Lopburi (Thailand): Indian rally driver Jason Saldanha and co-driver PVS Murthy clinched the RC2.1 class victory while Chandan Manchegowda and experienced co-driver Musa Sherif took a podium in RC2.2 class, in the second round of the RAAT Thailand Rally Championship, held in the picturesque Khok Samrong district of Lopburi on Sunday.

This event marked Chandan's international rally debut, a significant milestone in his burgeoning motorsport career.

Piloting a Suzuki Swift Sport for Team Insight & Ally, the duo showcased exceptional skill and coordination, clocking a total time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 58 seconds. Their performance not only secured them the top spot in their Super 2500/1500 Turbo RC2.1 class but also earned them an impressive second place overall, finishing only behind the RC1 class winners, Mana Pornsiricherd and Kittisak Klinchan of the Fast Forward Sport team, who drove a powerful factory-developed Toyota CHR.

In another notable performance, the Indian duo of Chandan Manchegowda of Bengaluru and veteran co-driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod, representing Gen-R Rally Sport, secured third place in the RC2.2 (Super 2000) class, completing the rally in 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 20 seconds, and finishing 14th overall.

This victory adds to Saldanha's growing list of achievements in the international rally scene. Earlier this year, he, alongside co-driver Thimmu Uddapanda, won the first round of the RAAT Thailand Rally Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, marking their second consecutive victory in the series. The duo also made history in April 2023 by becoming the first Indians to win a title in their class in the Thailand Rally Nationals.

Back on home soil, Saldanha has demonstrated consistent performance in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). Notably, he secured a second-place overall finish and clinched first place in the INRC 2 class at the Blueband K1000 Rally in December 2024. His commendable performances at the Blueband Rally of Hyderabad and the Robusta Rally further underscore his prowess and dedication to the sport.

Musa Sherif, a stalwart in Indian rallying, boasts over three decades of experience, with more than 300 rallies under his belt, including 69 international events. A eight-time INRC champion, Sherif has been instrumental in mentoring emerging talents like Chandan, guiding them through the rigors of international competition.

With these commendable performances, Indian rally teams continue to make their mark on the international stage, showcasing skill, determination, and the spirit of competition. The next round of the RAAT Thailand Rally Championship is scheduled to take place in Sa Kaeo, Thesaban Mueang, from July 18 to 20.

Provisional Results (Round 2):

Overall 2WD winner: 1. Jason Deepak Saldanha – P.V. Srinivas Murthy;

RC2.1 (Super 2500/1500 Turbo): 1. Jason Deepak Saldanha - P.V. Srinivas Murthy (Team Insight & Ally - Suzuki Swift Sport) 1hr,07min, 58sec; 2. Natthapon Angrittanont - Ittipon Simaraks (Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand – Toyota Yaris Cross) 1:20.17;

RC2.2 (Super 2000): 1. Surarat Prapussorn - Thadakorn Prapussorn (Gen-R Rally Sport - Toyota Yaris) 1:13.34; 2. Visarut Lorkham - Yuttachai Poomploy (Suzuki Ciaz) 1:20.47; 3. Chandan Manchegowda – Musa Sherif (Gen-R Rally Sport – Toyota Yaris) 1:26.20; 14th place overall;