Kyle Kumaran makes India proud at World stage: Rotax Karting Grand Finals

Sakhir (Bahrain), 16 Dec 2021: Peregrine Racing’s Kyle Aditya Kumaran made India proud winning the silver medal at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, the annual Karting competition for National Rotax champions from 72 countries around the world, which concluded here at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit on Saturday.

THE RACE

RMCGF, Final DD2, Van Leeuwen precedes Kumaran
Kumaran, Barbaroux, Van Leeuwen and Locmelis are the quartet that characterises this final since the beginning. Continuous changes do not allow those who follow to catch up with the leading group. A few laps to the finish line and van Leeuwen and Barbaroux manage to pull away about ten meters from Kumaran and Locmelis. The Dutchman closes the gaps and Barbaroux doesn’t manage to slip through. The chequered flag thus sanctions the victory of Van Leeuwen over Kumaran. While Barbaroux will find himself 11th after a 10″ penalty. Third place goes to Locmelis. Courtesy VroomKart.

Kumaran loves Indian flag

The 18-year-old Kyle Kumaran, took part in the DD2 category, a step higher than the Senior class, and finished third in the pre-finals to qualify for the 36-grid Finals where he was crowned vice-champion to make sure that the Indian flag flies at the F1 circuit in Bahrain.

Kyle Kumaran, racing with Peregrine team, became the 2021 Senior National Karting Champion last month and booked his ticket for Grand Finals. Kumaran, races with Team DojoMoto internationally and is managed by Anjum Shaik. He finished the 21-lap Final race in third clocking 18minutes 41.392seconds and was promoted to second place as Antoine Barbaroux was slammed a ‘bumper penalty’. Thus Kumaran became the Vice-Champion in the DD2 shifter class. Martun van Leeuwen of the Netherlnads won the gold and Patriks Noels Locmelis came third. Starting from P4, Kyle was just 0.198sec behind the gold winner Martun’s time of 18:41.194.

“Getting a silver medal at the Grand finals which is very competitive with National Rotax champions from 72 countries taking part is a fantastic achievement. Kyle Kumaran made India extremely proud. It is a proud moment for all of us at FMSCI. I congratulate the racer and his family,” said Akbar Ebrahim, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Club, the governing body for Motorsport in India. Ebrahim was the brain behind introducing Rotax Max karting Nationals in Indian in 2003. “This is the first time in the Indian history of Rotax Max that we are getting a medal at the World stage,” added the former racing champion.

“A disciplined and talented driver, always had his head down and focused. It is a proud moment for India. He has a bright future and I wish him all the best,” said Shyam Kumar, the Chief Steward at the Rotax Max Indian National Karting Championship.

Peregrine team Principal Madesh Lakshman was facilitated Kumaran’s participation and winning the Senior National championship said: “I am always confident with Kyle’s ability and his race craft. We were expecting a podium in the Grand Finals from the beginning. He is talented and his hard work and dedication brought laurels for India. It is a proud moment for all of us at Peregrine.”