Introduction
True history is either recorded in written scripts or stands tall like a tower (Ashok Stambha). The journey of establishing motorsports in Nepal has only just begun and it faces a long road ahead. The path ahead is not as easy as many might think; there are numerous hurdles and barriers to overcome. We are rich in courage, that’s our greatest asset. However, motorsports management and organizers need to be well-equipped, as it operates on a larger scale compared to other traditional sports.
Autocross, the new format of motorsports for Nepal, marks a successful accomplishment in history, driven by courage and enthusiasm. A month ago, from this event, the trainer from Sri Lanka, Mr. Vijeta, myself, and other colleagues from NASA-Nepal conducted an autocross training program for drivers, marshals, and volunteers. The team also had a practice round during the training.
The first-ever autocross championship in Nepal was conducted by the NMRF club on June 8th, 2024, as the program designer and chief of program, I must say my team includes Mr. Dipak Acharya, Mr. Amar J. Ranjit and Mr. Govinda Bhattarai,as a great motivator those supported me for history making in Nepal.
The Starting Decimal
On April 16th, 2024, a sunny day, Mr. Govinda Bhattarai and I departed for Bharatpur for a pre-event briefing for the Bharatpur-Halesi-Mount Everest TSD rally. The participants were scheduled to travel up to the Mount Everest region. Mr.Rajan Piya -President NASA-Bagmati was leading the team.
On their return journey, before the closing ceremony, we planned to design a temporary track for an autocross championship demonstration race. My role was to demonstrate the autocross, with the other participants running after me, and then they would race alone.
We reached the venue, the proposed race track, where the Bagmati Province government is planning to construct the track with design support from NASA-Nepal. It was truly a challenge that we undertook. After making the announcement, we realized we had only two full days to select the route and prepare the autocross track, set up boundaries, and make other necessary arrangements. The sunny day, with temperatures reaching 35-37 degrees Celsius, was intolerably hot. Our main problem was the lack of manpower—no volunteers or marshals—since the venue was 100 kilometers away from our starting point. However, we possessed one crucial asset: a positive mindset and unwavering courage.
The Track Making
Mr. Govinda requested support from higher government sports officials for a JCB backhoe loader and helpers. We explored various locations around the stadium in Hetauda, the capital of Bagmati Province, and finally chose the proposed cricket ground, which connected a jungle path to an under-construction running track in front of the football stadium. The government personnel allocated the JCB, but it immediately experienced a technical failure and required maintenance. We considered doing the work by hand but were in a dilemma. Everything had to be completed by 2 PM the next day, as the participants were scheduled to arrive by then.
Experiencing as Laborer
Now it was the next day, the day of the autocross event. The JCB allocated to us had already malfunctioned and was under maintenance. Additionally, the two laborers assigned to us were either unskilled or lazy. We were uncertain how to evaluate the situation. Both of us were genuinely confused about how to accomplish everything.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.” This saying proved true for us. Players from the Pokhara Riders Club approached us—they were good colleagues too—and offered their help. They assisted us in staking bamboo poles to mark the track boundaries. Mr. Govinda, who was later supposed to act as an official steward, took on the role of a laborer, we started digging holes and hammering the poles, started supporting those two hired laborers.
All the boys from the Pokhara Riders Club joined in, and I visualized the track layout in my mind. Finally, the safety barriers were in place.
However, we faced one last significant challenge: a fallen tree lay across the track. While the public had taken the branches, the large wings and smaller branches still obstructed the path and needed to be cleared. We had two options: either change the track route or remove the cut pieces of the tree. We were drenched in sweat and looked like laborers ourselves. Just then, the JCB came back to life. Thank God! We requested the driver to come and remove the cut pieces of the tree and clear some pathways. The driver complied willingly, giving us a cheerful, yellowish smile.
“Throttling Up: Auto Cross Launch – A Prelude to Victory, TSD Rally Finale
The TSD rally was exhilarating, with fog and rain in the mountains creating an eerie nighttime atmosphere even at 3 PM. Mr. Rajan Piya, head of the rally organizer committee, vividly described the thrilling scenes, where narrow roads and a queue of vehicles with hazard lights added to the adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Debut of Autocross in Nepal
It was April 18th, a historical day. All the participants returned safely, along with the marshals. The medical team stood ready at the autocross venue, and a dedicated team of volunteers awaited their instructions. I have instructed the team to gear up in proper safety clothing and ensure the track is clear. Trained marshals were briefed on their roles and the event locations amidst the dusty track.
There were no restrictions on vehicle capacity; the event was open to all categories. I led the demonstration drive, guiding participants through the 1.5 km track. They followed closely, observing every turn and obstacle before being given the chance to compete solo.
The fastest drivers were honored with cups and medals amidst cheers and applause from the audience.
The event was graced by the presence of the provincial government’s sports head, prominent business figures from the city, and other notable personalities. The evening concluded with the official launch of autocross in Nepal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s motorsport history.”
The First -Autocross Championship -2024
Mr. Govinda Bhattarai and I returned via the Kanti Highway, navigating through extremely bad weather at night. The tiredness and dangerous hilly roads made the journey even more challenging. We discussed our main concern: the lack of championships among professionals. We deliberated extensively and formulated a plan of action. I promised him that I would conduct the event.
