Jon Lancaster helped Chennai Turbo Riders continue their relentless run for the championship. Winning their fourth race of the season through veteran Britisher. In the Round 4 of the Indian Racing League, promoted by Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd, got off to a thrilling start on Saturday at the recently upgraded Kari Motor Speedway. Lancaster had moments of magic to hold off the pole-sitter.
The former Formula 1 test driver Neel Jani of the Hyderabad Blackbirds, returned to the Indian Racing League championship after missing the previous two rounds, in a close finish. India’s Sohil Shah of Goa Aces JA Races finished third, behind the two veterans. In a race that kept viewers on their toes, Jani, a 40-year-old Swiss driver started on the pole. He pulled up an almost five-second lead over Lancaster.
The 23-year-old Bengalurean Shah made some aggressive attempts to finish third. Midway through the race, Jani slowed significantly after becoming caught in a gear. Then Jon Lancaster took the lead, easily pulling an eight-second lead at one point. However, Jani secured his second victory and quickly caught up with the 35-year-old Lancaster, but was unable to overcome him. The Britisher showcased incredible abilities to maintain his P1 finish.
Aqil Alibhai leads Hyderabad Blackbirds
South African Aqil Alibhai of the Hyderabad Blackbirds won his third race of the season. With a near-perfect drive from second place on the grid. With a courageous drive at Turn-1 on the opening lap, Alibhai passed pole-sitter Ruhaan Alva of Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers and never looked back for a well-deserved victory that helped him strengthen his position at the top of the table.
While Alibhai vanished into the distance, there were fierce battles up and down the grid on a tight and treacherous 2.2 km course with only a few overtaking opportunities. Alva, a teenager from Bengaluru, barely hung on to second place after being challenged by Shillong’s Jaden Pariat of Bangalore Speedsters. The two finished third behind Alibhai, who also received a bonus point for the race’s best lap time.
