Tata Motors today announced the final 12 Indian truck racers, who will compete in the SUPER CLASS category of Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2016, at the internationally acclaimed Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, on March 20, 2016.

Selected under the first-ever T1 Racer Program (TRP), by Tata Motors the new Indian Truck Driver Race selection and training program, was based on the company’s strategic objective of making the profession of truck driving aspirational and at the same time act as a catalyst to induct drivers into the commercial vehicles profession. These Indian Truck Drivers have been selected from a pool of truck drivers who are employed with Tata Motors’ key customers, from all over the country.

Like in the earlier years, Season 3 of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship will continue to host experienced international drivers representing six teams, featuring 12 Tata PRIMA race trucks, built for the purpose. T1 2016 will host two race categories, with four races –

• Two SUPER CLASS – Comprising of Indian race truck drivers
• Two PRO CLASS – Two Pro Class – Comprising of Internationally acclaimed drivers with proven experience in the field of truck racing

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said,“Trucking is vitally important to the nation’s economy and the T1 Racer Program has been designed to help put a name and face to the men, who deliver essential commodities across the country every day. Since inception in 2014, with the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, we made a conscious decision to give Indian drivers an opportunity to be part of this prestigious event, and today, we have the final 12. We are proud to have collaborated with our customers for a shared vision in promoting the profession of truck driving and are excited and honored to have these individuals, as the newest members of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP.”

Mr. R. Ramakrishnan, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Planning and Customer Value

Creation, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “In season 1 we created history, by hosting the very first truck race here in India. In season 2, we showcased race trucks that were ‘Bigger, Better & Faster’. In season 3, Tata Motors is unfolding a new chapter in the history of Indian trucking, with a theme of ‘India to the World’ involving Indian talent, and is all set to create history yet again, in the one of the world largest commercial vehicle markets. With the T1 Racer Program having attracted over 550 nominations from our customers’ businesses, the ones shortlisted through the program today, are based on driving experience, average kilometers driven in a year, along with the experience of negotiating different terrains. We wish our 12 finalist the very best.”

The 12 Indian drivers selected for the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP are –

While Season 3 will witness Indian drivers competing in black PRIMA race trucks, which are identical to each other – in look and build, the 12 coloured trucks competing in the PRO CLASS of the T1 PRIMA TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 3, will represent six teams, who participated in the previous two seasons of the championship, with one new team. Following are the teams and their drivers – 

Tata Motors has also partnered with some of the country’s leading automotive brands, for Season 3 of the T1 PRIMA Truck Racing Championship. These are –

1. WABCO – Official Braking Technology Partner
2. JK Tyre – Official Tyre Partner
3. Castrol – Official Lubricant Partner
4. Cummins – Official Engine Technology Partner
5. Tata Motors Finance – Official Commercial Vehicle Financing Partner
6. Tata Technologies – Official Technology Partner