INDIA in F1

Category: Founding Members

  • India gets first Grade-1 Karting circuit as MIKA receives CIK-FIA certification

    India gets first Grade-1 Karting circuit as MIKA receives CIK-FIA certification

    Chennai, 8 April 2025: The Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) in Sriperumbudur, near here, received the highly coveted CIK-FIA Grade-1 certification, thus placing the facility among the elite karting circuits in the World.

    The circuit, measuring 1.17km, is the longest karting track in India with a multiple-track configuration suitable for competitive racing and leisure activities. The track was inaugurated by former World champion Mika Hakkinen in September 2024 and later hosted the final round of the Indian National Rotax Max Karting Championship in December 2024.

    Securing the licence is the culmination of months of designing, planning and efforts to develop a facility that conforms to global standards. The track layout has already received rave reviews about it being a driver’s delight, given the mix of sharp turns, high-speed straights, and elevation changes.

    The track was highly appreciated by elite drivers like double Formula 1 World champion Mika Hakkinen and India’s two F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. Karun played a key role in designing the track.

    The licence, dated April 8, is valid for three years and certified that the track fulfilled “the conditions and safety standards laid down by the CIK-FIA for the running of kart races held under CIK-FIA rules”. It was inspected by Willibald Zöttl, the CIK-FIA Technical Inspector for the Circuit and Safety Commissions.

    The circuit is located within the premises of the Madras International Circuit which boasts of a FIA Grade 2 racing track and is the hub of motor racing in India.

    The CIK-FIA licence considerably raises the profile of the MIKA circuit which will host a three-round Karting Karnival series in April-May.

    Reacting to the development, MMSC Vice-President Vicky Chandhok said: “When we first conceptualised MIKA circuit, the target was to develop an international standard track that can host global competitions besides offering a great platform for racing aspirants as well as a destination for leisure activities for families and corporates.”

  • fmsci 2024 champions in 14 Nationals awarded at gala function

    fmsci 2024 champions in 14 Nationals awarded at gala function

    Chennai, 22 March 2025: The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs in India (fmsci) conducted 14 National championships in various motorsports disciplines in the year 2024 which ended in December 2024. Following are the fmsci Champions for 2024. A total of 145 awards were presented to 121 winners (both individual and teams). At least, 17 motorsports athletes won more than one National Championship in 2024.

    Two historic and outstanding Indian records achieved in 2024 include the first National championship won by a female driver Diana Pundole of Pune in the male-dominated Indian motorsports world. She won the National title in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Championship last year in the saloon cars class. Competing on equal footing with men, she endured all the unsporting tactics used by her male opponents on the track and emerged as a successful lady champion taking all the setbacks in her stride. The other truly endearing achievement of the year is by Bangalore-based Hemanth Muddappa, who won three National titles to add to his dozen and became the most-celebrated and first Indian Motorsports athlete to win 15 National titles in the officially declared championships with “Indian National” status.

    From left: Sita Raina (Women in Motorsport Commission chairperson), Jagathishree (double champ, who recently underwent ankle surgery), Aishwarya Pissay (the only World Cup Baja champ in India), Jasmeet Kaur, Arindam Ghosh (fmsci president), Jyothi Iyengar, Tanika Shanbagh, Ryhana Bee, Diana Pundole, Pallavi Yadav, and Harshitha Gowda. (Misriya KS, The Dirt Track, ladies champion is missing in the group photo)

    The Federation presented the Outstanding Performance in the International field to Aishwarya Pissay, the first Indian to win a WORLD CUP (Baja) from India in motorsports. Two other ‘Outstanding Performances in International Motorsport’ Awards were presented to Sarthak Chavan for his exploits in MalaysiaSBK racing, and Sanjay Takale for their stunning performance in the international arena. Takale became the first Indian to complete Dakar in cars, in the Classic section.

    In a first-of-its-kind endeavour by the fmsci, the volunteers and officials were honoured here on Saturday at the Annual Awards ceremony. Speaking at the FMSCI Annual Awards function here, President Arindam Ghosh, a former attacking rally driver who won many an INRC round, lauded the efforts of the volunteers and officials for the smooth and flawless conduct of all the events.

    “The volunteers and officials are among the five connecting pillars of motorsports and they deserve all the accolades,’ Ghosh said. “The others are participants, officials, corporates and media. If all the five are inter-connected properly, motorsports will grow by leaps and bounds,” he added. He also informed the gathering about the substantial enhancements in bidding amounts for the events which shows the growing popularity of motorsports in India. “The bidding amounts have gone up from lakhs to crores,” Ghosh revealed.

    Among the officials and volunteers who were honoured at the FMSCI Annual Awards 2024 programme were Manoj P Dalal (Race Director), Subash H (Marshal), Gowthaman (Marshal), Dr. Paramesh Kumar (Doctor) and Shrirang Machhe (Competitor Relation Officer). Coimbatore Auto Sports Club bagged the award for the Best Marshal Team. 

    Legendary biker Bullet Bose (blue shirt) pats One Racing team principal and their star rider Jagathishree Kumaresan, who won both the Racing and Drag Nationals despite a serious ligament-tear injury. After finishing the events she went for surgery and is still under rehab and recovery. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan

    FMSCI also honoured and felicitated three drivers for their ‘Outstanding Performances in International Motorsport. They are Aishwarya Pissay, Sarthak Chavan and Sanjay Takale.

    Ashad Pasha, Amey Desai, Philippos Matthai and Muddappa were the star performers winning three Championship titles each. Meanwhile, Chennai schoolboy, 11-year-old Rivan Dev Preetham, continued his good show by winning the MECO fmsci Rotax Max National Karting Championship 2024. The Awards function was held under the guidance of the new President of fmsci, Arindam Ghosh, who was elected in September 2024, replacing Akbar Ebrahim.

