Bengalurean attaulla baig

Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing: After a double in the first round on Saturday, the Bengaluru born Hemanth Muddappa, nicknamed Lightning R1, for his stunning speed-runs, switched up gears to win a triple in the second round of the Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship which concluded at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) on Sunday.

The 12-time National champion, Muddappa of Mantra Racing, is in a rare club of riders who won more than 10 National titles in India. He missed victories by a whisker in two classes yesterday, but came back roaring and thrilled the thin crowds with his dare-devilry despite a slow start. He began with a podium in the 4-stroke 551 to 850cc Super Sport class astride a Ninja 6R and had to be content with a third place behind his Hyderabad rivals Mohammed Riyaz and Altaf Khan.

However, the resilient Muddappa, fought back with well-deserved victories in the remaining three classes. In the 851 to 1050cc Super Sport final run, clocking a blistering 07.915, he triumphed in a convincing manner to leave behind Niranjan R Kumar (08.831), also from Bengaluru, in second. Khaja Awais came third in 08.950.