The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India President R Bharath Raj passed away here on Saturday.
He was 56 and is survived by his wife.
Raj, who was also the Chairman of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club, was a mine owner by profession but his passion was in motorsport.
His company, IMG Sports, has been sponsoring the K-1000 for some time now. IMG Sports was also the promoter of the Indian National Rally Championship for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons. He was also trying to get Asia-Pacific Rally to India.