11 December 2011, JEMPOL - The Flying Sikh wrapped up the fourth and final round of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan today to finish unbeaten over two days of rallying which in the end also gave him the overall crown too.
His two victories in Jempol over the weekend saw him collect a total of 44 points over the four roundsof competition held in Johor Baharu in April; Kangar in July; Malacca in November and then Negeri Sembilan with defending champion Rafiq Udhaya finishing second on a total of 42 points.
Karamjit who drives under the GSR Pennzoil bannercame to Jempol trailing Rafiq by two points and deep inside knows what needed to be done.
Obviously he responded to the occasion and conquered the opening day on Saturday in the 63.5km stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer. And again he was in fiery form yesterday, sweeping past all and sundry in the 46km stage to finish unbeaten again.
All in all Karamjit and his Indian co-driver Viviek Ponnusamy clocked a total time of 1 hr 36min 13.2secs while Rafiq and his partner Sean Gregory in a Subaru Impreza, who finished second on both days, returned a total time of 1hr 42mins 25.5secs.
Third overall is Mike and Manuthi Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria in a time of 1 hr 46 mins 09.5secs.
"It has been a long hard season. I am happy that I have picked up title No 12 but it would not have been possible without the help of my teamates support.
"It was a team effort and I am looking forward to title No 13 next year. I believe I still have a few more years lef t of rallying in me," said the 48-year old Karamjit.
For Rafiq, losing the crown doesn't mean he is a loser either.
"I lost to a better driver. Simple as that. Karamjit is an extraordinary rally driver and to lose to him is no shame at all. Hopefully next year we will try to win the crown again." he added.
And the organiser of the Malaysian Rally, Wheel Sport Management, has annnounced that
the 2012 season will have five rounds instead of the present four, a development which has earned the praise of the competitors.
Five is just ideal. Four is a bit too little is the response from those who are taking part.
-ends.
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