Mumbai is the venue selected by Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. to stage its round of Autocross. In its endeavor to promote motor sports in the country at the grass root level.

Autocross is a time trail in-stadia event, where a participant is timed to a hundredth of a second. It is the first step in the making of a good rider.

In India, Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd., has emerged as a strong player in the motor sports arena continuously sponsoring many motor racing events, amongst them being the Gulf Autocross, Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, Gulf Dirt Track National Championship, BBC-Top Gear Gulf Oil Enduro 05, and the recently concluded Gulf Foster-A-Child Car Drive.

This event will be organised by Sportscraft, Mumbai under the aegis of the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and is scheduled for 12th March 2006 on the Godrej Ground (Creek side), Godrej - Vikroli at Mumbai.

The Gulf Autocross an opportunity for two - wheeler riders to put their driving skills to the test. And if you are one who thrills on speed and have the spunk for edge-of-the-seat action, then this is the best chance for you to realize your dream of racing in a changed environment. You don't have to bother about on-coming traffic or potholes or pedestrians coming in your way. All you have to do is generate the right amounts of speed and negotiate a pre-determined obstacle-laden course. If you register the best time you emerge the champion.

The capabilities of both man and machine come to the fore. Participants have to drive around a specially chalked out obstacle-laden, zig-zag course, and each is timed to the hundredth of a second. A 'touch' to any of the obstacles along the course entails a penalty of thirty seconds, which is added to the final time registered by the rider during his exercise. The competitor posting the fastest/best time is adjudged the 'Fastest Driver' of the meet. In sum, you don't have to be a champion rider to do well; it all depends on your acceleration, turning and braking.

According to a Gulf Oil Corporation Mr. N. C. Shekharan - Head Of Lubes. Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd said” the events are being organised in order to inculcate a riding discipline among two-wheeler riders as also to give them a chance to enjoy the thrill of racing in a safe environment, without the fear of injuring or getting hurt.”

Gulf Oil Corporation is the second largest lubricant company among the private sector and is manufacturing all types of automotive lubricants. The company has launched a two wheeler four stroke engine oil specially made for four stroke motorcycles: Gulf PRIDE 4T PLUS”.

Mr. Shrikant Karani of Sportscraft, who have been organising motor sports for over two decade, feels that it is very essential that events like these at the grass root level are regularly organised. He says: "All you need is the will and the wheels - then you are set for the autocross”.

A maximum of 30 entries will be accepted per class on first come basis. Entries received over this number will be placed in the reserved category and will be accepted on first come basis in case of cancellation of accepted entries. Only two riders will be permitted to participate in the same vehicle except when the third rider is a lady.

There are various classes to complete in scooters and motorcycles.

The entry closes on 9th March 2006 at 13:00 hrs and the fees will be Rs.150/- For Sportscraft Members and Rs. 200/- For Non – Sportscraft – Members per class.

Entry forms will be available and accepted at: -

1. Sportscraft offices: Chitrakut, 3rd floor, Siri Road, Chowpatty Bandstand, Mumbai 400 006. Tel. 022 – 23677631, Fax – 022 – 23685071. E – Mail: - sportscraft@hotmail.com and visit us on www.indmotorsport.com.

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