    The champions from the 14 different National Championships of various motorsports disciplines organised by fmsci in 2024 in both two-wheelers and four-wheelers are given below:

    1. BUXUS PROSPORTS FMSCI Indian National TSD Rally Championship (4W) (Promoter ProSports); Sponsor Buxus.

    1. Overall Driver: Jogendra Kumar Jaiswal, INTSDRC Overall;

    2. Overall Navigator: Prakash Muthusamy, INSTDRC Overall;

    3. INTSDRC2 Driver: Uday Ganguli;

    4. INTSDRC2 Navigator: Rudrangsho Dey;

    5. INTSDRC Ladies: Jasmeet Kaur;

    6. INTSDRC navigator: Jyothi Iyengar;

    2. National Sprint Rally Championship for two-wheelers (Promoter FB Sports); Sponsor: Eurogrip;

    C1. Group A: Open upto 550cc: Rajendra RE;

    C2. Group A: Upto 550cc (private): Sinan Francis;

    C3. Group B: 131cc to 165cc: Varun Kumar;

    C4. Group B: 166 to 260cc: D Sachin Ignatius;

    C5. Group B: 261 to 400cc: Hemanth;

    C6. Group B: Bullet upto 550cc: Suhail Ahmed;

    C7. Group B: Scooter upto 210cc: Syed Asif Ali;

    C8. Group B: Ladies upto 260cc: Ryhana Bee A;

    C9. Group B: Veterans (above 50 years) upto 260cc: Mohammad Saeed Qureshi;

    C10. Group D: Upto 260cc: Sanjay Somashekar;

    C11. Group D: 261 to 450cc: Shajeer Ismail;

    Team champions: T2 Sports;

    3. Indian National Sprint Rally Championship for cars 2024  (Promoter FB Motorsport) Sponsor Eurogrip

    1. Rally Sprint5: Sravan Kumar Kuttoor;

    2. Rally Sprint4: Amey Desai;

    3. Rally Sprint3: Chandan Manche Gowda;

    4. Rally Sprint2: Philippos Matthai;

    5. Rally Sprint1: Philippos Matthai;

    6. Overall: Philippos Matthai;

    4. MRF fmsci Dirt Track Championship 2024 (2W) (Promoter GodSpeed; Sponsor MRF)

    1. Class 1: Group A, SX1 upto 500cc: Shlok Ghorpade;

    2. Class 2: Group A, SX2 upto 500cc: Manikandan K;

    3. Class 3: Group B, Indian Novice upto 260cc: Abhi S Nath;

    4. Class 4: Group B, Indian Experts upto 260cc:  Sachin D;

    5.  Class 5: Group B, Private Experts upto 260cc: Manikandan K;

    6. Class 6: Group B, Indian Experts261 to 550cc: Rajesh Swami;

    7. Class 7: Group A, Junior SX1 upto 250cc: Jinendra Sangave;

    8. Class 8: Group A, Junior SX2 upto 85cc: Akshat Hupale;

    9. Class 9: Group B, Scooters upto 210cc: Karthik N;

    10. Class10: Group B, Ladies upto 260cc: Misriya KS.

    5. fmsci Indian National Autocross Championship 2024 (4W)

    1. INAC1 Open Class C: Ashad Pasha;

    2. INAC1 Open Class B: Kiran KS;

    3. INAC2 Class C: Ashad Pasha;

    4. INAC2 Class B: Ashad Pasha;

    5. INAC2 OPEN: Raunak Jana;

    6. INAC3 Stock Class A: Amey Desai;

    7. INAC3 Stock Class B: Kushal Chaudhari;

    8. INAC3 Stock Class C: Amey Desai;

    9. INAC3 Stok OPEN: Kushal Chaudhari;

    10. INAC3 Stock Amateur: Nameer Pasha;

    11. INAC 4wd OPEN: Sravan Kumar Kuttoor;

    12. Ladies Open: Pallavi Shamrao Yadav.

    6. Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship (Promoter: MMSC)

    Four Stroke (Except mentioned)

    1. Super Sport 551 to 850cc: Mohammed Riyaz;

    2. Team Super Sport 551 to 850cc: Team Fast Track Racing;

    3. Super Sport 851 to 1050cc: Hemanth Muddappa;

    4. Team Super Sport 851 to 1050cc: Mantra Racing;

    5. Super Sport 1051 to 1650cc: Hemanth Muddappa;

    6. Team Super Sport 1051 to 1650cc: Mantra Racing;

    7. Unrestricted: Hemanth Muddappa;

    8. Team Unrestricted: Mantra Racing;

    9. Stock upto 165 Girls: Jagathishree;

    10. Team Stock upto 165 Girls: One Racing team;

    11. Super Sport Indian upto 165 cc: Bharathraj J;

    12. Team Super Sport Indian upto 165 cc: Rockers Racing;

    13. Two stroke Super Sport upto 130cc: Shahrukh Khan;

    14. Two stroke Team Super Sport upto 130cc: Team Big Boyz Racing;

    15. Two stroke Super Sport 131 to 165cc: Syed Imran;

    16. Two stroke Team Super Sport 131 to 165cc: Team Fast Track Racing;

    Four Stroke

    17. Super Sport 166 to 225cc: Prashanth S;

    18. Super Sport Indian 361 to 550cc: Shahrukh Khan

    19. Team Super Sport Indian 361 to 550cc: Mantra Racing.

    7. Indian National Drag Racing Championship for four wheelers

    (Promoter: Speedway Motorsports, Hyderabad in association with Vroom Motorsports, Bengaluru) Sponsor: Indian Oil Storm X

