Vishnu Prasad bags FMSCI award

Chennai's Vishnu Prasad, who enjoyed a profitable season in 2013 with the JK Tyre Rotax Max National Karting (seniors) and JK Racing India series titles, was adjudged the "Most Promising Motorsport Man of the Year" at the annual awards gala of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India here Saturday.

The FMSCI also presented the lifetime award to K. Krishnamurthy, one of country's top technical experts in motorsports for his meritorious service as the Scrutineer since 1968.

Much of the cheer at the function was reserved for Gaurav Gill who in 2013 became the first Indian to win the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

In his brief response, the 32-year old Delhi-based Gill urged the FMSCI to further spread and develop the sport in the country while providing every opportunity for young talent to blossom.

The FMSCI also honoured the 2013 National champions in various categories, ranging from rallying, both Stage and TSD, to racing (cars and bikes) to karting to Supercross apart from recognising the achievements of Indians in various international series.

India's only two Formula One drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, besides GT racer Armaan Ebrahim, India's superbike team Mahi Racing, who won the World Supersport constructors title in their first year, also came in for special mention.

Force India Academy Driver Jehan Daruvala, who became the first Indian to win the British KF3 Karting Championship, was also given an award by the FMSCI while similar gesture was extended to two-wheeler racers K. Rajni Krishnan, winner at Losail Asia Road Racing Championship, Deepak Ravikumar and Jagan Kumar.