Sports India

Narain Karthikeyan has chosen former national karting champion Ameya Walavalkar to spearhead his racing team’s challenge in the 2006 JK Tyres National Racing Championship. The 25-year-old Khar resident’s chance to win the championship last year was foiled after his car was sabotaged before the final race.

“Narain’s trust in me is quite a morale booster. Now I will finally be able to drive upto my potential,” said Walavalkar.

Along with him, BMW Asia contender Aditya Akinneni, Aditya Patel and Akhil Khushlani round off the foursome. The interesting bit is that while they may be speed demons on track, all three are too young to even hold a driving license.

Narain has obviously chosen Walavalkar to make a strong bid for the overall crown in the Formula Rolon and keep the sponsors happy.

The Mumbaikar will also be expected to serve as mentor for the other three when Narain’s Formula One commitments make it difficult for him to be present at the races.

The credentials of both Khushlani and Patel are impressive. While the former is the only Asian to figure in the top five of the world finals of the Rotax Karting Championship, Patel has to his credit the distinction of being one of the youngest race winners in the Formula LGB category.