CHENNAI: Biker Dilip Rogger’s debut in the German circuit was not an exceedingly commemorative affair. He finished 13th in the Duke Battle race and 30th in the Endurance race. But considering this was his maiden stint at the German circuit and he was driving 1200cc twin cylindered RC 8 for the first time, his performances evince promise.
The 24-year-old spent the first day getting accustomed to his new bike and the conditions. Since Dilip needed more practice, KTM had booked additional entries to get more track time during practice. In the first run, Dilip’s lap timings were average (1.44 to 1.40 sec). But he got precious practice ahead of the race. On the second day, he got more track time and finished 22nd among 32 racers in the Duke Battle segment. He also practiced with the endurance bike and improved his timing (1.37 secs). Buoyed by this performance, he drove appreciably in the Duke Battle race next day. A good start ensured him a 13th spot. However, he skipped the second Duke Battle race as the four-hour endurance race was scheduled soon after it.
It was a bad start. The configurations of the bikes in 1st gear for a fast take off failed to operate resulting in delay by a minute and started off last in the Endurance race. But Dilip picked up and clocked an average speed of 119 kmph despite the traffic. He clocked the highest of 250 kmph with an average lap time of 1.38 seconds. He was 30th among 36 bikers when his partner Thomas Kuttruff took over from him. The team ended up in the 42nd spot and finished 128 laps, the best being 1.38.369 on the 106th lap.
Lauding Dilip’s efforts Kuttruff said, “It was a pleasure to be in touch with such a nice person and talented, super focused racer by heart. We are looking forward to be part of his career. hings will develop in future. Dilip is ready to race.” .
Dilip was ebullient after the race. “It was my dream race in Europe and the endurance race gave me more awareness about world class racing. Riders in Europe are very fast and I have learned more on their riding techniques and style. It was a great opportunity for me and a life-time experience,” he said.
