Bengaluru: Kerala's Younus Ilyas claimed early lead after the first stage of the Sprint de Bengaluru 2019, the curtain-raiser to the highly anticipated FMSC Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), here on Saturday.
Aided by his navigator Harish Gowda from Bengaluru, Ilyas tackled the sharp turns and curves during the night stage with confidence and verve. He needed just 06:47.30 minutes to complete the 5.5 kilometres to the delight of a packed audience.
Suhem Kabeer (and J Jeevarathnam) eased into the second position in the INRC 1 category, finishing 10 seconds behind the leaders. They were quick in their Polo, but missed out on a couple of turns that hurt them.
The third place was taken by another INRC 1 entry, Lokesh Gowda (Uday Kumar), by clocking 7:03.10 minutes.
Younus and Harish grabbed the lead in their own category too, the INRC 2 for a brilliant start to the season for the Race Concepts Motorsports Team.
Ritesh Guttedar (Lokaranjan) took the second place, while Lanusanen Pongener (Vinay Kumar) the third spot.
Dean Mascarenhas who finished a creditable fourth despite driving in his stock car led his category, the INRC 3.
The second stage will take place later in the night, followed by four-day stages on Sunday.
The event began with a bang in the evening with all the 25 cars lining up for the ceremonial start. The state IGP K Revanna, Chairman of Champions Yacht Club Subhakar Rao and its Director Ms Hemamalini N flagged off the rally, cheered on by thousands of enthusiastic spectators. IANS
Also Read: SPORTS NEWS