    1. Pro Stock 1151 to 1450cc: Narayan Swamy;

    2. Pro Stock 1451 to 1650cc: Mohammed Afaqh Ameen;

    3. Team Pro Stock 1451 to 1650cc: Race Concepts Motorsport;

    4. Pro Stock 1651 to 2050cc: Thrishal MS;

    5. Team Pro Stock 1651 to 2050cc: Tune O’ Tronics;

    6. Pro Stock 2051 to 2550cc: Shreyas Mahendra;

    7. TeamPro Stock 2051 to 2550cc: DB Motorspots;

    8. Pro Stock 3061 to 4002cc: Bradeep Raj;

    9. Team Pro Stock 3061 to 4002cc: Tune O’ Tronics;

    10. Pro Stock 4003 to 5100cc: Vishnu Sriram;

    11. Team Pro Stock 4003 to 5100cc: Harmonixx Tuning;

    12. Pro Stock Diesel  1651 CC to 2050cc: Ashwin Durai;

    13. Team Pro Stock Diesel  1651 CC to 2050cc: Tune O’ Tronics;

    14. Pro Stock Diesel 2551 to 3060cc: Vinod John;

    15. Team Pro Stock Diesel  2551 to 3060cc: Tune O’ Tronics;

    16. Indian Open upto 2750cc: Shreyas Mahendra;

    17. Team Indian Open upto 2750cc: Tune O Tronics;

    18. Indian Open upto 4002cc: Ashwin Durai;

    19. Team Indian Open upto 4002cc: Tune O Tronics;

    20. Indian Open Unlimited cc: Vivek Ramachander;

    21 Team Indian Open Unlimited cc: Tune O Tronics;

    22. Unrestricted Class: Vivek Ramachander;

    23 Team Unrestricted Class: Tune O Tronics;

    8. fmsci Indian National Rotax Max Karting Championship (Promoter Meco Motorsports)

    1. Micro Max champion: Rivaan Dev Preetham;

    2. Micro Max Team: MSport;

    3. Junior Max champion: Arafath Sheikh;

    4. Junior Max Team: Crest Motorsports;

    5. Senior Max champion: Ruhaan Alva;

    6. Senior Max Team: MSport;

    9. MRF MoGrip National Rally Championship 2024 (2w) (Promoter GodSpeed); Sponsor: MRF;

    1. Group A: Super Bike – Pro Expert: Rajendra RE;

    2. Group A: Super Bike -Expert: Nataraj R;

    3. Group B: Super Sport 165cc: Abdul Raheman;

    4. Group B: Super Sport 260cc: Imran Pasha;

    5. Group B: Super Sport 400cc: Rajesh Swami;

    6. Group B: Super Sport 550cc: Suhail Ahmed;

    7. Group B: Scooters upto 210cc: Syed Asif Ali;

    8. Group B: Women: Tanika Shanbagh;

    9. Group D: Super Stock upto 450cc: Shivam Thakur;

    10. Blueband Sports FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2024 (4W)

    1. Overall champion driver: Karna Kadur;

    2. Overall champion co-driver: Musa Sherif;

    3. Overall champion TEAM: Arka Motorsports;

    4. INRC2 Driver champ: Aditya Thakur;

    5. INRC2 Co-driver champ: Virender Kashyap;

    6. INRC2 Team champion: Chettinad Sporting;

    7. INRC3 Driver champ: Daraius Shroff;

    8. INRC3 Co-driver champ: Vinay Padmashali;

    9. INRC3 Team champion: Chettinad Sporting;

    10. Junior INRC champion: Arnav Pratap Singh;

    11. Ladies champion: Harshita Raj Gowda.

    11. MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2024

    (Promoter MMSC; Sponsor MRF)

    1. Stock upto 165cc Novice: Abdul Basim RS;

    2. Team Stock upto 165cc Novice: Rockers Racing;

    3. Stock upto 165cc girls: Jagathishree Kumaresan;

    4. Team: Stock upto 165cc girls: Team One Racing;

    5. ProStock 301 to 400cc Open: Sarthak Chavan;

    6. Team: ProStock 301 to 400cc Open: RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate;

    7. Stock 301 to 400cc Novice: Kaushik Subbaiah Ganesan;

    8. Team: Stock 301 to 400cc Novice: TVS Racing;

    9. ProStock upto 165cc Open: Jagan Kumar;

    10. Team: ProStock upto 165cc Open: TVS Racing;

    12. MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 (4W)

    1. FLGB 1300cc: Viswas Vijayaraj;

    2. FLGB 1300cc Team champs: DTS Racing;

    3. MRF Formula 1600: Abhay M;

    4. MRF Formula 2000: Jaden Rahman Pariat;

    5. Volkswagen Polo Cup: Dhruv Chavan;

    5. Indian Touring Cars championship: Biren Pithawalla;

    6. Indian Junior Touring Cars championship: Srinivas Teja;

    7. MRF Saloons: Diana Pundole;

    8. Super Stock: Justin Singh;

    9. Super Stock Team champs: Redline Racing India.

    10. ITC Team champions: Team N1;

    11. IJTC Team champions: Team Performance Racing.

    13. MRF MOGRIP fmsci National Supercross Championship 2024 (2W) Promoter: GodSpeed Racing; Sponsor MRF

    1. Class 1: Group A, SX1 upto 500cc: Sholok Ghorpade;

    2. Class 2:  Gropu A, SX2 upto 500cc: Ryan Haig;

    3. Class 3: Group B Novice upto 260cc: Karan Kumar;

    4. Class 5:  Group B, Indian Experts upto 260cc: Imran Pasha;

    5. Class 6: Group B, Private Experts uto 260cc; Subramanya T.;

    6. Class 7: Group A, Junior SX1 150 to 250cc: Jinendra Sangave;

    7. Class 8: Group A, Junior SX2 Upto 85cc: Akshat Hupale;

    8. Class 9: Group A, Junior SX3 Upto 65cc: Bhairav C Gowda.

    14. JK Tyre fmsci National Racing Championship 2024 (4W) (Promoter JK Tyre)

    1. National Champion: Formula LGB: Tijil Rao;

    2. Team champions: Dark Don Racing;

    3. National champ Novice: Dhruv Goswami.

    Non-National events

    15. F4 (Promoter: Racing Promotions Private Limited) Sponsor: Kingfisher Strong Soda.

    Formula 4: Driver champ: Aqil Alibhai;

