Something to learn from the Raj days

Among the many who have contributed to the promotion of the sport, Raj’s could be considered one of the most significant.

Raj (India Mines Group) and Annabelle Manwaring (Pro Sports Promotion) were the promoters of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) in 2009, 2010 and 2011. With Bharat Petroleum’s Speed being roped in as the title sponsor, it made for a golden age in Indian rallying.

The two companies paid the FMSCI Rs 2.75 crore for the title rights for three years.

The INRC became a lot more professional and it took a completely different route. There was glamour in the sport. There was a buzz in the stages or in the service park.

Bharat Petroleum withdrew in the second year but things still went on. In the third year, IMG and PSP pumped in Rs 5.5 crore to ensure that the INRC went on undisturbed.

Additionally, those were the great days when MRF, JK Tyre and Red Rooster Racing were all heavily involved rallying. The Mitsubishi Cedia N+ class cars were a sight to behold, and it was how rallying should be.

The Karnataka Motor Sports Club, of which Raj was also the head then, was the club to be envious of. Thanks to IMG and PSP being based in Bangalore, it set a very high benchmark for the way the sport should be run.

After the end of the IMG and PSP’s contract with the FMSCI as promoters, things began to slide down. Rounds were regularly cancelled, most notably due to the organising clubs not being able to raise sponsorship. There has been an instance of a three-round INRC also.

Over the years, MRF, JK Tyre and Red Rooster all wrapped up their rallying activities in the INRC and it was never the same again.

Rallying is struggling to stay afloat for popularity as compared to racing, which seems to be the preferred form of motorsport these days. While this may be a phenomenon the world over, countries like India take a harder beating.

There is something positive though, with the news that JK Tyre is coming back to rallying. Hopefully, that will prompt others to follow suit.

All said and done, the INRC has seen better days, thanks to IMG and PSP. Their contribution will always be remembered.