9th Horsepower Challenge underway at Chümoukedima

Nagaland requires a proper motorsports venue: NAC members

Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 13

As the popularity of motorsport has grown over the years in Nagaland, members of the Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC) viewed that the time was at hand for the state to have its own proper motorsports venue for hosting events without having to need to change locations every year. This was stated by NAC Advisor, Peter Rutsa on the sidelines of the 9th Horsepower Challenge (HPC) at Agri Expo ground, Chümoukedima on October 13.  

The two-day event organised by NAC in collaboration with NEXA Jimmy, will feature five categories of racing, SUV, Open, Stock, Rookie and Auto rickshaw rally to held for the first time in the state. In total, 85 participants have registered for the various categories which include five female drivers.  

Rutsa went on the say that, “the main challenge right now is that we do not have a proper space for motorsports. We keep shifting from one venue to another, sometimes we ask from villagers, colonies.” 

In this regard, he mentioned that the NAC had approached the Chief Minister (CM) as well and he had expressed the desire of the state government to help the motorsports community by earmarking a proper location, “which is in the offing.”

According to its President, Burakum Ao, the club was regarded as the pioneers to introduce motorsports in Nagaland as well as in the Northeast region. “We are well-known for hosting all the off-road, autocross or motor-cross,” he said. 

Rutsa meanwhile noted that the response from the state government and the public have been positive and cooperative so far. “Not just for the club but the motorsports community is progressing day by day,” he added. 

The first day of the 9th HPC was flagged off by Advisor for Department of Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi. During his speech, the Advisor while appreciating the NAC members for hosting the event noted that besides the thrill of the competition, it was also an opportunity to foster brotherhood and unity amongst the people from the different participant states.