Rayo Racings Nayan, crowned JK-Tyre Kart Open Champion 2013

The 2013 Indian Karting season started with a lot of energy & excitement on track from the drivers, teams & viewers. The blistering 42 degree heat in Hyderabad, at the JK Tyre MMS Rotax Kart Open 2013, was quickly forgotten by the enthusiastic drivers.

In an unprecedented move, never seen in Indian Karting before, Rayo Racing’s Nayan Chatterjee from Mumbai, participated in both – the Junior & the Senior Categories at the same time ! Being 15 years of age, allowed him to meet the entry criteria in both categories. Participating in both categories meant Nayan would have to race a grueling 295 laps over both rounds in the 2 days.

Nayan however stepped upto the challenge given by his team. Not only did he manage to compete properly, he went on to dominate, in both categories ! In the senior category, Nayan qualified on Pole Position for Round 1. Reigning National Champion – Ameya Bafna also from Rayo Racing, had not planned to race initially. He put in a last minute entry & raced on inferior borrowed equipment. However, this did not stop him from bagging the lead in the first few races, although eventually, it was Mohite Racing’s – Dhruv Mohite who won the first 2 races.

Race 3 was very exciting with Ameya taking the lead from Dhruv at the start. However it was Nayan & Ameya who exchanged the lead, more than 12 times in the 15 lap race ! Nayan went on to win the race, and from then on, there was absolutely no looking back for the youngest driver on the Senior grid. Nayan went on to win all the remaining races & was crowned Champion with 97 points out of a possible 100 !

Ameya proved why he is the reigning National Champion, with a kart clearly not upto the mark, he still came 2nd while Dhruv came third. Rayo Racing’s new driver in the Senior category – Brad Dias was extremely impressive. He came 2nd in both Round 1 & Round 2 of the JK Tyre Rookie Cup. He also bagged 2nd Overall in the JK Tyre Rookie Cup.

In the Junior Category it was Krishna Mahadik from Mohite Racing who dominated in most races. However Nayan Chatterjee was always on his tail, giving him a run for his money on numerous occasions. Nayan finished 2nd behind Krishna in the JK Tyre Kart Open, while 3rd was bagged by Tejas Ram of Meco Racing.

Aaroh Ravindra another youngster from Rayo Racing made his kart racing debut, with a hard fought 3rd place in the JK Tyre Rookie Cup, in both Round 1 & Round 2. He was also 3rd overall in the JK Tyre Rookie Cup. Chennai drivers from Meco Racing Tejas Ram and Mahaveer Raghunathan came 1st & 2nd. 

Overall Results –

JK Tyre Open Cup –

Senior –
1.      Nayan Chatterjee, 97 Points (Rayo Racing) 2. Ameya Bafna, 87 points (Rayo Racing) 3. Dhruv Mohite, 77 points (Mohite Racing)

Junior –
1.      Krishna Mahadik, 89 points (Mohite Racing) 2. Nayan Chatterjee, 77 points (Rayo Racing) 3. Tejas Ram, 73 points (Meco Racing)

Micro –
1.      Yash Aradhya, 94 points (Meco Racing) 2. Pradyuman Danigond, 91 points (Mohite Racing) 3. Paul Francis, 82 points (Meco Racing)