Lack of regulatory body hurting motorsports

KARACHI: International racing drivers from South Africa, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are willing to come to Pakistan and participate in motor sports events.

“They are willing but the problem is we don’t have any regulatory body or an association in this sport here in Pakistan,” said Ronnie Patel while talking to ‘The News’.

Ronnie, who stood second with the difference of just one minute in the recently held Cholistan Jeep Rally which is considered the biggest off-road rally in the country, added that this legal issue prevented foreign participation in local races.

“I brought FIA which is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations in the country a few years back but they asked which racing rules we follow and which international body we are associated with. They did not show any interest due to this issue,” added Ronnie.

He said that racers like him had been making efforts to popularise motorsports in Pakistan. “When we started Cholistan Rally we used to sleep on bare land in cold nights but we did not give up and today Cholistan rally is our proud product that attracts hundreds of entries,” added Ronnie.

He said they needed to do more to regularise this sport in the country. “The foreign racers are amazed with our talent and potential but this legal hindrance is ruining our talent,” added Ronnie. 

He added that Jafar Magsi and a few others were very talented drivers and their potential could be tapped in a befitting manner if they had a regulatory and representative body.

Owais Khakwani, who could not finish his race in the 11th Cholistan Rally due to problems with his vehicle, said Pakistan had one of the best tracks in the world. “Motorsports can open doors of opportunities for Pakistan. Such events should be organised more often,” said Khakwani.

He was sponsored by Indus Motor Company to participate in this rally. “It was an honor for me to represent IMC in the 11th Cholistan rally,” added Khakwani.