The first ever motor sporting event, ‘Gulf Autocross’, in the state of Uttaranchal was staged at the Parade Ground – Dehradoon on the 19th February 2006. This historic event was sponsored by Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd to reach to the masses and to promote 2- wheeler events at grass-root level. Autocross is all about speed, skill and riding acumen. It is about presence of mind. But it is also about being sporting, even if it means possible defeat. This event was organised by Sportscraft, The same was run under the aegis of FMSCI.
Record numbers of 61 entries were received as riders gathered to compete for honours in different classes. The Parade Ground saw large number of crowd young and some not so old coming to cheer their friends and family members on the chilly Sunday morning. The atmosphere was something like a family gathering.
The ‘Gulf Autocross’ for 2-wheelers was sponsored by Gulf Oil Corp. Ltd. and was co-sponsored by MAhindra & MAhindra Ltd. makers of Bijlee Auto, Hotel Mabhuban, ICICI Bank and Mayur Auto dealer for Bajaj. The categories included ladies class too, apart from 2 stroke & 4 stroke divided as per their cubic capacity. The riders reported by 10:00 a.m proud and confidant all were in their riding gear as the helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots were compulsory to adhere to the safety rules. Some turned out in a perfect branded gear in all style to conquer the title and off course the trophy.
The course plotted out was no doubt really tricky. With a dust cloud overhead, riders had to negotiate a winding course and exercise outmost caution to maintain the right balance and speed to avoid touching any of the many obstacles that would entail penalty points.
The riders discussed the track and few veterans gave their valuable inputs to the novice. The track was quite serpentine and had sharp turns. The total track consisted of 2 laps of 1.2 kilometers long. The event was flagged off at 11:00 a.m. by Shri Amrish Kathane, G.M. Northern Region of Gulf Oil Corp. Ltd. Mr. Arjun Raina proved to be the fastest on his Karizma and completed the circuit in a record time of Ms. Nupur Saharan who had participated for the first time and won in her class was all thrills.
Said Mr. Rajesh Tomar “This is the first time that I have been a competitor and I must say more than the competition, I learnt a thing or two in driving. Watching the others go around the bends increased my confidence. I hope to use the experience when I take my bike daily to work.”
The Gulf Autocross for 2 – wheelers proved to be fun and challenge for participants and an excellent entertainment for the spectators. Apart from a few falls and minor injuries no mishaps were reported. As Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. takes the autocross to Mumbai as part of their series of events, these sporting two-wheeler riders of Dehradun can only wait hopefully for their next chance to bask under the sun.
The results are as follows: