How Did Muddappa Achieve a Triple Crown at the 2W National Drag Racing?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hemanth Muddappa starts the season strong with three wins.
- Hanuman Pawshe impresses on his debut.
- Shahrukh Khan earns accolades among Indian riders.
- New talent like MS Lapis Lazuli showcases potential.
- The championship continues to attract fierce competition.
Chennai, Sep 27 (NationPress) The reigning champion Hemanth Muddappa showcased his unparalleled skill once again, kicking off the new season with an impressive three victories out of four attempts during the inaugural round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship, sponsored by Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, at the Madras International Circuit this past Saturday.
The ace from Bengaluru clinched wins in the Super Sport 4-stroke 551–850cc, 851–1050cc, and 1051–1650cc categories, further cementing his dominance in these divisions where he has already garnered National titles.
On this day, a group of eager challengers also made their mark. Hanuman Pawshe, a businessman from Mumbai, made an immediate impact by securing victory in the prestigious Unrestricted Super Sport category on his debut, achieving a remarkable time of 8.055 seconds. The 38-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Monday, described the win as “the perfect early birthday gift.” In a thrilling contest, he outpaced former champion and teammate Alimon Saidalvi, earning the title of Fastest Rider of Round 1.
“This was my first experience in the drag nationals, and to emerge victorious against such formidable opponents is a dream come true,” Pawshe expressed.
The excitement continued for Mumbai as Shahrukh Khan of Mantra Racing celebrated a double victory, winning both the 361–550cc single and twin-cylinder classes in the Indian bike segment. His consistent performance also earned him the accolade of Fastest Rider of the Day among Indian machines.
Syed Imran from Bengaluru, representing Fast Track Racing India, was another standout performer. The young racer triumphed in two 2-stroke categories (up to 130cc and 131–165cc), contributing to his team's success, with Syed Mateen recognized as the Best Tuner of the opening round.
Among female participants, debutant MS Lapis Lazuli from Nagercoil had a strong start, winning the girls’ Super Stock (65cc) race ahead of Shanti Chandra from Hyderabad.
Round 2 of the championship is set to take place this Sunday at the same venue.
Round results (Provisional – all 4-Stroke unless specified):
Unrestricted (Super Sport): 1. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) (08.055 secs); 2. Alimon (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.232s); 3. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, pvt) (08.235s).
1051cc - 1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.202s); 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.275s); 3. HV Sumanth (Bengaluru, Pvt) (09.061s).
851cc - 1050cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.173s); 2. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, pvt) (08.267s); 3. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) (08.447s).
551cc - 850cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.471s); 2. Adithya Acharya (Bengaluru, pvt.) (09.356).
Girls (Super Stock Up to 165cc): 1. MS Lapis Lazuli (Nagercoil, Team C2 Racing) (16.629s); 2. Shanti Chandra (Hyderabad, Team C2 Racing) (17.122s).
361cc - 550cc Single Cylinder (SS Indian): 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (12.672s); 2. Abhishekk Shinde (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) (12.846s); 3. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) (12.944s).
361cc - 550cc Twin Cylinder (SS Indian): 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (11.821s); 2. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (12.052s); 3. Abhishek Shinde (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) (12.976s).
166cc - 225cc (SS): 1. Ali Hussain (Mumbai, pvt) (13.656s); 2. Govardhan R (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (13.983s); 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (14.063).
Up to 165cc (SS Indian): 1. Abdul Shaikh (Mumbai, pvt) (14.332s); 2. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rockers Racing team) (14.345s); 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (14.483s).
2-Stroke 131cc - 165cc (SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.130s); 2. Farvez Ali (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.381s); 3. Mohammed Touheed (Bengaluru, pvt) (13.448s).
2S Up to 130cc (SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) (13.543s); 2. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Pvt) (13.708s); 3. Balasubramanian (Chrompet, Chennai, pvt) (14.072s).