Wheels in motion

A GROUP of motor sport enthusiasts have joined together to form Bahrain’s first all-Asian karting team in a bid to encourage more youngsters to take to the racing track.

The Racing Falcons, comprises 15 members from communities on the Indian sub-continent, aged between 21 and 41, and include two female racers.

They not only hope to advocate motor racing to other Asians in the region but also address parents’ concerns about the safety of the sport.

Founding member Anup Surendran, 25, from Salmaniya, said: “We want to help enhance the field of motor sports in Bahrain by encouraging youngsters to be more active as well as help wipe away fears of parents who believe it to be too dangerous.

“We also want to improve upon our performance and push our limits until we become the best racing team in Bahrain and, eventually, worldwide.”

Some people have argued that the reason motor sport lacks appeal in Asian communities is because it often takes a backseat to other activities regarded as ‘safer’ such as cricket and football.

Team member Ashish Rao, 26, an external auditor with PKF, from Manama, said: “Some people do not understand that it is a safe sport if it is conducted and followed in the right manner.

“We want to be able to break this stigma by encouraging youngsters to be more involved and also help parents be more tolerant and welcome the sport.”

The team also includes two female members who wish to challenge the perception that the sport is simply a ‘boys only’ club.

Shubhangi Bangera, 25, from Adliya, an executive PA and HR administrator with Yateem Oxygen, said: “It is quite unconventional for a girl to be a racer and people are always taken aback when I say I am one.

“I developed my interest in racing from my father, KM Bangera, who is a bike fanatic and has always enjoyed go-karting.

“We have been undergoing intense cardio and weight training for our sessions. You cannot be a ‘delicate darling’ when you are behind the wheels as we need really strong hands to manage them. The first couple of sessions were painful but we are much better now!”

The idea of creating a racing team with Asian members was formed spontaneously when Anup, a sales manager at Technobay Bahrain, was on holiday in Malaysia two months ago.

He said: “It was just a thought that suddenly popped into my head and I immediately gathered a few motor-loving friends to discuss this idea.”

The former Indian School Bahrain student was pleasantly surprised when 12 of his friends agreed to help get the project into gear. A week later, the team rose to 15 members.

Once the team was formed they decided on the name Racing Falcons, incorporating the rich tradition of the island most of them grew up on. They then approached the Bahrain Motor Federation to apply for an entrant licence to be able to compete at regional and national levels.

Practice sessions followed instantly and they first chose the Silver Go-Kart Circuit in Tubli to brush up their skills before moving to the Gulf Speed One in Seef.

The team has now gained access to practice at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir and meets up twice every week.

Putting their other individual talents to good use, team member Robin Thomas Cherian, 26, an accountant from Manama, used his artistic prowess to create a logo for the team.

In order to understand the basic foundations of racing and its techniques, professional Bahraini kart racer Ahmed Al Kooheji stepped in to help.

Ahmed, 26, said: “The team has a lot of potential and they are extremely enthusiastic about racing. With some more guidance and coaching I am sure they will be in good shape. It is also rare to find a team with members of such a wide range of ages as well as both sexes.”

They are currently looking for sponsors for their team, which has been receiving a lot of interest and support through their social network page on Facebook.

Anup said: “We are all prepared and look forward to participating in upcoming national racing events. We are also looking for challenges from other racing teams in Bahrain and the region.”