Chennai, Sep 14 (IANS): With a fastest lap timing and leading the race until few corners from the finish, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tiger’s Ruhaan Alva slipped to third position with a gearbox malfunction and home favourite Chennai Turbo Rider’s Jon Lancaster, made the best of the opportunity to finish on the top step of the podium on Day One of the third round of the Indian Racing Festival at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.

The 35-year-old Lancaster from UK and representing Chennai Turbo Riders in this franchise-based Indian Racing League championship, was running about four seconds behind Alva (Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers) in the last lap of the race (A Driver), but lady luck smiled on him when disaster struck Alva a few corners from the finish, allowing him to take the win ahead of Czech Republic’s Gabriela Jilkova (Goa Aces JA Racing). Alva, who had started from pole position and built a winning lead, managed to limp home in third place in a race that was his to lose.

With a win in sight and less than a lap left for the finish, the 18-year-old Ruhaan came across a car that had spun across the track. He slowed down and passed the stricken car only to meet with disaster as the engine spluttered and the gear got stuck in third. It allowed Lancaster and Jilkova to pass him.

At the start, Alva made a good getaway while his team-mate, Malaysian Allister Yoongdropped two spots from P2 as Lancaster and Jilkova slipped past in the very first lap. Their positions remained unchanged until the last lap when Alva blew away a certain victory.

“You got to take the opportunities,” was how Lancaster commented after the win.