    SPECIAL fmsci AWARDS

    Outstanding Woman in Motorsports: Aishwarya Pissay;

    From left Arindam Ghosh, fmsci president, and Special Awardees Sarthak Chavan and Aishwarya Pissay. Nikeetaa Takkale, the niece of Sanjay Takale, received the award on his behalf on 22 March 2025 in Chennai.

    Outstanding sportsperson (International): Sanjay Takle.

    Outstanding sportsperson (International): Sarthak Chavan.

    Special Awards (Volunteers and Officials)

    Race Director: Manoj Dalal, MMSC;

    Marshal: Subash H;

    Marshal: Gowthaman;

    Doctor: Dr. Paramesh Kumar, MMSC;

    CRO (Competitors Relations Officer):

    Shrirang Machhe (Western India Motorsports Association), Nashik.

    Marshal’s Team: Coimbatore Auto Sports Club.

  • Indu Chandhok, one of the founders of fmsci, is no more; ‘An era has passed’, says Shramik

    Indu Chandhok, one of the founders of fmsci, is no more; ‘An era has passed’, says Shramik

    Chennai, 7 Dec 2024: Indu Chandhok, the doyen of Indian motorsports with which he was actively associated for over six decades, passed away here this morning. He was 93 and leaves behind two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is the father of Vicky Chandhok, former fmsci president and widely considered as the man who brought Formula 1 to India.

    Madras Motor Sports Club president Ajit Thomas said: “In Indu Chandhok’s demise, the MMSC and Indian motorsports have lost a giant and an institutional figure. He was instrumental in providing definitive direction to motorsports in India and we are now enjoying the fruits of his untiring efforts. He also shaped MMSC to what it is today. We deeply mourn his passing away and offer condolences to his family.”

    Indu Chandhok’s son and MMSC Vice-President Vicky Chandhok, said: “The Patriarch of the Chandhok family, passed away in his sleep this morning. Total legend he was. ‘BIC’ lived his life filled with a great sense of humour until the end. He was a fantastic father and protector. In a way, he was also the patriarch of Indian motorsports who saw the big picture with a clear vision for the growth of the sport. The family and the motorsports fraternity will miss him.”

    Born in Kolkata on July 22, 1931, and then moving to Chennai (erstwhile Madras) in 1932, Indu Chandhok, blessed with boundless energy and varied interests, led an active life. He was one of the founder-members of the Madras Motor Sports Club in 1953 and later, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in 1971 of which he was the president (1978-79), besides being integral part of the Trust that purchased and developed the Madras International Circuit (erstwhile Madras Motor Race Track) at Irungattkottai, near Sriperumbudur and about 40 Kms from Chennai.

    Off the track, he was involved with the Punjab Association Trust of which he was the Chairman, the DAV School, Camp Tonakela, the Madras Round Table which he founded, the Masonic Lodge, president of Indian Motor Parts Dealers Association, the 41 Clubs of India, an association of ex-Round Tablers whose international President he became.

    Indu Chandhok was best known for his long and enduring contribution to the growth of motorsports in the country. His involvement with motor sports for the last 60 years, first as a competitor and later an organizer, earned him the sobriquet of “Godfather of Motor Sports in India”.

    He passed on his motorsports genes to his son Vicky Chandhok, a former National Rally Champion, and grandson Karun Chandhok, India’s second Formula One driver (after Narain Karthikeyan), who is now a well-known F1 race commentator and analyst.

    Former FMSCI president Shramik Masturlal put it best when he said: “Indu was an institution in himself. His co-founding of the FMSCI, his huge efforts in making Sholavaram races what it became, the creation of the new track from scratch, the birth of the MMST etc, all bore the stamp of Indu’s efforts in furthering motor sports to unimaginable levels. Indu leaves gigantic footprints. An era has passed!”

  • Arindam Ghosh elected fmsci president

    Arindam Ghosh elected fmsci president

    Chennai, 25 Sept. 2024: Former rally driver and K1000 winner, Arindam Ghosh of Ramakrishna Race Performance Private Limited, Kolkata, is elected as the president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) at the Annual General Body Meeting and election of the office bearers held here at a private hotel on Wednesday.

    The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India convened its 51st Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th September 2024 here at Chennai.  There were a total of 17 Clubs which were eligible to vote and 15 Clubs were eligible to contest and vote based on the Criteria of Performance. FMSCI office bearers are elected for a term of two years. Any office bearer can only serve for a maximum of three terms (six years) as per the guidelines of the Government of India. Arindam Ghosh from Ramakrishna Race Performance Management Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata and Gautam Shantappa B from Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru stood for election for President.  Arindam Ghosh was elected President. In the case of Vice President, Farooq Ahmed from the Motor Sports Clubs of Chikmagalur was elected Vice President unopposed as the other candidate J Balamurugan (Spitfire Motor Sports Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore) did not get elected to the Council.

    Election officer lawyer Sriram declared the results and announced that Arindam was elected as President and Farooq Ahmed of Chikmagalur was elected as the Vice President.

