In a conversation with Autocar India late last year, Arindam Ghosh, the president of the FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India), disclosed plans to introduce cross car racing in India. Marking a significant advancement towards this ambition, J A Motorsport has unveiled its latest creation, the XCL2 cross car, designed to enhance accessibility to off-road racing.
- In-house development by J A Motorsport, reducing costs
- Focused on making off-road racing more accessible
Understanding Cross Car Racing
FMSCI President Declares Cross Car Racing as the Future of Indian Motorsport
Cross car racing features compact off-road buggies powered by motorcycle engines, with competitions held on a variety of surfaces including autocross tracks, dirt ovals, and rallycross venues, or even in stadiums. It serves as a preliminary stage in motorsport for numerous rally and rallycross drivers worldwide. The lower cost of building and maintaining these cross cars establishes it as an exemplary format for aspiring racers to develop their abilities.
This is the motivation behind the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) launching the ‘Affordable Cross Car’ initiative, which contributed to the creation of the J A Motorsport XCL2. The initiative aims to diminish entry barriers by supplying national sporting authorities with design templates, encouraging local producers to manufacture cross cars with regionally-sourced materials and parts, thereby lowering costs and decreasing dependency on international suppliers.
Traditionally, cross car racing includes both senior and junior divisions, and the FIA has recently introduced two additional classes below the main categories. The first is Level 1, designated as the entry-level for novice racers, while the second is the intermediate Level 2, tailored for beginner competitions or recreational racing.
In discussions with Autocar India last year, Arindam Ghosh emphasized that cross car racing represents “the future of motorsport,” not only in India but also on an international scale. He also hinted at the possibility of developing a single-spec championship, which could potentially act as a support series for the Indian National Rally Championship.
Specifications of the J A Motorsport XCL2 Cross Car
Equipped with the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Engine
The XCL2 cross car by J A Motorsport is constructed following the FIA’s Level 2 design specifications. It is powered by the liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine from the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, delivering 40hp and 40Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The vehicle’s roll cage meets FIA safety standards and includes an adjustable steering wheel with a quick-release feature, a hydraulic handbrake, an eight-liter fuel tank, MRF cross car tires, FIA-approved racing seats, and a six-point harness.
A significant portion of the vehicle has been crafted in-house at J A Motorsport, allowing for substantial cost reductions. Although testing is still in progress, the XCL2 could potentially compete in the upcoming national cross car racing championship if it is established. Given its competitive price point, J A Motorsport is also exploring opportunities to export the cross car to international teams.
