Dhoni is all set to start racing school

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M.S. Dhoni’s penchant for speed saw him venture into international motorsport and now India’s cricket captain is ready to zoom ahead by launching a bike racing school in the country.

The announcement is expected at the official unveiling of Dhoni’s motorsport venture, Mahi Racing Team India (earlier known as MSD R-N Racing), in Mumbai next week. The racing school is likely to be based in the south as Chennai and Coimbatore boast of affordable race circuits.

The change of name from MSD to Mahi Racing was prompted by practical reasons as Europe — the hub of racing — are not aware of the cricket superstar’s acronym, according to Amit Sandil, director and principal of the team.

Sandil also rubbished rumours that the earlier name of MSD was a common acronym for M.S.Dhoni and M. Sai Deep, a former international bike racer from Andhra Pradesh. The grapevine had it that the racing team was the brainchild of Sai Deep, who is also part of the team management. But Sandil has denied this. “I can confirm that Dhoni is one of the four directors of the team and R-N stands for Rhiti Sports (Dhoni’s management firm) and Telugu superstar Nagarjuna. Dhoni couldn’t come to see the races this season owing to his packed schedule, but he’s keeping track of all the developments. He will be there at the 2013 season opener to be held at Philip Island (Australia) if it’s not clashing with his cricket duties,” he said.

Bolstered by their new high-profile signings, Mahi Racing will be gunning for the championship when they compete in their first full season at the 2013 World Superbike Championship (Super sport category).

“As a factory team of Kawasaki, we have roped in three-time champion Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret (who finished fourth). Having signed champion riders, expectations are going to be really high and winning the title is our target. We are also excited about racing at the Buddh International Circuit where the second round of the championship is scheduled for March 10,” he added.

Sandil said Turkish rider Sofuoglu, the reigning champ, and Frenchman Foret will also be involved with the racing school. The new riders will be testing the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R during the official winter testing.