Jakarta: They do not boast of having any major international exposure but Indian riders are determined to make their mark at the 10th Yamaha ASEAN Cup Race, starting with the qualifying round here tomorrow.
Led by Shyam Shankar of Chennai, the five-member Indian team is hoping to pose a stiff challenge to seasoned campaigners from host Indonesia and Thailand besides Philippines and Malaysia.
Except for Shankar, who has participated in international competitions, for the others Indians -- Vivek Pillai, Ananth Raj, Akash Dingare and Lal Rindika -- the region's premier one-make championship is their maiden international event.
A total of 41 riders, in two categories, will battle it out for the title of the best in the ASEAN region at the Sentul International Circuit, around 50km south from here.
The Indians will be participating in the ST (Sport) Class using the 'YZF-R15' model of the Japanese auto giant. The other category is the MT (Manual Transmission) Class with 'Jupiter Z1' model.
While Vivek and Ananth have competed in 'expert' category at the national circuit, Akash and Lal have turned pro for the first time in this competition.
"2013 has been good for me. It's a great opportunity to compete in an international competition at a young age. It will give me some chance of making a career in bike racing," said 20-year-old Akash.
"Motor racing is yet to be taken seriously as a sport in India. Without sponsors, it is impossible to achieve big. I am hoping for an impressive finish here," said Akash, who works as Test Rider for an online automotive video content provider, Power Drift. Twenty-three-old Lal, who started his career as a go cart rider at the Tuirial Airfield in Mizoram, was ecstatic about the opportunity to represent India .
"I want to see myself on the podium. I am all prepared for the race. I am excited as I will be representing India at this race," said Lal, who hails from Aizwal, Mizoram.
"I am sure it will be a fabulous experience to compete against the region's best," he added.
Chennai-lad Shyam said he was aiming for third position in overall team title.
"It is very tough field this time around. Thailand , Philippines and Indonesia have strong contenders. Some of the guys participate in prestigious events like Asian GP, Asian Dream Cup. We will have to give our best shot," said the 11-time FMSCI national champion.
Shyam's best international effort came last year when he finished third in the Sugo race.
"It was a memorable race. I was successful in delivering fabulous results. I hope I can do something similar here," said Shyam, participating in his second Yamaha ASEAN race.
The riders have been chosen based on their performances in the Yamaha R One Make Championships held recently in Chennai.
"I am quite excited about the race. I have watched videos of races on this track It is a great circuit and riding on it will be great fun," said Ananth who comes from Chennai.
