The second phase of the training programme will be held next month
It was three days of thrills and frills for over 100 undergraduate and post-graduate engineering students in the Supra SAEINDIA ’14 drivers’ training programme, which concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Chettipalayam recently.
Organised for the first time by Spitfire Motorsports Pvt. Limited, in association with Meco Motorsports, the training programme turned out to a real learning experience for most of them. “It was simply amazing. We learnt a lot,” said Nehal Goudar. “It helped us to understand a racing car better,” quickly added Rahul. “Brilliant sessions but would love to have more track time in Formula and Saloon cars,” pointed out Parth Dipak.
There were many in the crowd who echoed sentiments.
But the surprising fact is that everybody, besides in-depth training programme, showed keen interest in participating in motor racing events.
“Obviously, they have reasons to be pleased. Normally these students get to design and construct their own formula cars with help from their faculties. It’s part of their curriculum but the driving part matters a lot. And, we are teaching them exactly that,” said C. Rajaram, Director, Spitfire Motorsports.
Former Formula racing driver Akbar Ebrahim of Meco Motorsports has given the task to his race boys to be the instructors.
They are Sandeep Kumar (Chennai), Chittesh Mandody (Kolhapur), Nikhil Kashyap and P.D. Nanjappa (from Bangalore).
They are national racing champions in various categories and they are handling the task given to them in an efficient manner.
“Meco Motorsports has sent us the drivers and we have provided the cars (four saloon & five Formula LGB Swift),” said J. Balamurugan, Director, Spitfire.
“It’s a unique opportunity to find whether they are good drivers. They can learn the technology and give their feedback. We can increase the motorsport base as well,” he added.
Balamurugan said the instructors had done an excellent job.
“It’s not speed that we are teaching but the right technique,” said Nanjappa. “It’s an excellent experience for us as well. They are all engineering students and they understand the concept much better. It makes our job easier,” he added.
“In fact, we have been through a lot of classes before coming here. We have been trained by Akbar Sir to train others. And, as racing drivers we are able to explain things much better,” said Sandeep.
“It’s a win-win situation for both because we get to refresh our racing knowledge,” he added.
Why Coimbatore? “It’s a natural choice because the city has both track and talent. Spitfire has got experienced people to handle the job as well,” said Balamurugan.
The second phase of the training programme will be held at the same venue next month.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Coimbatore / by Rayan Rozario / Coimbatore – May 30th, 2014