3-in-one day races criticized

JAKARTA (JP): Organizers raised voices of concern yesterday over the decision by the nation's top auto-sport governing body, IMI, to allow three automotive competitions to take place at different places on the same date.

On Sunday, the Sentul international circuit located near Bogor is scheduled to host the first Formula Asia Cup championship. Some 30 kilometers to the west at Bumi Serpong Damai track, a sprint rally will be held on the same day. While in Surabaya, East Java, the second step of the Lucky Strike International motocross championships will be held.

"I don't understand why IMI sanctioned three events to be staged on the same date," a spokesman of one of the motor races said yesterday.

The spokesman added that IMI should not repeat the practice in the near future. "This kind of action will jeopardize or at least disperse the attention of automotive sports fans."

The Formula Asia race, the first single seater race contested in Asia will also feature Group N races made up of three classes. They are 0-1,300 cc, 1,301-1,600 cc, 1,601-2,000 cc.

Competitors in the Group N events are vying for cash prizes worth of Rp 6 million provided by ABS Brake Guard.

In the Surabaya event, national top crosser Jhony Pranata will once again to try to challenge foreign riders coming from Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

"I hope Johnie will be successful this time," committee spokesman of the Lucky Strike race Faryd Sungkar said.

FIA, the international governing body of motor sport, according to Faryd, has given its green light to Indonesia to host one of the world championships series in the 125 cc division.

"However, we should be able to build a permanent track approved by FIA," Faryd said.

He said he has found two possible track sites: one in Halim Perdanakusuma and another one at Lippo City in Bekasi (rsl).