Vishnu, Diljith look to consolidate in JK Tyre Racing

Coimbatore, July 11 (IANS) Young Vishnu Prasad and the seasoned Diljith T. Shaji would be looking to carry their early momentum into the second round of the JK Tyre Racing Championship which commences here Saturday at the Kari Motor Speedway circuit.

Prasad and Shaji had flying starts to their campaigns, each winning all the three races in the JK Racing India Series and the Formula LGB 4 categories, respectively, in the first round at the same venue last month.

While the JK Racing India Series will see single-seaters powered by 1.2 litre BMW engine, the LGB 4 is run on 1.3 litre Suzuki Swift engine and the two Formula races along with the Volkswagen Polo R Cup will be featured over the weekend.

Chennai-based Prasad, only 20, has only recently begun to fulfill potential that he first showcased as a junior in the JK Karting championship and having overcome many odds along the way, he would be the racer to watch.

The triple crown in the first round was a strong indicator of his form and it would surprise none if he enjoys successful outings here this weekend.

Prasad can expect strong challenge from the likes of Akhil Rabindra, Nayan Chatterjee, Krishnaraj Mahadik and Ameya Bafna. All are familiar with each other as they compete in the JK Rotax Karting championships.

Shaji, having switched from saloon cars to single-seaters, also enjoyed a profitable first round with dominant wins in the LGB class and he would be looking to consolidate his championship position.

Bangalore's Sudarshana Rao and Shaji's Dark Don Racing team-mate, also had a good start to the season. Rao finished second to Shaji in all the three races in the first round.

The Polo R Cup has always thrown up surprises and though Angad Singh Matharoo had two podium finishes, including a win, in the first round, this weekend could yet prove a lottery with little separating the drivers.