Chennai-based Vishnu Prasad of Euro International team comfortably notched up a hat-trick of title wins in the first leg of the Formula BMW India series of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship, here today.
Kerala boys Diljith T Shaji hogged the limelight with a similar feat in Formula LGB races as the first of the five legs concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Chettipalayam near here.
It should also be noted that Hyderabad-based Akhil Kushlani had won all the three races last year when the Formula BMW series was introduced for the first time in India.
In the VW Polo Cup event, Kerala's Bonnie Thomas won the second race that was held today in style in a close finish ahead of Angad Singh Matharoo of Punjab. Angad put up a spirited fight and was looking to be forging ahead of Bonnie but the latter, with his strong efforts, pushed the pedal at the right time to take the chequered flag.
Antonio Ferrari, owner and chief engineer of the Italy based Euro International commended the skills displayed by Vishnu.
"Vishnu deserves all encouragement and needs to be supported to compete in European championships. In fact, the wear and tear of brakes and tyres in Vishnu's car at the end of three races during this weekend were minimal compared to other cars and this speaks about his skills."
Meanwhile, Sanjay Sharma, Head of Motor Sport of JK Tyres acknowledged the feat of Vishnu.
"This goes to prove the mettle of challenging performances by the youngsters of India add to the already growing popularity for the sport and it could only gain much more momentum for many years to come.
"All the competitors deserve praise for their display and top finishers were separated by less than four seconds from the winner," Sharma said.
Vishnu said, "I am happy to have got a chance to explore the car making my debut in this highest level event. I hail from a humble background and this triple title win should enhance my chances of getting sponsorship.
"Now I am confident of handling the car as its worthiness and reliability are indisputably sound.
