A somber mood settled over the Rally of Coimbatore, the third round of the Blueband-FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) for four wheelers, as the motorsport community grappled with the tragic loss of driver K.V. Premlal. The 47-year-old driver from Kannur, representing Team Chettinad Sporting, suffered a cardiac arrest while on the transport section of the rally. His co-driver, K.R. Rishikesh, who is also a doctor, valiantly attempted to resuscitate Premlal but unfortunately, his efforts were unsuccessful.
The sudden and unexpected demise of Premlal sent shockwaves through the rally community, leaving a void that will be deeply felt. Tributes poured in from fellow drivers, organizers, and fans, expressing their heartfelt condolences to his family. The rally, a testament to speed and skill, was momentarily eclipsed by the somber reality of life’s fragility. The focus shifted from the thrill of the competition to the profound grief of losing a member of their motorsport family. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with motorsports and the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being.
