Prayer meeting held for late Bharath Raj
Bengaluru, 23 August 2015: The passing of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India President R Bharath Raj on August 15 has left a void in Indian motorsport.
In order to remember his contribution to the sport and pay respects, the Karnataka Motor Sports Club organised a prayer meeting at the Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.
He was a popular figure and his heart and soul were for motorsport. He was also the Chairman and past president of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club, an organisation that was very close to his heart and he has given it the attention it needed.
Raj had taken it upon himself to work for the betterment of motorsport and the KMSC, which he supported and sponsored for many years. He was also the past president of the KMSC.
Though he loved all forms of motorsport, it would not be untrue to say that he was particularly fond of rallying. The K-1000 Rally was a festive and hectic time as far as he and the KMSC team were concerned. His company, IMG Sports, has been sponsoring the K-1000 for some time now.
The 40th edition of the K-1000 Rally was held in November last year. Raj, with support from the KMSC members, went all out to ensure that it was a roaring success. In fact, he would personally supervise all preparations for the famed rally. Thanks to all the efforts, it was an event to cherish.
Raj’s biggest contribution to motorsport was that IMG Sports was the promoter of the Indian National Rally Championship for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons. This had never happened in India before and this sponsorship ensured that the championship was conducted in style.
He dreamt of seeing the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and World Rally Championship coming to India. In fact, he was keenly looking forward to the Asia Cup in Chikmagalur in December but sadly, fate had other plans.
KMSC President Shivu Shivappa remembered: “He would sign off as India in his emails and that is how much he loved the country. He wanted to see motorsport grow to great heights and he put down the money to help it.
“During the K-1000 he would tell us not to get scared of anybody but to try and put in our best efforts to conduct a successful event.
“The KMSC is deeply saddened by his passing. May his soul rest in peace and we will always remember his contribution to KMSC and Indian motorsport,” he added.
Several veteran KMSC members spoke and remembered Raj’s contribution to the sport and his fine personality. A few rally drivers also expressed their condolences.
A few family members also attended the meeting.
He was 56 and is survived by his wife, mother, brothers and sisters.
