TVS Racing goes electric with Apache RTE bike race

 History will be scripted in the fourth round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 to be held at the Madras International Circuit on Sept 29-Oct 1 with the debut of a battery-powered electric two-wheeler, specifically developed for track racing, and the first of its kind in the country.
The TVS Apache RTE (Racing Throttle Electric) will be seen in action with eight hand-picked riders astride the 200cc bikes in a separate category called TVS E Invitation Race. These e-bikes will feature in two practice and qualifying-practice sessions of 12 minutes apiece to decide the grid for the four-lap race slated for Sunday.  
The weekend programme also features races in the National Championship Pro-Stock Open (301-400cc and 165cc), Novice (Stock 165cc) and Girls (Stock 165cc) classes besides the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship (301-400cc Open and Girls) and Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (NSF 250R).
In all, 18 races are scheduled for the round that has attracted over 150 entries in keeping with the trend this season.
MMSC President Ajit Thomas said: “It is the sign of times that TVS Racing is introducing the race-spec Apache RTE to herald the electric era in the championship and we wish them every success in this landmark venture.''