Date:13/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/13/stories/2008091356361700.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Gill in fine nick

KOCHI: Despite the rough and bumpy super special stage, MRF’s Gaurav Gill was in fine control in the 23rd Popular Rally, the third round of the MAI National Rally Championship, which began at Nettoor, near here, on Friday.

The super special stage made its return to the Kochi event after seven years and motor sports buffs turned out in a big way to watch the thriller.

Gill turned in a special performance, opening the 2.48km stretch with a nice sliding run which sent the spectators on a high.

The super special stage marked the start of the three-day rally and Gill was the fastest of the lot, finishing with a time of 2 minutes, 33 seconds. MRF’s Arjun Balu and Lohit Urs were in the next two spots. The main stage of the 420km rally begins at the Regional Sports Centre, Kadavanthra, on Saturday. — Principal Correspondent