Naren Kumar wins National Rally Championship

Naren Kumar strengthened his credentials as the champion rally driver of the country when he drove away to his sixth National Rally Championship after winning the WIAA Rallye De Goa 2006, the final round of the Motorsports Association of India's Indian National Rally Championship, in Panaji, Goa, on Sunday.

Riding easy with an overnight lead of 1 minute 20 seconds over third-placed Karandeep Singh of Team MRF, Naren kept himself in the fray without unnecessarily pushing his machine and finished the eight stages with a timing of 1:11.24, eleven seconds ahead of teammate Gaurav Gill/Farooq Ahmed (1:11.35).

Team MRF's Lohit Urs finished overall third in 1:13.04, while Karandeep Singh was fourth in 1:13.26.

The 1400 cc category saw Girijashankar Joshy hold on to his huge overnight lead to win the title in Goa and with it the national crown.

The same was the case in the Rally Star Cup, with Rajesh Gadakh/Paritosh Kohok winning this round and with it the national title.

Naren Kumar took his points' tally to 45. The six-time National champion described his 2006 campaign as "incredible".

"There were just too many ups and downs this season and I am very satisfied with my win," said Naren.

Asked about his strategy going into the race, Naren said, "I had to finish ahead of Karandeep in both the legs and hope somebody would settle between me and him. That happened yesterday, after which it was a no contest."