Speed-INRC Rally of Coimbatore this weekend

Coimbatore: The best in business in Indian rallying will be in action when the Rally of Coimbatore, the opening round of the Speed-Indian National Rally Championship for four wheelers, gets underway at the Kethanur windmill farm near here on Saturday. Briefing the media here on Thursday, D. Ram Kumar, the Clerk of the Course, said the weekend event had attracted a record number of 60 participants. “Besides 26 in the Rally Star Cup, there will be nine Balenos, seven Cedias, five Gypsies and 13 1400cc cars battling it out for honours.” “We have been organizing this rally for many years now but you will see professionalism this time around. Not only in speed and excitement but also in terms of safety — with advanced trauma care ambulances, state-of-the-art tracking and timing equipment. Provision for extrication of vehicles in case of emergencies will be some of the firsts in the championship,” added Ram. “INRC in Coimbatore will have many firsts in the history of Indian rallying, including a promoter for the first time. We have the rights to this event for the next three years and we plan to make the sport more visible, spectator friendly and exciting. The Super Special Stages will be the focus of attention,” said Annabelle Manwaring, Managing Director, Pro-Sports Promotion.