Racing rider succumbs to injuries

Local rider S. Dinesh Edwin, who was hospitalised following a crash during "pay and practice" session at the Madras Motor Sports Trust (MMST) race track here Sunday, succumbed to injuries here Wednesday.

Confirming the death of 20-year-old Dinesh, who suffered head injuries after sliding off the track, the Madras Motor Sports Club said in a statement: "It is with regret that we announce that motorcycle rider S Dinesh succumbed to his injuries after an accident at an Open Day for Private Testing at the Madras Motor Race Track earlier this week.

"The MMSC would like to extend its sincere sympathies to S. Dinesh's family and friends following the tragic news of his death. We are shocked and saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

"We ask that you respect their privacy during this time. A full-fledged enquiry is being conducted which will help in outlining future safety requirements."

According to eyewitnesses, Dinesh, who began his racing career last season, slid off the track at Turn-7 which is a long, sweeping right hander, and ended up in a drainage ditch which is about 30 metres from the edge of the track.

When Dinesh, who was a member of Sparks Racing team, failed to complete the lap, a friend went looking for him and found the rider lying in a ditch. Dinesh was subsequently shifted to General Hospital where the rider succumbed to injuries.

The riders were preparing for the 2013 National championship that was scheduled to commence with the first round scheduled for May 31-June 2 at Kari Motor Speedway track in Coimbatore.

Speaking to IANS, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) president Vicky Chandhok expressed regret and said that MMSC has been asked to conduct an inquiry.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Dinesh's family. The FMSCI has asked MMSC to conduct an inquiry. We also intend taking possession of his riding gear and send it to Geneva for analysis at the FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) institute.

"It is surprising that a rider in full and approved racing gear should suffer such serious injuries. Once we get the gear examined by experts at the FIM institute, we will of course share the information with everyone concerned."

Regarding the absence of medical assistance during the "pay and practice" session, Chandhok said: "There are different categories of hire. The riders on Sunday had opted for a category that did not provide for medical support at the track, but nobody was allowed on track without approved racing gear, including racing overall and helmet.

"In light of the accident, I think it is best that we offer "pay and practice" facility with only full medical support even if it costs more so that we can avoid another incident such as this."

Meanwhile, in the social media, friends of Dinesh were highly critical of MMSC for failing to provide medical support such as an ambulance and doctor during the "pay and practice" sessions and demanded that the run-off areas be improved to prevent serious injuries to riders in the event of a crash.