- 12 Indian racers to compete in Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA Truck Racing Championship, scheduled at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, on March 20, 2016
- Participation of 12 International Race Truck drivers in Season 3, like in Season 1 & 2
- Season 3 to feature two race categories:
- SUPER CLASS – Comprising of Indian race truck drivers
- PRO CLASS – Comprising of internationally acclaimed drivers
Tata Motors today announced the final 12 Indian truck racers, who will compete in the SUPER CLASS category of Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2016, at the internationally acclaimed Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, on March 20, 2016.
Selected under the first-ever T1 Racer Program (TRP), by Tata Motors the new Indian Truck Driver Race selection and training program, was based on the company’s strategic objective of making the profession of truck driving aspirational and at the same time act as a catalyst to induct drivers into the commercial vehicles profession. These Indian Truck Drivers have been selected from a pool of truck drivers who are employed with Tata Motors’ key customers, from all over the country.
Like in the earlier years, Season 3 of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship will continue to host experienced international drivers representing six teams, featuring 12 Tata PRIMA race trucks, built for the purpose. T1 2016 will host two race categories, with four races
- Two SUPER CLASS – Comprising of Indian race truck drivers
- Two PRO CLASS – Two Pro Class – Comprising of Internationally acclaimed drivers with proven experience in the field of truck racing
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Trucking is vitally important to the nation’s economy and the T1 Racer Program has been designed to help put a name and face to the men, who deliver essential commodities across the country every day. Since inception in 2014, with the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, we made a conscious decision to give Indian drivers an opportunity to be part of this prestigious event, and today, we have the final 12. We are proud to have collaborated with our customers for a shared vision in promoting the profession of truck driving and are excited and honored to have these individuals, as the newest members of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP.”
Mr. R. Ramakrishnan, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Planning and Customer Value
Creation, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “In season 1 we created history, by hosting the very first truck race here in India. In season 2, we showcased race trucks that were ‘Bigger, Better & Faster’. In season 3, Tata Motors is unfolding a new chapter in the history of Indian trucking, with a theme of ‘India to the World’ involving Indian talent, and is all set to create history yet again, in the one of the world largest commercial vehicle markets. With the T1 Racer Program having attracted over 550 nominations from our customers’ businesses, the ones shortlisted through the program today, are based on driving experience, average kilometers driven in a year, along with the experience of negotiating different terrains. We wish our 12 finalist the very best.”
The 12 Indian drivers selected for the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP are –
| INDIAN DRIVERS |
| Nagarjuna A |
| Bacchu Singh |
| Rabinder Yadav |
| Bhag Chand |
| Rajkumar Mahato |
| Jitendra Singh |
| MD Parvez |
| Jagat Singh |
| Anand |
| Mohd. Iliyas |
| Malkeet Singh |
| Syed Akram Pasha |
While Season 3 will witness Indian drivers competing in black PRIMA race trucks, which are identical to each other – in look and build, the 12 coloured trucks competing in the PRO CLASS of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 3, will represent six teams, who participated in the previous two seasons of the championship, with one new team. Following are the teams and their drivers –
| INTERNATIONAL DRIVER | ||
| Tata Technologies | David Jenkins | Brian Burt |
| Castrol | Matt Summerfield | Adam Bint |
| Cummins | Rick Collett | Graham Powell |
| Dealer Daredevils | Ray Coleman | Simon Cole |
| Dealer Warriors | Ben Horne | Paul McCumisky |
| Tata Motors Finance | Oly Janes | Tony Smith |
Tata Motors has also partnered with some of the country’s leading automotive brands, for Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA Truck Racing Championship. These are –
- WABCO – Official Braking Technology Partner
- JK Tyre – Official Tyre Partner
- Castrol – Official Lubricant Partner
- Cummins – Official Engine Technology Partner
- Tata Motors Finance – Official Commercial Vehicle Financing Partner
- Tata Technologies – Official Technology Partner
Alongside some edge of the seat action at T1 2016, Season 3 will also host some of the country’s most prominent names from the music and entertainment scene. From the sensational Hip Hop heartthrob Badshah to the vivacious damsel of melody, Neeti Mohan, the scintillating Garima Yajnik with her foot-tapping Indo-western numbers and last but not the least, the ruling diva of Bollywood music with her memorable feast of melody and dance numbers, Sunidhi Chauhan, are few amongst the many other surprises that T1 season 3 has to offer.
About T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
The T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP is organized by MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club) and is inscribed on the calendars of FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) and FMSCI (the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) with safety and performance standards being followed as per the guidelines of the BTRA (British Truck Racing Association), who also play in role in the selection of the best British and European Race Truck Drivers, that compete in the T1 Championship.
The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organizations. One of the core responsibilities of the FIA is the development of motor sport worldwide. Through its national member clubs the FIA is involved in every level of motor sport and its remit extends to the millions of amateurs and professionals who enjoy motor sport in all of its variety. The FMSCI is a long-standing member of the FIA and is the only national motor sport federation recognized by the Government of India, for the promotion and control of motor sport in India, and is affiliated to the prestigious Indian Olympic Association.
THE T1 PRIMA 2016 RACE TRUCK
The Tata Prima 4038.S will compete in the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship 2016, with the massive power of 370 BHP @ 2100 RPM and a top speed of just over 130 Km/h. To make these Prima trucks fit for racing, key modifications were made to meet a mix of safety and performance needs as per guidelines from the BTRA. These included significant changes in fuel tank, brake cooling system, propeller shaft guards, racing seats and safety belts, exhaust, steering wheel among others. The trucks have gone through multiple quality checks and tested at Tata Motors Jamshedpur’s world-class testing facility, for high speed run and control, with many key modifications made to meet a mix of safety and performance needs. For Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA Truck Racing Championship, Tata Motors has undertaken significant changes, for increased performance and safety. Following are some of the changes to the T1 2016 race truck –
- Reduced Centre of gravity by 100 mm, to improve dynamic stability at high speeds
- New lighter suspension system, to improve the ride and handling characteristics
- New improved shock absorbers, for stability during high speed corner turns
- Improved brake cooling system with jet nozzles
- New lightweight aluminium fuel tank & water tanks
- New tyres of 315/70 R 22.5 introduced in place of 315/80 R 22.5, from last season
- Front Flat wheel where mounting face offset is 127 in place of 175 from last season
About the TATA PRIMA Range
Being developed with Tata Motors subsidiary – Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (TDCV), Tata Motors conceived the award winning Tata PRIMA range, setting new benchmarks in the performance and design of a next-generation commercial vehicle, based on superior technology, optimum power, fuel efficiency and safety. Built with technical inputs from across the world, the Tata PRIMA range is based on an Italian cab design, engine technology from the US and Europe, gearbox expertise from Germany, chassis frame know-how from Mexico, sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea, combining Swedish precision on a robotic weld line, hence is also referred to as the ‘World truck’ by Tata Motors.
Equipped with strong aggregates and a robust chassis frame and suspension, the Tata PRIMA range meets the highest operating standards under extreme conditions, thanks to outstanding material and build quality, comfort, driving dynamics, offering customers with of lowest cost of operations.
A multiple award-winning range of trucks from Tata Motors, the Tata PRIMA is today available in different trims, including multi-axle trucks, tractor-trailers and tippers, apt for several applications, thus meeting varied end-user requirements, with its power, sustainable speed, safety and reliability, best-in-class, aggregates, cabin features and comfort, was uncompromisingly designed for long-distance/ hours of transportation.