    Out of the total of 13 Clubs which contested for election to the Council, the following Councillors were elected. 1. Calcutta Motorsports Club, Kolkata: Vir Raina; 2. Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, Coimbatore: J. Prithiviraj; 3. Indian Automotive Racing Club, Mumbai: Farokh Commissariat; 4. Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru: B. S. Gautam; 5. Madras Motor Sports Club, Chennai: Bharat Vicky Chandhok; 6. Ramakrishna Race Performance Management, Kolkata: Arindam Ghosh; 7. Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, Chikkamagaluru: Khazi Farooq Ahmed; 8, Northern Motorsports, Noida: Raj Kapoor; 9. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, Kolkata: Saurav Chatterjee; 10. Just Sportz Management Private Limited, Kolkata: Tamal Ghosh;
    New office bearers of fmsci
  • Gautam Shanthappa and Arindam Ghosh locked in a tight battle for fmsci president post

    Gautam Shanthappa and Arindam Ghosh locked in a tight battle for fmsci president post

    Chennai, 22 September 2024: President of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC) Gautam Shanthappa, who is also the current vice-president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci), has filed his nomination for the post of President of the fmsci in the elections to be held during the Annual General Body Meeting to be held at Hotel Trident, here on Wednesday, the 25th of September.

    Arindam Ghosh of Ramakrishna Race Performance Management Private Limited, (RRPM) Kolkata, is the only other nomination filed for the post of fmsci President which falls vacant after the incumbent Akbar Ebrahim finishes his tenure. Ghosh headed RRPM which was the INRC promoter for three years from 2013. After the last date for nominations, two nominations were received for the post of President and Vice-President.

    Coimbatore’s J. Balamurugan of Spitfire Motorsports Private Limited, filed his nomination as the vice-presidential candidate while Farooq Ahmed, also filed his nomination for the post of VP against Balamurugan. Ahmed is a multiple times National champion co-driver and is also part of Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, which used to conduct the Coffee Day Rally. Apart from these two crucial posts, 13 nominations were filed for the post of councillors.

    Arindam Ghosh’s nomination was proposed by Saurav Chatterjee, Kolkata Automotive Sports Association, Tamal Ghosh of Just Sportz Management, Kolkata, seconded it. Akbar Ebrahim, Meco Motorsports, proposed the name of B.S. Gautham while C. Rajaram of Spit Fire Motorsports seconded it. Farooq Ahmed’s name was proposed for the post of vice-president by former fmsci president J. Prithiviraj and seconded by Arindam Ghosh. J. Balamurugan’s name name was proposed as vice-president by Gautam of KMSC and seocnded by Akbar Ebrahim, Meco Motorsports.

    The Electoral College consists of 17 members including the five permanent members of the Federation. The 17 clubs will have their representatives to vote on behalf of them and each will have one vote, provided the club owes no dues. They are:

    1. Calcutta Motorsports Club, Kolkata: Vir Raina;

    2. Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, Coimbatore: J. Prithiviraj;

    3. Indian Automotive Racing Club, Mumbai: Farokh Commissariat;

    4. Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru: B. S. Gautam;

    5. Madras Motor Sports Club, Chennai: Bharat Vicky Chandhok;

    6. Bengal Motor Sports Club, Kolkata: Pratim Chowdhury;

    7. Indian Motor Sports Marshals Club, Chennai: Manoj Dalal;

    8. Just Sports Management Private Limited, Kolkata: Suchandan Das;

    9. Kolkata Automotive Sports Association, Kolkata: Surav Chatterjee;

    10. Meco Motor Sports Private Limited, Chennai: Akbar Ebrahim;

    11. Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, Chikkamagaluru: Khazi Farooq Ahmed;

    12. Northern Motorsports, Noida: Raj Kapoor;

    13. Performance Cars Racing Trust, New Delhi (formerly represented by Hardy): Proxy -To Be Announced;

    14. Ramakrishna Race Performance Management, Kolkata: Arindam Ghosh;

    15. Spitfire Motor Sports Private Limited, Coimbatore: C. Rajaram;

    16. Malwa Motor Sports Club, Indore: Dr. Afzal Bunglowala;

    17. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, Kolkata: Saurav Chatterjee*

    Note: Saurav Chatterjee name is given for two clubs; It is not clear if it is an error or he would represent two clubs.

  • Many values can be learned from Karting, it is a good education for life: FIA Chief

    Many values can be learned from Karting, it is a good education for life: FIA Chief

    Bengaluru, 10 May 2022: Following the election last December of Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem to the position of FIA President, there have been a number of changes in the FIA Karting organisation chart. Felipe Massa left the CIK-FIA presidency, which he had held since 2018, to take up the post of FIA Drivers’ Commission President. Akbar Ebrahim from India is the new CIK-FIA President from February 4, 2022, with Britain’s John Ryan as Vice President. With Frenchman Alban Martinet succeeding Kay Oberheide as CIK-FIA Executive Secretary in October 2021, an entirely new team will take the reins for the 2022 season.

    At 58 years of age, Akbar Ebrahim combines a great deal of experience in motor sport and business. In an interview at the end of March, he revealed extensive knowledge of the many aspects of karting today and a longer-term vision of its evolution in close collaboration with the main stakeholders of the discipline.

    MR. PRESIDENT, COULD YOU START BY TELLING US ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN MOTOR SPORT?

    I have mainly raced single-seaters. I raced in Formula 3 in India for a number of years and then raced in Formula Asia and Formula Ford before competing in British F3 and some F2 events. I also did the occasional rally and touring car race in India. After that, it was time for me to focus on my professional business career.

    HAVE YOU STILL KEPT IN TOUCH WITH MOTOR SPORT?

