NRT World Supersport Racing is set to become the world’s first Indian-owned professional motorbike racing team, but owner Vafi Khan says his side aren’t just here to make up the numbers.
NRT’s rapid rise is the result of motorbike-enthusiast Khan and his wife Yasmeen’s obsession with the Superbike World Championship, stemming from their involvement in the Motorcycle Nerds LLC garage.
Khan is an experienced rider himself, so he knows a thing or two about motivating his team to success.
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation, it’s about impact, influence and inspiration,” Khan said.
“For the 2018/19 campaign, we're aiming for the top spot at the WorldSBK."
NRT will build on the previous success of their sister team, Nerds, but will compete solely in the World Superbike Championship.
The side boast experienced riders in 28-year-old Frenchman, Jules Cluzel – runner up in the 2016 Moto2 World Championship – and up-and-coming Austrian, Thomas Gradinger.
Co-owner Yasmeen believes that NRT can serve as an inspiration for Indian motorbike enthusiasts, and act as a groundbreaker for the sport’s profile in the world’s second biggest country.
“(As) the first, very proud Indians to own a team, we aim to be an inspiration for all and provide a great platform for recognition to the Indian bikers all over,” she said.
NRT will kick off their debut season in style at Phillip Island from 23-25 February, with a few nervous superbike teams sure to be peering over their shoulders at the confident new entrants.
