Two Darj youths to take part in Chennai bike racing event

SNS, DARJEELING, 1 AUGUST 21 : Two youths from Darjeeling am all set to represent the state of West Bengal and take part in the upcoming Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship in Chennai.

In the motorcycle race, Atlanta Rai and Vishal Rana will be competing in the Group D, Stock 165 CC category.

"My participation in such a championship last year had made me the first ever person from Darjeeling to take part in the championship. And now with Ananta this year also joining in, we will be two of us from the Hills representing there," Mr Rana told reporters here today.

According to the duo, Mr Rana is from the team 'Spark Racing and Mr Rai will be participating from the 'Hypersonic Motorsport,' while they will be riding the Yamaha R15 motorcycle for the race.

"There will be five rounds total, with the rust one starting on 20 August in Chennai, followed by the next rounds in September, October, January and February," said Mr Rana.

Mr Rai later said that they face a myriad of problems practicing the sport in the Hills. "We practice at places like the Jamuney and Sukhia roads (near Darjeeling town) where there is less traffic," Mr Rai said.

"We have to be very careful and undergo controlled practice sessions, as there is every chance of such sessions leading to accidents. As such, we avoid it most of the times. However, we do require a place to practice," Mr Rana said.