Gear up to burn some rubber and kick some dirt flying. Dirt bike enthusiasts in the city are revving up for some adrenaline fix, with motocross racing event Dirtrix 2019 set to flag off this Sunday at Greenfield Stadium in Karyavattom.
Though not the most popular of motor sports in the State, dirt bike clubs have been mushrooming in the district, with motorcross racing growing in popularity. “There’s still sort of a taboo around dirt track racing in Kerala but that’s due to a lack of exposure to the sport, which has a wide appeal in many countries. It’s been our dream to host such a motor sporting event in the city. Given the limitations of infrastructure, dirt track racing seemed fitting,” says Alwin Biju, a co-ordinator of the event.
Presented by Team Mec-Kartans, a Karting club formed by students of Sree Chitra Thirunal Engineering College, Pappanamcode, in association with Kochi-based V12 Motors Sports, Dirtrix 2019 is registered with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). “The races will be conducted in line with standard FMSCI rules and technical regulations. All vehicles will also have to clear FMSCI scrutiny to enter the race,” says Alwin, a Team Mec-Kartans member.
A scene during a motocross event
Dirtrix will see pulsating races in seven “classes” under the categories of Beginner, Novice, Expert, Enfield and Ladies. “Though the races are customarily for bikes with a maximum engine capacity of 260 CC, we have introduced the Enfield class on popular demand,” adds Alwin. Open to riders above the age of 16, participants without a “full” track licence can avail themselves of a single-event license at the venue upon meeting FMSCI eligibility requirements.
The custom-made 800 metre-long off-road “mud track” features three main curves or corners and two ramps, besides a couple of minor curves. “We are setting up a basic track, keeping in mind the number of beginners taking part,” says Alwin, adding that about 40 riders have registered so far. The starting point has been fashioned wide to accommodate 12 riders in one “launch”, with starting gates in place. While the entire circuit is enclosed by barricades, track borders will be marked by ribbons. A medical team will also be on stand-by.
For dirt bike aficionados in the city, such “once-in-a-blue-moon” racing events are an occasion to celebrate. Like Ashar M of Karakkamandapam, who says he’s “raring to go.” Part of EMA Moto Club, Ashar, who owns a TVS Apache RTR, a Hero Impulse and a Yamaha RX 135, says he got into dirt track racing inspired by his two elder brothers who are riders. For Praveen Kumar T of Chembazanthy, who often takes part in beach races, Dirtrix offers a good opportunity to interact with some professional riders from Bengaluru and Chennai. “I’m part of Friends Motor Racing Club based in Vembayam and have been practising on my TVS Apache RTR for a Beginner’s Class race,” says Praveen.
Venugopal R’s passion for dirt bikes blossomed from his love for off-road trips. The bike mechanic from Thirumala says he is now excited about entering the Dirtrix race on his Yamaha RX 135. “I have heard of motocross races usually taking place in Thrissur and Ernakulam. So when it happens in my city, it’s a golden opportunity I do not want to miss out on,” he says.
Panchami L S with her dirt bike
To bring in “level riding field”, the organisers have kept the registration for Ladies Class races free. Panchami LS of Sreekaryam is one among the women thrill-seekers at Dirtrix. “I have been practising hard at a ground near Kazhakoottam for the event,” says Panchami, who rides a Hero Impulse. Come Sunday, she’ll be geared up in helmet, leather jacket and bike mittens, ready to step on the gas.
(Dirtrix 2019 will be held at Greenfield Stadium, Karyavattom, on Sunday. Spot registrations begin at 8.30 am, while races take place from 12.30 pm till 6 pm. For tickets, log on to www.yepdesk.com/dirtrix . Contact: 9847044974)
