Since its inception in 1991, the 2018 edition of Northern Motorsport Autocross was the first independent edition of the popular motorsport event. The 2018 edition was held at in Greater Noida’s Buddh International Circuit on 1 and 2 December. The event saw a huge number of participants and motorsports enthusiasts from across the country coming along to celebrate the motorsport event.

On the first day, the contenders took different approaches to familiarise themselves with the track. Some did it in a dash, while some took their time to understand the track better.

The competitors were segregated into 14 categories according to drivers, modification on the vehicles, and its displacement. The most gruelling battles were seen in the ‘Open’ Group.

The final results of the competition are as follows.

In the ‘Amateur-Stock’ category, Shivani Gaurav (210.971 seconds) was the only female contender in her class who beat all her counterparts to emerge victorious in 2WD below 1100cc class. Abhijit Singh won the 2WD 1100-1400cc class of the group in his Maruti Suzuki Esteem. Meanwhile, 18-year old Karan Veer Madhura won the 2WD above 1650cc in his Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, with 185.039 seconds.

In the ‘Professional-Stock’ Group, Vidit Jain from Sparky’s Garage bagged the 2WD 1100-1400cc class in his Swift, clocking 179.333 seconds. The 2WD 1400-1650cc was won by Honda City is driven by Nitin Bir with a time of 195.476 seconds. Anil Wadia won the 2WD above 1650cc class in his Hyundai i20, securing 186.147 seconds.

In the ‘Professional-Modified’ class, Amandeep Singh won the below 1100cc class in a Maruti Zen, clocking 187.407 seconds. Lakshay Veer Dabas from Team Sparky’s Garage in another Esteem won 2WD 1100-1400 cc class in this group. Amber Udasi won the Group’s 2WD 1400-1650cc class, driving the Baleno 1.6 with a timing of 173.599 seconds, while Devinder Singh Turka won the 2WD above 1650cc class in his Volkswagen Polo, clocking a time of 177.761 seconds.

Veteran rallyist Bani Yadav won the Ladies Cup, crossing the finish line at 187.908 seconds in her Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

In the ‘Open’ Group, Achintya Mehrotra won the fierce 2WD class with a time of 164.332 seconds in his Swift a.k.a ‘Turbokat’. Vidit Jain from Team Sparky’s Garage rounded off the 4WD class of the Open Group with a time of 177.508 seconds.

Other rewards given out at the end of the event included the ‘Team Trophy’ which went to Team Sparky’s Garage. The ‘Tuner trophy’ went to FRK Racing and Achintya Mehrotra bagged the award for the Overall Fastest Track Run of the event for his 161.284 seconds run in the Qualifiers.

Eighteen-year-old Karan Veer Madhura was the youngest competitor at Autocross 2018. He grabbed everyone’s attention after storming the Amateur-Stock 2WD above 1650cc category. He said, “I’ve been in love with cars and driving car for as long as I can remember. I was initially into GO Karting but I always knew that I wanted to try motorsport as soon as I turn 18. NM Autocross being the most convenient way to get a good taste of motorsport; I took this opportunity, performed to the best of my capabilities, and good results followed.”