Thaindian News

Chennai, March 21 (IANS) The calendar for the 2009 Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) is likely to be finalised shortly after the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) decides on bids by two Bangalore-based companies, SIDVIN CoreTech and Pro-Sports Promotion.
The two companies submitted their presentations to the FMSCI Management Council that met here Saturday. “Both bids are lucrative, but at the moment, I cannot issue any statement on this matter as the final decision is pending and will be taken within the next one week,” said the newly-appointed FMSCI Chief Executive Rajan Syal.

Speaking to IANS soon after the meeting, Syal said the bids included items such as title sponsorship and TV rights, but he declined to provide more details.

“Since both the bids offered a lot, FMSCI chairman Vijay Mallya said he would study the presentations in greater detail before taking a final decision. We have informed both

the bidders that a decision would be made within the next one week,” Syal said.

The calendar for the 2009 INRC season would be finalised after allotting the promotional rights said Syal.

“This year, the FMSCI does not intend to tinker with the regulations and also the five classes (N+, 1600cc, 1400cc, Rally Star Cup and Gypsy). The INRC will be of six rounds and if there are any changes, then they will be introduced only in the 2010 season,” Syal said.

He did not rule out the possibility of expanding the INRC series to even 12 rounds next year, but for now, the focus would be on providing quality organisation and bigger grids.

SIDVIN is actively involved in motor sport since sponsoring an INRC event last year besides fielding V.R. Naren Kumar (2008) and Gaurav Gill (2009) in the World Rally Championship (production class).

Pro-Sports came on the scene last season when they sponsored up to Rs 15,000 to each of the Rally Star Cup participant towards tyres and is now keen to step up its involvement in the INRC programme.