Historic hattrick of wins for Johann; brother Geoffrey adds spice with 3 podiums: Qatar Superbike championship

Lusail, Qatar – 18 November 2024: Indian racing brothers Johann and Geoffrey Emmanuel marked a historic moment for Indian motorsport at the final races of the Qatar Superbike Championship, held at the Losail International Circuit (LIC). With Johann clinching three wins and Geoffrey earning 3 podium finishes, their performances exemplified India’s rising prominence on the international racing stage. The final races concluded here on Saturday. “It is a big kick to get victory on such a big stage and a bigger moment holding the Indian flag on the podium… it is a moment of pride and honour that I will cherish forever,” said Johann.

Organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), the championship provided a platform for the Indian drivers to showcase their superb skills and immense talent on the internationally-renowned Circuit. A total of 48 competitors participated in the fourth round. On Friday, riders and drivers completed their free practice and qualifying sessions and the postponed Race 2 of Round 1 in March 2024 due to rains was also held on Saturday.

The postponed Round 1 of QSSP 300 Race witnessed intense competition for the top position on the podium as Johann Emmanuel emerged victorious with a time of 19 minutes 18.511 seconds, with Marton Bellelli claiming second place at 19 minutes 18.549 seconds, and Mahmoud Elbanna rounding out the podium at 19 minutes 18.847 seconds.

Racing Legacy of the Emmanuel Family

The Emmanuel brothers are the sons of legendary Indian rider Emmanuel Jebaraj, a 10-time National Champion (7 in circuit racing and three in Drag Nationals), winner of Malaysian races (7 years in Malaysia), and 18 years (1995 to 2012), currently mentor to numerous Indian racing stars. Jebaraj, with over 50 high-profile wins, is not only a celebrated rider but also a driving force in nurturing Indian talent through his roles with Gusto India Racing, Alpha Racing, and Red Hills KTM Racing. His contributions to Indian motorsport, including his role as race director for the first MotoGP World Championship in India, set the stage for his sons’ success. The Rossi and Schumy fan was also the mentor and selector for the first Indian Mini GP.

Stellar Performances at Lusail – the Report

Collegian Johann Emmanuel from Chennai scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win all three races in the 300 SSP category of the Qatar Superbike and Superstock Championship over the Nov 16-17 weekend at the iconic Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar.

His elder brother 20-year-old Geoffrey Emmanuel, supported by Ceat Tyres, Sidvin, and the Sports Development Authorities of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), brought more cheer to the family by finishing on the podium in all three races in the 600cc category.

It is the first instance of Indian brothers finishing on podium in all the races they participated in the same championship, though in different categories.

Astride a Kawasaki Ninja 300, 18-year-old Johann Emmanuel, a 1st year Visual Communication student at the Madras Christian College, made a significant impact by winning all the three races on debut in his category.

Though short on seat time, Johann qualified P2 which he converted into victory after a fierce battle. Later, in Race-2, the youngster kept his nerve despite losing a gear which dropped him to fifth but recovered brilliantly to post a win by a 14-second margin.

In Race-3, it was a lights-to-flag win for Johann as he completed a historic hat-trick, sparing some 18 seconds to his nearest challenger.

A delighted Johann said: “I really enjoyed the races. But the three wins – it’s a surreal feeling. My performance here has boosted my confidence for my future races.”

Meanwhile, Geoffrey Emmanuel, a 3rd year BCA student at the Madras Christian College, exhibited remarkable resilience and skill riding a Kawasaki ZX6r, to earn three podium finishes in as many races.

He finished third in Race-1 after starting from P11 on the grid as he fought his way through the pack for a podium. Later, he repeated the performance by finishing third in Race-2 which he started from P6.

Geoffrey, who is confirmed to participate in the FIM Moto 2 Junior World Championship next year, fared better in Race-3 by finishing second despite being forced off the track into the gravel when in the lead on the last lap to complete a commendable performance over the weekend.

Reflecting on the weekend, Geoffrey said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance, though it was disappointing that I couldn’t win Race-3 when in the lead as I was forced on to the gravel but managed to get back for a P2 finish. These experiences will help me to prepare better for my future races.”

Johann Emmanuel – Dominating Qatar 300SSP

A debutant in the Qatar 300SSP Championship and a 1st-year Visual Communication student at Madras Christian College, Johann showcased his mettle by securing a hat trick of victories:

• Qualifying: Despite limited practice, Johann claimed a strong second place on the grid.
• Race 1: A fierce battle saw Johann clinch a narrow 0.38-second victory.
• Race 2: Overcoming a gear mishap, Johann made a stunning comeback to win by a 14-second margin.
• Race 3: Johann’s dominance was evident as he stormed to an 18-second victory.

Geoffrey Emmanuel – Grit in the 600cc Category

Geoffrey, a 3rd-year BCA student at Madras Christian College, demonstrated resilience in the 600cc category, supported by Ceat Tyres, Sidvin, and SDAT. Competing on an international stage, Geoffrey secured three podium finishes despite challenges:

• Race 1: After starting 11th, Geoffrey fought back to secure 3rd place.
• Race 2: A stronger start from 6th position saw him finish in 3rd place after an intense fight for the lead.
• Race 3: Leading for most of the race, Geoffrey recovered from a gravel mishap on the final lap to finish 2nd.

Growing talent pool of Indian motorsport

The Emmanuel brothers’ success at the QSSP300 Championship adds to the growing talent pool of Indian motorsport riders. Their remarkable performances at Lusail, in one of the world’s most competitive racing arenas, promise an exciting journey ahead for Indian racing enthusiasts.

As Johann and Geoffrey prepare for future challenges, it is hoped that their combination of skill, determination, and legacy will continue to bring laurels for India.