45-year-old Rustom Baug resident, known for his biking prowess and achievements, Rustom Kersi Patel, returned to the racing track after a 2-year gap, to instantly capture the spotlight. Participating in the All-India Gulf Speedverse Autocross event, held on 17^th February, 2024, at Venom Moto Park in Palghar, Maharashtra, Rustom topped in all the three categories he participated in, setting new record timings. Not just that, he was also awarded a special trophy for being the ‘Fastest Rider Of The Day’, with an unbeaten record time of 2.22 seconds, finishing 2 full laps of a 650-metre dirt track.

Defeating some of India’s top riders from Nasik, Pune, Lonavala, Kolhapur and Mumbai, Rustom secured first place in the categories: ‘Indian Experts’ (150cc upto 500cc, Group B ); the ‘Indian Experts For Impulse and Xpluse’ (150cc upto 250cc, Group B); and the ‘Veterans Class Above 45 Years’ (150cc upto 250cc, Group B). He even beat the recent National Champion – Raj Swami (Mumbai), who finished a close second behind Rustom, in most categories.

Held under the official Indian Governing Racing body – FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India), the Autocross is based solely on fastest timing wins over 2 continuous laps, with penalties charged for touching any tyre or bunting on track. Riders are only allowed to do a track walk to memories the track before heading straight into the race, which allows only 1 rider on track at a time, recording his fastest time.

What makes these victories even more noteworthy is that Rustom Patel was able to trounce current champions and riders less than half his age! Speaking with Parsi Times, Rustom shared, “More than all else, I’m proud to be a Parsi and thankful for all the love and encouragement I have received over the years. I thank my title sponsors – Gulf Oil India for their complete support and the race-ready formula of Gulf Syntrac Engine Oil, which ensured the wins! As always, I wish to send out a strong message to all biking enthusiasts to practice safety and vehemently oppose street-racing. If you want to race, come on the track!”

Here’s wishing the racing champ lots more wins!