Bangalore, August 15: The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India President Mr R Bharath Raj passed away late in the afternoon on Saturday.

He was also the Chairman of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club.

He was 56 and is survived by his wife.

He was a very successful mine owner by profession but his passion was in motorsport.

Raj had taken it upon himself to work for the betterment of motorsport and the KMSC, which he supported and sponsored for many years. He was also the past president of the KMSC.

His company, IMG Sports, has been sponsoring the K-1000 for some time now. Last year, he was full of enthusiasm as the KMSC conducted the 40th edition of the K-1000. In fact, he would personally supervise all preparations for the famed rally.

IMG Sports was the promoter of the Indian National Rally Championship for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons. His dream was to get the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and World Rally Championship to India and he put in his best efforts on those two fronts.