Chennai: The 2020 two-wheeler National Racing Championship has been packed into two back-to-back weekends at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) with competitions in 10 categories due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first round will be from Friday to Sunday and the second from December 18 to 20.
Over 200 entries and a massive card of 29 races have lined up for the first round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2020.
The National Championship comprises two pro-stock classes — the premier 301-400cc and 165cc — besides two stock 165cc categories — novice, which will have a grid of 40 riders.
Also in the mix are two one-make championships organised by the MMSC — the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (CBR 150cc and NSF 250R) and TVS one-make Championship (RTR 310 Open, Novice, Girls and Media).
“MMSC has left no stone unturned in ensuring that not only all Covid-19 safety protocols are followed, but also to deal with the challenges posed by the unpredictable weather by providing grooved tyres also for the Pro-Stock categories,” said the organisers in a statement.
Having endured a 15-month break since the 2019 season, the racers are chafing at the bit with all of country’s top riders lining up as also India’s leading bike manufacturers, Honda, TVS, Yamaha and KTM.
“We are just bowled over by the response from the riders, especially the first-timers. Two-wheeler championship has always produced exciting and close races, and we expect much the same in the two rounds that we are organising this month,” said MMSC president Ajit Thomas.
“Due to the pandemic, lockdown and restrictions, the racing season was put on hold until last month when we squeezed in two rounds of races to complete the four-wheeler championship. Over the next two weekends, the safety protocols would be very much in place despite easing of restrictions and the events will be held behind closed doors.”
