Slick tyres to debut in Chennai National Motorcycle round

Known for providing more grip than conventional grooved rubber, slick tyres will be equipped on bikes raced in the Super Stock 165cc and Pro-stock 301-400cc categories.

Pro-stock 165cc, Girls 165c and Novice 165cc categories will continue to use the previous generation grooved tyres.

“We all are very happy with the MRF slick tyres," said TVS Racing's KY Ahamed. :The tyres offer far better grip and I had more confidence taking the corners than before without any fear of crashing.

"I did 1:56 today and I feel, this timing could come down further at race pace. It is just a question of getting used to the slicks and with more confidence, we can go quicker."

Despite not having the advantage of slick tyres, novice class is of particular interest as it has received over 40 entries again. As a result, two heats and one qualifying session will be held to determine the grid, followed by a single race.

One-make championships

Concurrent to the Madras Motor Sports Club-organised National Motorcycle Championship, TVS and Honda will host their one-make series.

The Honda India Talent Cup is divided into two categories based on experience and age, with a Novice class added for Round 2 in addition to the Open category.

While Open category entrants get to ride the faster CBR250 bike, those racing in the Novice category are given the smaller capacity CBR150 bikes while they hone their racecraft.

As far as the TVS One-Make championship is concerned, riders are split into Open (Apache 310), Novice and Girls (Apache RTR 200) classes.