How Did Philippos Matthai Achieve Four Wins at INAC Round 2?
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Synopsis
New Delhi's Philippos Matthai triumphed in four categories at the Vamcy Merla Chennai Gravel Fest, showcasing his exceptional skills in the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship. Despite challenging track conditions, Matthai's performance was unmatched, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Philippos Matthai won in four different categories at the Chennai Gravel Fest.
- He set the fastest time on a mixed terrain track.
- Matthai's performance marked a significant comeback after missing the first round.
- Syed Salman also secured a double win in the INAC 2 classes.
- Shivani Pruthvi claimed victory in the Ladies class.
Chennai, June 15 (NationPress) New Delhi’s Philippos Matthai showcased his extensive experience and remarkable driving prowess by clinching victory in four categories during the Vamcy Merla Chennai Gravel Fest, which served as the second round of the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025 at the Madras International Circuit this Sunday.
Matthai, behind the wheel of his INRC 2 Polo, dominated the competitive fields in both the INAC 1 and INAC 2 categories, securing wins in the Open and 2000 classes. He also clocked the fastest lap time of one minute, 38.880 seconds on the 1.8 km track, which featured a challenging blend of dirt, gravel, and tarmac.
The ace from Delhi stood apart from his competitors, including well-known racers like Syed Salman (Mysuru), Arnav Pratap Singh (Gurugram), former National Rally champion Chetan Shivram (Bengaluru), and Vaibhav Marathe (Ponda), all of whom secured podium finishes across the four classes.
Reflecting on his success, Matthai stated: “I am thrilled to have won in four classes. We accomplished our goals. The track was initially tricky due to water accumulation in some corners after the overnight rains. However, it dried out and became rougher later in the day. I skipped the first round in Chikmagaluru last month, so this result is quite satisfying. I eagerly await the next round in Coimbatore.
In other results, Syed Salman also performed admirably, winning both the INAC 2 up to 1650cc and 1450cc classes, achieving a commendable double.
Shivani Pruthvi from Davangere took first place in the Ladies class, outperforming Chennai’s Nivetha Jessica and Anusha NS from Bengaluru. Furthermore, Gowtham CP from Chikkamagaluru triumphed in the INAC 3 Open category.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad’s Sundeep K, who finished eighth in the INAC 1 Unrestricted Open category, was honored as the “Best Novice” driver.
Point of View
It is evident that Philippos Matthai's remarkable achievements at the Vamcy Merla Chennai Gravel Fest exemplify the skill and dedication that athletes bring to the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship. His performance not only highlights his personal prowess but also elevates the standard of competitive motorsport in India, promising an exciting season ahead.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Philippos Matthai?
Philippos Matthai is a professional driver from New Delhi known for his exceptional skills in motorsports, particularly in autocross racing.
What is the INAC Championship?
The FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) is a prestigious motorsport event in India that features various categories of autocross racing.
Where was the Chennai Gravel Fest held?
The Chennai Gravel Fest took place at the Madras International Circuit, a renowned venue for motorsports in India.
How did the weather affect the race?
The track conditions were challenging initially due to water puddles from overnight rains, but it dried up and became rougher later in the day.
Who were Matthai's main competitors?
Matthai faced strong competition from notable drivers such as Syed Salman, Arnav Pratap Singh, Chetan Shivram, and Vaibhav Marathe.
