GO, GIRL, GO (KART)!

The Challenge, in its second year of running, aims to unearth talent in gokarting, wherein youngsters in the age group of 12-16 years are allowed to participate in an 'open' field wherein boys and girls are pitted against each other.

And as if finishing second was not enough heartbreak for the lass, the 'grand final' race scheduled at Powai, Mumbai turned out to be a cruel blow of fate for the Vikhe Patil girl. Imagine, bumping into a back marker five laps from the finish not due to her own fault, but because the competitor moved across not realizing the leaders were closing in. To complicate matters, the collision launched her kart in the air, spinning it around mid-air, only to land facing the wrong direction! All this after starting on pole in the final and not forgetting opening up a 1.5 second lead over Bangalore's Sandeep.

The result of this on-track situation meant losing dropping to fourth position. However, the gritty girl turned around for a spirited drive wherein she managed to cover up a commendable two places. A gutsy Abha said, "It was a good race and I was hoping to win. It was just bad luck that I faced a back marker." For the record, Abha, just two years into the sport -- for the second time fell short of the top spot. In 2007, she finished in the runners-up position in the National championship.

Abha, who trains under the watchful eye of eight-time champion Rayomand Banajee, has grown in leaps and bounds inspite of very little racing activity through 2008. Mumbai's run was possible after just three days of training with Rayo Racing prior to the event. With Banajee claiming the run was, "no less than fantastic," details like qualifying eighth overall, making it past the knock-out rounds and qualifying on pole justify Abha's determination.

Despite the setback, Abha's won a 75 per cent funded scholarship, courtesy, Amaron to drive in the JK Tyre Rotax Karting Championship. Now, that is big for it will be the ideal opportunity for Abha to drive in India's highest level of karting. "Abha has been very dedicated and with this opportunity, she can get the rest of the funding. It is an ideal opportunity for her," added Banajee, the reigning Rotax Senior Champion, who doubles up as her mentor. For Abha, the feat was commendable going by the fact that the sport is male-dominated. Moreover, not always do girls finish ahead of all the boys, well almost, in this case.