Night ride for Rajini

[1]

Two-wheeler racing is no child’s play. In a high adrenaline sport where crashes and spills are a way of life, night races prove to be yet another deadly obstacle to daredevil riders in their pursuit of glory.

The Losail International Circuit in Qatar has produced many a thrilling race ever since the facility to race under the lights was developed in 2008.

Chennai rider K. Rajini knows he has a tricky weekend in the gulf country as he will be making his second appearance at the Losail Asian Road Racing Championship.

The seasoned rider’s debut at the LARRC last month was an eventful outing as he finished fifth in the second race after crashing out in the opener.

Rajini, who began as a lining mechanic before winning a dozen national titles, says one has to focus a little more than usual during night races.

“My first experience of racing under the lights was at the same track a year ago when I competed in an endurance race.

Visibility is the biggest problem. Spotting the apex, reflections and shadow are other challenges. During my first race, I was bogged down by my own shadow.

I was under the impression that somebody was breathing down my neck,” explained Rajini.

Losail circuit is the largest permanent fixed sports venue lighting in the world, with more than 3,500 lighting units providing a total power of 5.4 million watts.

Now that Rajini has learned the art of night riding, he’s confident of nailing his maiden podium this weekend.

“From last month’s race, I also learnt how important it was to nurse the tyres under high humidity. A position in the top three will be a big morale booster,” said Rajini, who will be piloting the Yamaha R6.

The race will be held over 15 laps and the field has an array of big names from across the continent, but all the racers will have one-make bike.

Rajini is not the only Indian at the LARRC as his friend R. Deepak will give him company on the grid. His performances at LARRC, Rajini says, will help him do well in the forthcoming FIM Asian Road Racing Championship where the Chennai rider will represent Moto-Rev India.

“And I will continue to participate in the superbikes category of the national racing championship,” said the only Indian to score a podium at the FIM ARRC.