Daijiworld Media Network - Spain
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Oct 7: Kavin Samaar Quintal, a 19-year-old racer from Chennai, has etched his name in Indian motorsport history by becoming the first Indian rider to secure a top-four finish in Spain’s prestigious Copa de España de Velocidad Superbike championship.
Racing as a wildcard entry at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Kavin delivered an electrifying performance aboard a BMW M1000RR, finishing fourth out of a grid of 29 riders. Despite a crash during the race, his final time of 14:20.782 showcased his grit, talent, and tenacity on a track known for hosting world-class MotoGP and Formula One events.
Kavin’s entry was backed by Gaman Racing Global Service, based in Teruel, and he represented the EasyRace Team. He competed in a fiercely contested field that included elite machines from Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and BMW.
The event, held from October 3 to 5, saw Kavin return for a second race, where he finished 7th, underscoring his ability to quickly adapt to the aggressive pace and precision of European superbike racing. Spain’s Daniel Saez won the race aboard a Yamaha.
“This race was a dream come true,” said Kavin. “Racing at Jerez sharpened my skills and gave me invaluable experience. I’m grateful to EasyRace and Gaman Racing for the chance to represent India on this platform.”
Born in 2005, Kavin currently races for Honda Racing India in the Asia Road Racing Championship (AP250 class). His resume already includes pioneering moments — he was the first Indian to race in the World Supersport 300 Championship (Czech Republic, 2024), and he also competed in the FIM JuniorGP the same year.
Back home, he is best known for winning the Indian Honda Talent Cup NSF 250R in 2021 and for his solid runs in the Asia Talent Cup. Racing is in his blood — his grandfather, Pratap Kumar, once competed at the historic Sholavaram circuit near Chennai.
Speaking about his son’s breakthrough, Calvin Quintal, Kavin’s father, said, “This is a turning point. Competing at Jerez puts Kavin on the radar of global racing. It’s an international platform for Indian talent.”
Eduardo Salvador, team manager at BMW EasyRace, praised the teen’s debut: “Kavin’s performance speaks volumes. We see immense potential in him — he has the mindset, the speed, and the skill to build a long-term international career.”
As Indian motorsport eyes a place on the global stage, Kavin Quintal’s rise could be the spark that inspires the next generation of riders.