    Yes, I have. I started to set up structures to support and develop young talent in my country. That’s when I became more interested in karting. There was a lack of training structures to provide them with the technical bases concerning chassis, engines and tyres. I got involved in the concept of an academy for young people, particularly with regard to organisational aspects. I had the opportunity to experience driving a kart because I wanted to understand the whole process. Thanks to karting, young people who wanted to progress in motor sport could familiarise themselves with driving, of course, but also with teamwork, collaboration with technicians and other drivers, everything that is important for the future. I am convinced that karting is also a good education for life and that many values can be learned from it. The projects carried out in India have greatly increased the visibility of the sport and encouraged parents to consider karting for their children.

    WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF KARTING COMPETITION TODAY?

    The top level of competition is concentrated in Europe with the FIA Karting events and some private series. The organisation is of a high quality, and the standard of competition is impressive among very professional teams. Events are well attended and the media coverage is interesting. The collaboration with the promoter RGMMC provides very good results. The current categories are well defined and their stability is geared towards success. It is a good platform for drivers who aspire to pursue their careers in motor sport. Of course, the question of budgets remains if there is to be an increase in the number of participants. The FIA Karting Academy Trophy plays an important role in this area and its success is only growing. We have also increased the number of karts of the Academy from 2022 with the agreement of our partners.

    It’s not a revelation to say that the lower echelons deserve our full attention. There is much to be done to broaden the base of the pyramid. The FIA has already started to invest in discovery and education programmes in countries without infrastructure on the African and Asian continents. I am convinced of the importance of these initiatives, whose success depends on the structuring of the programmes and their effectiveness on the ground.

    Bridges must then be put in place towards the top level. This will be one of the priorities of my mandate. There is no shortage of ideas, but we must focus on viable solutions. I am fortunate to be able to count on the experience of my Vice-President John Ryan and his in-depth knowledge of the subject.

    HOW WILL YOU START YOUR PRESIDENCY IN CONCRETE TERMS?

    It is essential in my position to go to the competitions and meet the key players. I plan to attend many FIA Karting events to see how they are run on the ground. I want to establish productive contacts with the manufacturers and teams. I am well aware that this cannot be done effectively during a race weekend. I have therefore planned additional trips to establish close relations with the karting industry in order to understand the various issues. I also need to familiarise myself with the workings of the CIK-FIA working groups and team in Geneva under the responsibility of Executive Secretary Alban Martinet.

    I am happy to have been chosen for this mission which includes many aspects. I am fortunate to take on this responsibility at a time when the FIA Karting is well structured with an excellent grasp of the top level and varied perspectives. It will be a significant support to diversify its actions towards new audiences.

  • FMSCI statement: Rally de Vizag, INRC 4w season

    FMSCI statement: Rally de Vizag, INRC 4w season

    As expected, the Federation of Motors Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) released a Statement on the INRC 4w 2021 fiasco as the season failed to take off. However, it absolves itself and appears to have blamed only the Promoter for all the ills and the circumstances leaving the Drivers in the lurch. However, it has to be seen how much money would the Clubs receive to host the remaining three rounds.

    It is also clear that the privateers, drivers and teams, will not get any compensation as expected and demanded by the Promoter. Only solace for the Factory team drivers, as JK Tyre is likely to compensate the 8 or 9 drivers who are in Yellow colours. With not many in the Red colours, virtually all the other 45 will have to fend for themselves.

    Read Yesterday’s article here.

  • fmsci Council members profiles: Just Sportz, Kolkata

    fmsci Council members profiles: Just Sportz, Kolkata

    Bengaluru, 24 Dec 2021: There are 12 Council members currently in the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) elected for a two-year term at the fmsci Annual General Meeting held on 12th October 2020 through Video conference. This Indian Motorsports website is starting to publish the profiles of the Council members starting with lesser-known members.

    Here is the Profile of Just Sportz, as per their Website.

    The current council members who were unanimously elected to Managing Committee of fmsci on 12 October 2020. The next AGM was held in Dec. 2021 but the proceedings are not yet in Public Domain, neither the Annual Report or the Audit report as of date.

    Six individuals with varied backgrounds but one common passion, MOTOR SPORTS, put their heads together to create JUST SPORTZ MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, a company which will promote JUST SPORTS!

    THE PASSIONATE SIX

    • SANJAY MAHESHWARI: A Chartered Accountant working as the CFO of a Hospitality company in Gurgaon. A very keen karter who has also organized numerous karting events at various levels. Involved in motor rallies as a participant and as an official.
    • SIDDHARTHA S. BOSE: A Chartered Shipbroker by profession, managing one of India’s largest shipping agency companies. A Past District Governor of Rotary International, currently a Member of Rotary International’s India National Polio Plus Committee and Treasurer of Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Involved in motor sports since 1977 and a Senior Steward of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs in India [FMSCI].
    • SUBROTO KARR: Also a commerce graduate running his own business. An active Scout till recently. Represented both school and college in cricket and football and later involved in the administration of cricket clubs. A keen rallyist since 1996 and now involved in the organization of domestic and international motor sports events.
    • SUCHANDAN DAS: A commerce graduate running his own business. An ace marksman having bagged medals at the National level. Involved with motor sports for a long time, having successfully participated in motor rallies and thereafter as an organizer of both local and international events.
    • SUSOBHAN SARKAR: A science graduate with multiple business interests. Played table tennis and badminton as a student. Now actively involved as an organizer of numerous motor sports events at both the domestic and international level.
    • TAMAL GHOSAL: A graduate engineer with a First Class First in MBA to boot involved in real estate and infrastructure development. Successfully participated in various motor rallies and karting events on a pan-India basis and now involved as an organizer of similar events both locally and in the international arena. A Senior Steward of FMSCI and also a Sporting Steward and COC license holder of the racing commission and motor cross commission of FIM, the world body for two wheeler events.

