Alisha Abdullah became the first woman driver to score a podium finish in the Volkswagen Polo R Cup when she held on for third in the second race of the opening round of the season at Coimbatore.
Abdullah started the second race from pole after the top eight finishers from the first race started the second race in reverse order.
Overall Glory
The overall glory, however, went to Vishnu Prasad who won not only the first Polo R Cup race but also the second race after starting eighth. Rookie driver Mihir Dharker finished second on both occasions.
Prasad made his winning move in the second race on Abdullah with five laps to go when he shoved his way past her on the entry to the third corner chicane. Supporting the Polo R Cup were the two remnants from the earlier years of the National Racing Championship.
The Indian Touring Cars (also known as Super Saloons) and the Formula Swift Category featured close and entertaining racing. The opening lap of the Formula Swift race saw three drivers retire following much jostling for position.
The writer's trip was sponsored by JK Tyres