First time in India: Automobile giant launches helpline for aspiring racers

CHENNAI: Want to become a racer, but don’t know how? Honda has just the solution for you.

The Japanese automobile giant has launched India’s first ever racing helpline (0124-6712863), that aspiring racers can call to receive guidance on how to make a career out of motorsports. “Motorsport has been in Honda’s DNA from the inception,” said Prabhu Nagaraj, vice president (customer service) of Honda’s India operations. “There is something about motor racing that grabs the imagination of almost everyone. At Honda, we are delighted to announce the launch of our helpline through which we will be able help youngsters dreaming about a career in motorsports, actually achieve it.”

Nagaraj added that he hoped the endeavour will help bring out more racing talent from the country onto the global stage. “In other countries, motor racing is at a more mature level and there is a heightened sense of awareness about it. This is not the case in India. Many talented youngsters have no idea on how to begin their racing career. They think that because they are fast on the streets, they will be fast on the racetrack as well. However this is far from the case,” he said.

A fully fledged women’s race will also be held in the opening round of the Honda One Make Race, held on the sidelines of the national two wheeler championships, he added.

Ten women riders will compete in race which will be held next week at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. The riders have all been trained at the Honda Ten10 Racing Academy. Last year, Honda had held their first ever all-woman race on the sidelines of round five of their One Make series.

Asia Dream Cup leg in Delhi

International motorsports will once again return to the Buddh International Circuit with a leg of the Honda Asia Dream Cup to be held towards the end of September. The Asia Dream Cup is a racing series for young bikers from the continent with the winner receiving an opportunity to test in Moto3 class of the Moto GP. Currently two Indians race in the series — Hari Krishnan and Sethu Rajiv. Hari, the 19-year-old from Chennai, has found himself on the podium in recent races.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/First-time-in-India-Automobile-giant-launches-helpline-for-aspiring-racers/2016/06/23/article3495665.ece