    THE ROAD AHEAD
    Just Sportz will thrive to set a true example of Team work and deliver flawless ON TIME professionally managed event. Like minded people always make a difference to the alliance.

    It is but natural that the emphasis will be on MOTOR SPORTS

    Motor rallies of various kinds [in the city, in the state, in the country and across international borders] – Time Speed Distance [TSD], Stage Rallies, Motor cross, Gymkhanas, Drag races, Special events for ladies and the entire family. We hope to make the Car Rally for the Blind an annual event.

    As our name suggests, JUST SPORTZ MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED will give due attention to the promotion of other disciplines. Be it cricket, football, hockey, swimming, cycling, marathon ….you name it. Even LUDO if you please!

    BUILDING PASSIONS
    With the intention of involving more people in the exiting world of sports, JUST SPORTZ MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED is setting up the JUST SPORTZ ACADEMY.

    Membership in JUST SPORTZ ACADEMY will be of TWO categories – Life and Annual.Membership benefits:

    • Active association in our events
    • Participation in development & training programmes
    • Arranging and organizing workshops
    • Enjoying all other benefits of Just Sportz Academy

    JUST SPORTZ MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED has started it’s journey that will be further enhanced with a continuous process of COMMITTED EXCELENCE, TRANSPARENCY and TRUE SPORTSMANSHIP. Benchmarks that make an organization stay AHEAD!

    Editor’s Note: This profile is published as it is from the original source without any changes or editing except the intro para.

  • Nostalgic Nazir Hoosein memorial drive brings Himalayan fraternity together

    Nostalgic Nazir Hoosein memorial drive brings Himalayan fraternity together

    New Delhi, October 16: Two years into a pandemic that has brought the world to a grinding halt, nostalgia is the one thing that has endured. With systems slowly coming back to normal and sporting events slowly finding their feet in a new landscape, a desire to travel, relive and experience the great outdoors has never been more palpable. Motorsports in India is slowly getting back in gear, with events lining up for a new season and kicking things off is one that is as much rooted in the past as it is a signifier of the way ahead. 
     
    The Nazir Hoosein Memorial Drive by Team Firefox was officially launched today in a virtual press conference with former winners, participants and dignitaries sharing their memories of an event and a pioneer who reshaped Indian motorsport. 
     
    “Once we saw things slowly opening up, some of us involved with the motorsport community decided that we should do a drive, something to hark back the good times,” Rajan Syal said. “That idea snowballed into doing something to commemorate Nazir Hoosein.”
     
    Hoosein was a founder member of his club, the  Indian Automotive Racing Club (IARC) and was former President of the Federation of MotorSport Clubs of India (FMSCI)  in 1984/85. While his pioneering administrative work paved the way for many motorsport enthusiasts in the country, Hoosein is perhaps most fondly remembered for founding an event that reshaped Indian motorsport — the Himalayan Rally.
     
    Hoosein’s original desire, that the event showcase Indian motorsport as well as the diaspora of the country remains the driving motivation behind this memorial event too. Gaurav Gill, a multiple time FIA Asia Pacific Rally champion remembers the Himalayan Rally shaping his interest in motorsport in his formative years. “I heard about it as a young child and it really drove my passion for rallying. I am very happy to see this tribute to the iconic rally route in the Himalayas seeing such good participation and look forward to its great success.”
     
    The first edition, held in 1980 was based on a safari rally format. Since then the concept stuck, with international participants supporting the format and the course itself. The Himalayan Rally would form the spine of the Indian motorscape in the 80s, and winners — most notably Jayant Shah — often turning into overnight celebrities in the country.
     
    “Nazir was a man of vision, and the Himalayan Rally brought international rallying to India,” Farokh Commissariat said. “This year we also celebrate the 50th year of the IARC and it is fitting that the rally will allow us to pay tribute to him in a manner deserving of his stature.”
     
    NHMD will follow the original route from the 1981 edition, with a 100 car field kicking off from Greater Noida on November 8th. The first stop will be Lansdowne (8th), followed by Mussoorie (9th) and Kufri (10th). On the 11th, drivers will tackle the iconic route of the original rally — the Jalori Pass before halting in Manali. The final day will see participants cross over the Rohtang pass before concluding the drive in Manali. “The idea was to recreate the original route, for various reasons. In 40 years, a lot of the landscape has changed, and it will be interesting for former participants as well as fans to experience it,” Syal said. 
     
    “I am delighted to be part of this wonderful tribute to Mr Nazeer Hoosein,” Mohan Nagarajan, Chairman Sidvin Energy Engineering said. “Going back and tracing the iconic Himalayan Rally route will be a wonderful experience not just for me but for all members of the motorsports community of India.”

  • Some rare feats in INRC history; Some honest questions!

    Some rare feats in INRC history; Some honest questions!

    By David Bodapati

    Bengaluru: Indian Motorsports is still running and breathing life because there are some mad people who are passionate about motorsports. Once the bug bites, it is very difficult to leave motorsports. Once Vicky Chandhok, the man who brought F1 to India said: `”You can make Millions in Motorsports, but before that you have to spend Billions.”

    So many enthusiasts, organisers, promoters end up spending huge amounts in the belief that the amount spent, is promoting motorsports. They end up paying from their pockets. Indian Rallying saw the likes of Red Rooster Racing, then the likes of a popular cine artiste Ajith, then teams going to MotoGP and then Sidvin sponsoring a team in WRC. Many others have been there. As far as sponsors are concerned, names like Bosch, Castrol, Yokohoma, Bharat Petroleum’s Speed, MAK, Ceat, have all came, saw and left. I have missed many names… though.

