KATHMANDU: The Apache Race Experience (ARE) GP Racing Qualifiers have been completed in Butwal, with three riders selected for the grand finale.
Jagadamba Motors, the official distributor of TVS motorcycles in Nepal, organized the qualifier at Gourang Easy Way Trial Center in Manigram, Tilottama-5.
In the 160cc category, Dhiraj BK won the Butwal qualifier with a time of 34.07 seconds. Abhishek Panthi finished as the first runner-up with 34.62 seconds, while Arik Shrestha was the second runner-up with a time of 34.87 seconds.
The three riders will represent Butwal at the ARE GP Grand Finale. They will compete against top qualifiers from Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Itahari and Pokhara.
The winners of the 160cc and 200cc categories at the grand finale will get an opportunity to represent Nepal at an international racing event at the Madras International Circuit in India. The event will feature riders from more than 50 countries.
Successful riders will also get opportunities to participate in further international racing events. Jagdamba Motors and TVS Motor Company India will cover their travel and accommodation expenses.
The Butwal qualifier was organized in collaboration with Balaji Automobiles, the authorized TVS dealer for the area. The event brought together aspiring riders, motorsport enthusiasts and amateur racers for professional racing training and competition.
The event received strong participation from riders in the region. Registration had to be closed after 76 participants signed up.
Participants received training from former ARE GP Nepal winner and Madras International Circuit winner Sujan Thapa Magar, along with four-time national champion Nawang Moktan.
The program began with theoretical sessions covering riding posture, cornering, leaning, braking and vision control. Riders then took part in on-track drills under the guidance of the trainers to improve their control, confidence and racing skills.
