Chennai: Reigning National champion Karna Kadur along with experienced co-driver Musa Sherif clinched the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship India Round, promoted by Vamcy Merla, in dominant fashion which concluded here at the Madras International Circuit.
The Arka Motorsports duo, Karna Kadur and Musa Sherif, started cautiously in the first stage of the day which was won by some aggressive racing from teammate Amittrajit Ghosh along with co-driver Ashwin Naik, who held on to the third gear despite losing their clutch. Despite enjoying a cushion of over a minute lead, Kadur displayed controlled aggression to win all the other three stages on the final day with a handsome lead of 1min, 50.8 seconds.
For the 36-year-old Karna Kadur from Bengaluru, this is his third international honour after he made a successful international debut winning the APRC round at the South India Rally in 2022. This title will be a huge confidence booster for him as he begins his title defence in the Indian National Rally Championship 2025 along with Kerala’s Musa Sherif.
Two-time National champion Amittrajit Ghosh of Kolkata and Ashwin Naik of Mangaluru who were third overnight overtook Delhi’s Harkrishan Wadia and Kunal Kashyap from Shimla to finish in second place. Wadia and Kashyap, despite suffering a 2-min penalty for early check in, managed to get the final place in the podium.
Harikrishan Wadia won the Junior APRC title which is for drivers below 28 years.
RESULTS – FIA APRC (Top 5):
1. Karna Kadur/ Musa Sherif (Arka Motorsports) (02:03:44.0 s)
2. Amittrajit Ghosh/ Ashwin Naik (Arka Motorsports) (02:04:35.8 s)
3. Harkrishan Wadia/ Kunal Kashyap (Arka Motorsports) (02:07:38.5 s)
4. Arnav Pratap Singh/ Rohit N (Snap Racing) (02:09:25.9 s)
5. Abhin Rai/ Moideen Jasheer KM (PVT) (02:10:16.9 s)
