Sport - Racing : Motor

Ismail Irfan takes honours

CORNERING GLORY: Ismail Irfan is all smiles after winning the Amaron Karting Challenge at the Cochin International Airport’s Take-Off Zone on Sunday.

NEDUMBASSERY: Despite being a newcomer to the racing track here, Ismail Irfan walked away with the honours in the Amaron Karting Challenge at the Cochin International Airport’s Take-Off Zone here on Sunday.

The 13-year-old Cochin Public School student, who goes for karting sessions whenever he visits his mother’s place in Bangalore, surprised many of the local favourites to win the 10-lap final here.

“I made some small mistakes, but overall it went (off) well,” said Irfan, the son of former National rally rider Shajin Mohammed. Handling the corners smartly, Irfan emerged a comfortable winner.

Kochi’s Sharuk Mohammed and Steve Wilson took the second and third positions.

Steve, who started from pole, had a good start but he lost control, went for a spin on the penultimate corner of the first lap and lost precious seconds.

Unperturbed, the Vaduthala Chinmaya student took a tight U-turn on the narrow track, fought his way through the traffic and finished an impressive third. “I’m very happy. I didn’t think I would make it to the podium after that spin,” said the 12-year-old.

Thomas Varghese and Daniel Kiem, among the favourites for a podium finish, hit a tyre wall after a turn in the second lap and went out of contention.

Final placings: 1. Ismail Irfan (Cochin PS, 6:08.578s), 2. Sharuk Mohammed (Choice School, 6:11.238), 3. Steve Wilson (Chinmaya, Vaduthala, 6:12.059), 4. Man Mohan (6:16.708), 5. Renjith Thomas (6:17.875), 6. Issac Joseph (6:189.054). — Principal Correspondent

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