Racer Chandra eyes two titles in Palembang

Racer Chandra eyes two titles in Palembang

JAKARTA (JP): Senior racer Chandra Alim is targeting two
titles in the third leg of the national speed rally and fourth
leg of the sprint rally in Palembang, South Sumatra, this
weekend.

Chandra expressed optimism on Wednesday that he could be
successful in the events due to his experience and high
performing team.

He is sharing second position in the current national
standings with Aga Kartiwa. They earned 15 points after competing
in the first leg in Medan, North Sumatra, and the second leg in
West Java.

Racer Fauzi Aldjufrie is in top position with 16 points.

"On paper, I have a great chance of overcoming my rivals, most
of whom are younger, because I'm more experienced. But I will not
underestimate them and will try my best to avoid mistakes," he
said.

Chandra said he would benefit from the rallying schedule.

"I can win both events. Soon after finishing the speed rally,
I will compete in the sprint rally, which use the same track in
the last two special stages (SS) of the speed rally."

"We still remember the track very well and we can prepare on
whatever route we must take," said Chandra, who has been a racer
since 1975 and has won a number of races in the Group N
categories and Formula Asia races.

Chandra, who will bring his Chalim Motorsport team, will drive
his Mitsubishi Evolution III car, which has been in use since
1996.

"But I have replaced some of my car's components with new ones
following my team's failure in the last national championships in
West Java," he said.

Chandra said he had a good track record in rallying in
Palembang.

"In 1997, we were only second, after champion Hutomo Mandala
Putra. It was understandable, because Hutomo's car was more
sophisticated. Moreover, he was skillful and more experienced,"
he said, referring to the youngest son of former president
Soeharto, who was also a racer and former chairman of the
Indonesian Motorsport Association.

"This year, we do not feel threatened, although there will be
young racers. They are not a threat; they are a challenge for
us."

The rally is sponsored by PT Fuchs Indonesia, a manufacturer
of the well-known lubricant Titan.

"If this year's result is satisfactory, PT Fuchs Indonesia may
increase the cooperation. There will likely be a new team to back
me up, but I don't know which racers will join me," he said.
(ivy)