MOTORSPORTS | Hemanth Muddappa clinches three National titles, takes his overall tally to 15

Hemanth Muddappa dominates Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship with triple crown victory, tallying 15 National titles.

Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing reinforced his status as the “Drag King” by notching up a triple crown in the fourth and final round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Sunday.

Muddappa took his tally of National titles to 15, making him the country’s most decorated motorsport athlete.

Despite nursing a fractured right thumb suffered in a crash during a recent competition in Amby Valley, Muddappa, aided by painkillers, managed to race in the final round after securing medical clearance.

“I have no words to express my feelings. It’s surreal that I have so far won 15 National titles. However, much of the credit goes to my team, Mantra Racing, who worked hard to prepare a winning bike for me. Due to rains, the track was cold, and so the timings were slower,” said Muddappa.

The results (Provisional, all 4-Stroke unless mentioned): Unrestricted: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing) 7.837s; 2. S.P. Sugan Prasad (Mantra Racing) 7.970; 3. Khaja Awais Ahmed 8.060.

Rider champion: Muddappa; Champion team: Mantra Racing.

1051cc - 1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Mujahid Pasha (Fast Track Racing) 7.950; 2. Ayman Baig 8.169; 3. Alimon (Fast Track Racing) 8.288.