Bangalore, March 12, 2018
Auto Gymkhana 2018, a popular obstacle motorsport was held in March at Patel’s Inn Club & Resort at RT Nagar. Organised by Onashi Motorsports in association with Zeroin Management Pvt Ltd, Auto Gymkhana saw participation from more than 100 motorsport enthusiasts from across India. In Auto Gymkhana, the participating drivers manoeuvred through a predetermined track performing different driving techniques. The racing track comprised obstacles such as cones, tyres, and barrels.
A gymkhana course is typically 250 metres to 300 metres in length. The driver who completes the tasks the fastest, without penalties like hitting obstacles or failure to navigate, wins the race. The participants performed a variety of driving techniques like reversals, 180° spins, 360° degree spins, parking boxes, figure eights, and other advanced skills. The drivers had to get to the finish line in the fastest time possible by getting through or going around the strategically placed obstacles. It involved only the use of first and second gear.
Auto Gymkhana is one among those sporting events that allows participation from enthusiasts across age groups. From professionals to young adults, anybody with a car and good driving skills can participate. Since Auto Gymkhana is a closed track event, even those below the age of 18 can participate.
Gymkhana is a motorsport that is similar to an autocross race but on a much smaller scale. Time penalties are issued for hitting cones, and a failure to navigate the course correctly results in no time score. Gymkhana requires strong mental concentration and memorisation of the track, as sections of the course frequently must be repeated or navigated backwards and or differently. Handbrake technique, drifting and sliding are all necessary skills for gymkhana.
Gymkhana is extremely spectator friendly and it has the ability to catch the attention of the common man. It is a very popular and safe form of Motor-Sport in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan in the Asian Zone, and this type of Gymkhana was organised for the very first time in the city.
Auto Gymkhana was conducted by Onashi in association with Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC) and has been sanctioned by FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Club of India.)