The NMRF (Nepal Motorsports and Road Safety Federation), a club where I serve as the General Secretary, held a discussion about organizing the first-ever autocross event in Nepal. The Vice President, Mr. Amarjyoti Ranjit, and the President, Mr. Dipak Acharya, other important officials of our club Mr. Chunky Chettri and Mr Roshan Shrestha joined hands and agreed to support and conduct the event. It was agreed that I would lead the program. Now, NMRF is ready to march forward with this exciting initiative.
TSD and Heritage Rally
We planned to promote our heritage as well, finalizing the event to be conducted in two major segments: the TSD rally and the autocross. All the cars would navigate through the heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley before reaching the venue. I always had a vision of doing something extraordinary for this place, so I approached the Ward-15 chairman of Chandragiri to see if the Chandragiri municipality would partner with us for the event. This was a historic move, and the ward chairman approached the mayor, who approved the proposal.
Our next concern was where to hold the event in Chandragiri. I found a suitable ground in the middle of Chandragiri Hill, specifically in Chandragiri Ward 6. The ward granted permission, despite some local youth attempting to create problems and posting nonsense on social media to stop the event. However, this was a minor issue compared to our enthusiasm. We are the only FIA-affiliated organization in Nepal for motorsports activities, and we chose that ground confidently.
Now, the challenge was immense: conducting such an event in the hilly zone with 25 participants required around 50 volunteers, trained marshals, or officials. We successfully collaborated with various youth clubs, including Beast Nepal Riders Club, Motorsports Club of Nepal. Their support was invaluable and exceeded all expectations. Promos were aired across all social media platforms, garnering thousands of views. A big screen display in the heart of the city marked a historic moment for motorsport promotion in Nepal.
Mr. Amar, our Vice President, took on the responsibility of designing and preparing the awards. He did an excellent job, completing everything on time. Mr. Binod, the designated head of marshals for the event, trained 20 fresh youth for marshalling duties. The pre-briefing was conducted the day before the event, accompanied by a dinner. Despite not having any sponsors, we viewed this as another success story. All preparations were completed, and GPS devices were fitted.
The inauguration was scheduled to be conducted by the former Minister of Education and current MP of Nepal, along with sports delegates. The autocross event was set to be inaugurated by the mayor of Chandragiri, who would take a circuit round in a rally car.
The Hurdles
The Ward 6 chairman supported us by clearing the track with a JCB up to the ground at Chandragiri. We brought all the necessary tires, constructed the track, and finalized the layout for the final and selection rounds of the event. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the venue, I saw that all the tires we had arranged the previous day were thrown around, and the track was a mess. I asked my boys from Wild Beast Nepal not to argue with anyone but to simply rearrange everything, and we did it. Thanks to the foolishness of those who caused the mess, we were even more determined.
The Prayer
I was fervently praying to God for no rain during the two critical days: the day before and the day of the event. The path to the track was very difficult, a slippery, muddy road just opened by the JCB. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. It rained continuously until 3 AM, and I feared the autocross would be canceled. But, miraculously, the rain stopped after 3 AM. The minister arrived, and we lined up. Ambulances and safety measures were in place, and marshals were at their posts. Finally, the MOSROS Heritage Rally began with the flag-off by former minister and current MP, Honorable Shishir Khanal, along with other sports delegates.
The Inauguration of Autocross
The inauguration of the autocross was a memorable event. The Chandragiri’s mayor Mr. Ghanshyam Giri sat in my car, and, Mr. Krishna Khadgi, the respected spokesperson of Chandragiri, Ghanashyam Luitel, Pralhad Risal and Sanjaya sigdel ward chair of 15, 08 ,06 and other delegates in vintage cars, all revolving around the autocross ground as a symbol of the official launch. This act marked the beginning of a new era in Nepalese motorsports.
The Autocross Venue
I hurriedly took a shortcut to the autocross venue, arranged for the JCB, and had the road repaired again. A special thanks to Ward 6 chairman, Mr. Sanjaya Sigdel—your support is highly recognized in motorsports in Nepal.
The Race
Finally, all the participants arrived at the wet, Muddy slippery Autocross ground-track after completing the TSD rally. The races, including a novice category for beginners and a national level for advanced participants, were conducted successfully, making history. There were no accidents, ensuring the safety of all involved, which demonstrated that this sport is sustainable and suitable for Nepal.
Hundreds of spectators shouted and cheered in support of their players. The valley ground, surrounded by dense forest, created a picturesque scene, with even the wild creatures seemingly surprised and curious about the event. It was a truly beautiful and memorable setting for the historic occasion.
The Conclusion
The mayor, acting as the chief guest, presented the awards. The event highlighted that Chandragiri must adopt this sport for the development of the municipality.
Despite all the hurdles, my voice almost gave out from speaking so much—instructing the crowd, arranging training, and acting as the MC at the closing ceremony. But the story ended with immense happiness and joy. Looking back, it wasn’t just about organizing an event; it was about bringing a dream to life, a dream that many thought was impossible. Standing there, watching the smiles and excitement of participants and spectators alike, I realized that this was just the beginning. The journey of motorsports in Nepal has a long road ahead, and it is paved with the enthusiasm and dedication of countless individuals who believe in its potential.
As I stood on that dusty track, drenched in sweat and exhaustion, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment. We had done it. We had made history. And for that, I am deeply grateful to all the supporters, viewers, and every single person who stood by me, putting their hands on my shoulders, sharing the weight and the triumph of this incredible journey. Together, we proved that with passion, perseverance, and a united spirit, anything is possible.
(Anil K. Baral is a PhD Scholar, Vice President of NASA Nepal, and an international motorsports player who represented Nepal at the highest level in France in 2022.)
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