Honda-backed Rajiv Sethu and Anish Shetty for Asia Road Racing Championship
New Delhi, March 2: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd has decided to enter a two-rider team in the 2018 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship with Rajiv Sethu from Chennai and Hubballi’s Anish D Shetty wearing the company’s livery.
Sethu, in his second season, and debutant Shetty will be riding in the Asia Production 250cc class in the upcoming season that commences this weekend at the Chang International Circuit, Thailand, according to an official release from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.
This is the first time that Honda is promoting Indian riders in an Indian team in international motorsports arena. The IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team by T Pro Ten10 will see Sethu and rookie Shetty battling it out with 23 other Asian riders in the Asia Production 250cc class.
The marquee SuperSport 600cc will see the team’s third rider, 23-year old Japanese Taiga Hada compete with 21 others in the SuperSports 600cc class.
Rajiv Sethu, 20, said: “This is my second year at the ARRC, I had an amazing debut last year. By providing me with this global platform, Honda 2Wheelers has given me wings to achieve my dream of becoming an international Indian motorsport rider.
“Taking the learning from 2017 season, I have worked diligently this year. I am very excited to be a part of the first Indian team and aim to deliver my best this year for my team and my country.”
Shetty, 24, said: “I am elated and honored to be a part of the historical first all Indian team at the 23rd season of ARRC. For any Indian racer, getting global exposure is a big opportunity. Honda 2Wheelers India has made my dream come true.
“I look forward to ride and learn from the most experienced racers in the World. The 2018 season for me is all about improving my riding and presence in international races. This is my first exposure in ARRC and it’s a big deal for me. I will do my best to make my team and country proud.”
Globally, Honda is synonymous with Racing with a glorious history of iconic riders since 1959. In India, Honda 2Wheelers made its debut in motorsports in 2008.
For the first 10 years (2008-2017), Honda 2Wheelers India’s motorsport direction was to ‘Promote Fun Culture in India’ with focus on nurturing, developing and giving professional platforms to Indian riding enthusiasts.
And now in 2018, Honda has announced its new direction ‘To develop iconic Indian rider for National & International Championships’ which encapsulates Honda’s aggressive vision to nurture and develop Indian riders of international stature.
Minoru Kato, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd said: “Honda 2Wheelers India is proud to announce that for the first time, an Indian team will be participating solo in the 23rd season of Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) 2018.
“It is our next step towards realizing the dream to develop iconic Indian riders for both only national but more so international racing championships. My best wishes to the ‘IDEMITSU Honda Racing India’ by T Pro Ten10 and the two riders Rajiv Sethu and Anish D Shetty. The motorsport excitement will continue in 2018. Honda will announce a slew of new programs to promote and expand professional motorsport in India.”
Speaking on Indian riders skilling up and going global, Prabhu Nagaraj, Vice President – Customer Service, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said: “Honda India is making gradual and consistent progress in motorsport and our boys going international is great for the sport.
“We are extremely delighted to extend learning curve of Rajiv while giving debut international exposure to the promising rider Anish. We are confident that they will put up a great show and supporting dreams for many more young riders to make a career in racing. With the ARRC returning to India later this year, this will be another great opportunity for the riders as well as the motorsport fans in India.”
Sponsored by IDEMITSU Lube India Pvt. Ltd., Honda 2Wheelers India will oversee overall team management of the first ever Indian team at the ARRC. The team’s rider management will be undertaken by professional Indian team Ten10 Racing Pvt. Ltd while technical support including bike performance enhancement, modification, data analysis, maintenance and repairs will be looked after by T-Pro Innovation, a professional Japanese team, the release added.
