Speaking to Autocar India late last year, FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) president Arindam Ghosh had revealed plans to bring cross car racing to India. In what is a major step towards that goal, J A Motorsport has now revealed its new XCL2 cross car, aimed at making off-road racing more accessible.
- Cross car built in-house by J A motorsport brings down cost
- Aimed at making off-road racing more accessible
What is cross car racing?
FMSCI president calls cross car racing the future of Indian motorsport
Cross car racing features small off-road buggies powered by motorcycle engines, with races held on autocross, dirt oval, rallycross tracks or even at stadiums. Globally, it is the first step in motorsport for several rally and rallycross racers. Crucially, the relatively low costs involved in building and maintaining these cross cars make it an ideal format for young racers to hone their skills.
And this is precisely why global motorsport governing body FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) launched its ‘Affordable Cross Car’ project, which has led to the creation of the J A Motorsport XCL2. The project has been designed to further lower the entry barrier by providing various national sporting authorities with design blueprints. The goal is for local manufacturers to build cross cars using locally sourced parts and materials, thereby bringing down the costs and reducing reliance on international suppliers.
Historically, cross car racing features senior and junior categories, and the FIA has now added two new classes below the top tiers. First up is Level 1, which will serve as the entry level for young racers. Then there is the intermediate Level 2, aimed at beginner competitions or even leisure racing.
Speaking to Autocar India last year, FMSCI president Arindam Ghosh called cross car racing “the future of motorsport” not just in India but globally. At the time, he had even hinted at a single-spec championship being in the works. This could even serve as a support series for the Indian National Rally Championship.
J A Motorsport XCL2 cross car details
Uses Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 engine
J A Motorsport’s XCL2 cross car is built as per the FIA’s Level 2 blueprint. It’s powered by the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450’s liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, putting out 40hp and 40Nm, paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
The roll cage is built as per FIA standards. The cross car also features an adjustable steering wheel with quick release, a hydraulic handbrake, an eight-litre fuel tank, MRF cross car tyres, FIA-homologated racing seats and a six-point harness.
Most of the car has been built in-house by J A Motorsport, significantly bringing down costs. Testing is still underway, but the XCL2 could be used for the national cross car racing championship, should it materialise. Given its competitive pricing, J A Motorsport is also looking at exporting the car to international teams.
