, there was only appreciation.
Seeing the success of the event Mr. Rajendra Datye, President Rotary Club of Deonar said that they would make this an annual event.
The proceeds of the event will be used for the various charity drive that the Rotary Club of Deonar is involved in.
