Hemanth Muddappa going for ‘Dream-Dozen’: 2023 Drag Nationals on April 29, 30
Chennai, 28 April 2023: Bengaluru speed maestro Hemanth Muddappa is all set to begin another year as he attempts to better his records in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2023 powered by Vamcy Merla at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday and Sunday.
The CEO of a Nutrition brand 1up, joined the exclusive club of National champions who have 10 titles in Motorsports. However, his dreams of notching up three titles had to wait as he clinched only one title and the ‘dream-dozen’ is the target this year. “Last year itself we were well-prepared and the fourth round provided us a golden chance but we could not get our act together. Alimon (Saidalvi) did very well and I congratulate him. This year is a new beginning and the urge is even stronger and we have put in hardwork and with the team’s dedication, we all gunning for more this year,” quipped Muddappa.
The 2023 Championship, comprising four rounds, has received a big boost with Vamcy Merla offering support. This has greatly benefitted the competitors as the top three finishers in various categories will receive start-money from promoters Madras Motor Sports Club.
About 100 entries have been received for the first of the four rounds of the championship that will be held on the drag strip at the MIC aided by imported timing equipment. The list includes a record 14 entries in the Girls’ category.
All the 2022 National champions in various categories are back to defend their titles and they include – Alimon, Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing), Abdul Shaikh and Prashanth (all from Bengaluru), Bharath Raj (Chennai, Rockers Racing) and Lani Zena Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power Ultimate 1).
On view for two-wheeler enthusiasts will be a mix of powerful superbikes like the BMW, Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja, along with a clutch of home-grown machines specially prepared for the drag competition.
The two-day event has practice runs on Saturday followed by the final runs in four classes including the women’s event and the rest of the final runs will be on Sunday including the feature race where superbikes and stars like Hemanth Muddappa, Riaz and Alimon will showcase their skills.
2022 MMSC FMSCI Indian National Champions; Promoter: MMSC, Chennai.
1. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 2 Stroke upto 130 cc Super Sport: Abdul Shaikh, Bengaluru.
2. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 2 Stroke upto 130 cc Super Sport: AP Motorsports, Chennai.
3. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 2 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport: Prashanth, Bengaluru.
4. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 2 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport: Rockers Racing,
5. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 165 cc Girls Stock: Lani Zena Fernandez, Puducherry.
6. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 165 cc Girls Stock: Axor Sparks Racing,
7. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport Indian: Bharathraj J, Chennai.
8. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke upto 165 cc Super Sport Indian: Rockers Racing,
9. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke Unrestricted Super Sport: Alimon Saidalvi,
10. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke Unrestricted Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.
11. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 361 cc to 550 cc Super Sport Indian: Bharathraj J,
12. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 361 cc to 550 cc Super Sport Indian: Rockers Racing,
13. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 551 cc to 850 cc Super Sport: Saurabh Parab
14. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 551 cc to 850 cc Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.
15. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Rider: 4 Stroke 1051 cc – 1650 cc Super Sport: Hemanth Muddappa
16. 2022 National Drag Racing Champion Team: 4 Stroke 1051 cc – 1650 cc Super Sport: Mantra Racing, Bengaluru.
