One-hand driver dirt track champion
Rare feat
Overcoming the physical handicap, Diwakar from Mudigere has emerged as a champion through his sheer hard work and driving skill, at state-level dirt track rally, organised by Automative Sports Club and Indian Motor Sports Club Federation, in Chikmagalur on Saturday. 
When four-wheelers geared up, hitting the maximum speed on their speedometers, the enthusiastic spectators were equally thrilled cheering their lungs out in support of their favourite driver.
The rally was held near Hiremagalur Bypass curve. Diwakar has won highest points in 1400 cc (2 minutes 24.44 second), and Indian Open category (2.24 min) by overtaking A Shabeer (2 minute, 24.31 seconds) and Shafiq-Ur- Rehman (2 minute, 24.41 seconds).
In 1,300 CC category, his Esteem car had broke down in the middle and could not complete the rally.
He had lost his right hand when the hand was caught in coffee pulper machine.
However, the disability has never come in the way of his race. He has won several medals in the state-level rallies.
Veena Mysore and Asma from Chikmagalur were the only two women who had taken part in the rally.
In the bike rally on Sunday, top rallyists like Tanveer, Srihari, Babankhan will take part. More than 150 rallyists will take part in eight categories.
Winners
Indian Open: Diwakar Mudigere (I), A R Shabber (II) and Shafiq-Ur-Rehman (III).
800 cc— Ashok Mudigere (I). Sayyed Mukram (II) and A R Shabber (III).
800 cc Novice— Faruq Hussain (I), Surendra Babu (II).
801 to 1001 cc— A R Shabber (I), Mohammed Farooq (II).
801- 1001 cc novice—Harshad
1,300 cc— Viresh Gowda Kalasa (I), Amen (II) and Sayyed Mukram (III).
1,300 cc novice—Faruq Hussain (I), Obula Reddy (II)
1,400 cc —Diwakar (I), Amen (II) and Shafiq-Ur-Rehman (III).
Dirt track
“Chikmagalur is known for adventure sports and rallies. I will make an effort to sanction land for holding dirt track,” said Higher Education Minister C T Ravi.
Speaking after flagging off state-level dirt track rally, organised by Automative Sports Club and Indian Motor Sports Club Federation, in Chikmagalur on Saturday, the Minister said that Chikmagalur should host international -level rally in the future.
