Coimbatore : 3rd May 2008 : Indian youngsters have proved their mettle in great measure finishing in top orders in qualifying for the grid behind the well known karters from other countries in the world in the JK Tyre Rotax Majo Asia Challenge 2008 (Round Two) that got under way here today.

Driving under challenging conditions due to sweltering heat, humid conditions and heavy cross winds at the Kari Motor Speedway at Chettipalayam here today, the Senior Class witnessed stiff challenge from 14 drivers entered for the event. .

India’s Akhil Khuslani of Hyderabad, who has been proving his worth in the domestic circuit in Karting, Rayomand Banajee of Pune, who has been making headlines in JK Tyre National Racing events and perhaps next in line to go International, have credited themselves with good timings and strong positions on the grid in the Senior Category. In the Junior class, Banajee’s State mate, Parth Ghorpade too was in his elements to keep the country’s hope alive for positions in the final event tomorrow. Likewise, Arjun Maini, having won the first round in Malaysia last month drove a waiting race, perhaps to assess the track and also Brendan Seibi of Malaysia, one of the favourites for the title in the Micro Max qualifying event today.

Going by their performances in various sections of the Asian event, Indian karters are bound to improve upon their timings and could only go better in ranking in Asia.

The senior class witnessed a very tough session as top karters from the Asian continent fought it on day one. Stealing the thunder was the Finnish racer Mikko Nassi racing for Team Kartmore Racing from Singapore who notched up the fastest lap with a timing of 00:39:878. Hyderabad lad Akhil Kushlani took the second place while veteran racer Rayomand Banajee had to settle for third place.

The Malaysian duo Mummahed Nabil and Muhammed Asif Bin Nor Azmi set the fastest and second fastest of lap timings in the Junior category. While Nabil had a timing of 00:39:702, Asif timed 00:40:049. Completing the 3rd fastest lap was Parth Ghorpade (40.491).

In the Micro Max class it was Brendan Seibl from Singapore whose impressive performance helped him finish on top with the fastest lap timing of 00:48:560. Timing the 2nd and 3rd fastest laps were the promising youngsters - Dhruv Mohite from Mumbai and Arjun Maini from Bangalore.

The pre finals will be held on Sunday, 4th May from 10 am to 1 pm while the finals will commence at 2 pm. The prize distribution will be held around 5 pm.

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