Racing fraternity in a state of mourning over Ashwin Sundar's demise

Racing fraternity in a state of mourning over Ashwin Sundar's demise

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The tragic death of Ashwin Sundar, who passed away yesterday after his car crashed into a tree, came across as a bitter shock to the racing community. After crashing, the 27-year-old's BMW caught fire and the racer and his wife Niveditha were unable to escape the car.

Sundar was a former national champion who had won national titles in both the two-wheel and four-wheel formats. He was a part of the superstar Indian racer Narain Karthikeyan's F1 team Speed NK racing. He assisted the F1 racer in the late 2000's. On hearing the news Narain expressed his sadness at the incident adding what a great loss Sunder was for the Indian motorsport federation.

"When we started at the racing academy, he was one of the drivers shortlisted from 30. He raced for two years with us and went on to win the Formula one Rolon Chevrolet title in 2009," he said, reported The Hindu.

"It is extremely sad and unfortunate what has happened, and I still can't believe it."

Sunder's fellow competitors who had raced against the young talent were shocked at the sudden turn of events. One of Sundar's arch rival Saran Vikram Tmars, who had been competing against him since 1999, remembered the last time he competed with the proficient racer in the JK national racing championship last year.  

"He was easily the finest, a complete package. I can’t believe this. He used to tell his friends, ‘when someone is sitting with you, always drive carefully. It is a great loss for motorsports," stated Saran adding that Sundar was a safe driver who had control over his driving and it was difficult for him to believe that he was driving rashly.

Armaan Ebrahim, too, was shocked on hearing this tragic news. He mentioned about the times he competed with the talented lad and was amazed at the skills he possessed both in the two-wheeler and four-wheeler racing formats. “We grew up together and entered Formula LGB racing at the same time in 2004. He was exceptionally talented and was good on both two and four-wheelers. I am extremely shocked to hear this,” Ebrahim said.

Gokul Krishna, a veteran to the Indian motorsports fraternity, mentioned about the great racing skills that Sudar possessed.   

He stated,"I drove against him from 2010-2013 in the Formula Swift category in the JK Tyre National Championship. He was very confident of his abilities. And that reflected in his attitude on track. "

Former F3 Champions and president of the FMSCI, Akbar Ebrahim, expressed his deepest condolences and was said that he was greatly disturbed on getting the unfortunate news. He added that he knew Sunder when he was just a newborn and had seen him grow and excel in motorsports and termed his death as a huge loss to the Indian racing fraternity.

"Tragic news. Ashwin Sundar, a fine young man who excelled in all formats of motorsports is no more. It's hard to digest. Known him since an infant when he took to the sport and was always thrilled to see him perform in all the disciplines. It's sad. Really really sad. Rest in peace Ashwin and his wife(Niveditha). May god bless both your souls," Ebrahim said via social media.

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