The season finale of INRC 2013 came to a close with Arjun Rao Arur (co-driver Satish Rajgopal) winning the Coffee Day Rally overall and the 1600 category. Overnight leader Vikram Devadasan (co-driver Ashwin Naik) was second overall, with Sirish Chandran (co-driver Nikhil V Pai), completing the podium. Rohan Pawar, also driving Volkswagen Polo, won the Junior INRC category.
Arur's win marked the first occasion a Volkswagen car has clinched an overall win at INRC, with this particular event marked by heavy attrition with 19 out of 38 starters not making the finish on day one, including APRC Champion Gaurav Gill driving for Mahindra.
Karamjit Singh, driving Volkswagen Motorsport India developed, Polo R2, was the fastest till SS9 and was leading overall. However, a mechanical failure forced him and co-driver Jagdev Singh to opt for a retirement on SS10. Their car broke down and stood across the route forcing the organizers to cancel the SS10. Results till SS9 were taken as the final results.
Commenting on the successful weekend, Prithviraj Siddappa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India, said, “We are extremely delighted with our Customer Sport competitors’ performance and we hope to go even bigger the next season. I would like to specially congratulate Arjun on winning the title in a Polo rally car."
Results (Provisional)
INRC: Coffee Day Rally, Chikmagalur
Overall:
Driver/co-driver Total stage time
Arjun Rao/ Satish Rajagopal 01:55:06.7
Vikram Devadasen/ Ashwin Naik 01:59:56.5
Sirish Chandran/ Nikhil V Pai 02:00:40.7