    All faded in their time because of lack of returns. Now it is interesting to see, big jewellers and Construction giants from Andhra Pradesh coming in as sponsors due to the efforts of the INRC promoter. But only time will tell, if we can sustain, provide them with good media, and retain them as supporters of the sport.

    All the officials, stewards, Federation, marshals, organising clubs, promoters and everyone, including media, should realise that without drivers and riders, we are zero. We think that because we are organising or the Federation is there, so sport is there. Sport is never there because of all of us, the sport is there because there are sportspersons, who sacrifice many things in life, work hard and showcase their talent. Only because or riders, drivers and co-drivers the sport exists. Whether it is a karting kid of six years or an 80-year-old veteran in racing. Oldies may be `BIG’, but bumping out youngsters, playing dirty and spoiling the mood and spirit of sport should be nipped in the bud.

    Or else, Indian motorsports will remain like this for the next 50 years. Glad that COVID 19 prevented many of the `Oldies’ to stay indoors this 2020. An youngster who won the first three races on his debut, disappeared and did not take part in the second year of that championship and switched to a different championship. Another talented driver, retired prematurely and became a coach! A driver from the East or a rider from the South were famous 20 years back, for their aggressive tactics which intimidated their rivals. With the current President being strict with the stewards and demanding immediate reports, the governance has improved a bit, if one can say so, and cleaning up the sport is of utmost priority.

    Coming back to FMSCI, Akbar Ebrahim, during his previous tenure in 2018, made efforts to increase the membership of the council as recommended by the Ministry of Sports. However, he did not get his amendment passed as the council blocked it, only increasing the membership by one member. Now we have 10 members. As long as this undemocratic number continues, the Union Ministry of Sports is not likely to recognise motorsports as a sporting discipline.

    We are already not an Olympic sport which is a big disadvantage. FMSCI does not have an India selection committee. Those who represent India are handpicked and not selected on merit or talent or the number of wins they have. The sports ministry considers it as being done as per the `whims and fancies’ of the council. There are 27 federations in the recognised list of Sports Federations and who are on the Ministry’s list for priority funding. The Ministry has also put out guidelines for all the National Federations to promote transparency, good governance and accountability. So if FMSCI wants to be National Federation, as an ASN of FIA andbe a member of Indian Olympic Association, it has to fulfill and follow certain norms and conditions.

    So it is time we clean up our own act. In 2018, when Ebrahim informed about many changes and developmental programmes he is planning to introduce, much of it did not appear in the media, because the same evening, Gaurav Gill announced his entry into WRC, at the K1000 press conference in Bengaluru.

    That year, he finished his tenure and there was a break and now in his second stint as FMSCI president, one hopes he continues his sincere efforts to bring some discipline into the administration of motorsport and elevate sportspersons to the level they deserve. Being an active racer himself, like Vicky Chandhok and many others in the council, it is time we respect the drivers and riders, who are being ill-treated by many officials in many championships. Almost all council members, except one or two, have been sportspersons at some point of time. So it would be easy to understand the plight of drivers and riders. Hope this article is taken in good spirit.

    In let us see in what way and how, fmsci can promote sport. Any rider or driver getting a sponsor is a difficult job. So if one gets a sponsor, the fmsci charges more money to allow him to take part. Is this what other sports are doing. No federation charges money from sportspersons, so exorbitantly, to take part in sport. Instead of encouraging more sportspersons, are we chasing them away. Time to introspect.

    These are some of the things that should be discussed in the council about how to make things easy for more sportspersons to take part in the 10 different National Championships. Not whether Coimbatore or CASC, should be thrown out. CASC has not done its society registration renewal for many years. But when they joined FMSCI 50 years back, too the Society renewal of CASC was not done. So the status quo remains. Why did then FMSCI accept them as founder members. If that is the case many of the founders will lose their membership.

    The criteria for becoming a founder member is to pay their subscription and conduct activities as prescribed by the council. The actual question that needs to be asked is why are Founding members given a veto power. The Ministry of Sports did not recognise motorsports not just because we are not an Olympic sport. Every federation in the country which is member of IOC, is truly representative and all India in nature, having federal Units in each state. The Ministry wanted the council to be increased to 18 or 19, by taking other active clubs as council members, so that slowly the representation will improve. This has been resisted by the founding members.

    In an interview to this website in 2018 at Bengaluru after the K1000 press conference, Akbar Ebrahim, said that he was planning to introduce an amendment to expand the council membership to 18 or 19 members. But since it has to be approved by the council, he has first introduced 11 members. Then there will be five founding members and the other six can override the founders, if they are `blocking the development of sport’. So that transparency, governance and accountability will increase. But fmsci has increased the membership fee of the clubs from Rs.2000 a decade back by about five to 8 times bigger. How can a club conduct sport by paying such huge amounts to federation. Why is the federation paying income tax of a few lakhs. Why cant they use the money to buy sporting equipments, or spend for other sporting activities, which will then reduce their income tax. Why should a hosting club pay the stewards flight fares, their hotel accommodation in a star hotel, and their fancy food bills… these are some of the things council should discuss. Not whether a founding member should be barred, because they are not in the same camp. Coimbatore is one of the first clubs to conduct drag races much before Sholavaram, in Sulur, an old air strip, according to Britannica Encyclopedia which used to attract more than a lakh spectators. Unfortunately, these were not documented.

    They are one of the few clubs along with KMSC (formerly BMSC), MMSC, now defunct APMSC (Charminar challenge), Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC) and the Kerala KASC, who used to be active.

    Coimbatore also had the honour of hosting the first rally, after INRC got the status of a National Championship in 1988 with Mr L Gopalakrishnan and Mr R Mahendran, winning the rally in a Maruti 800, the only time a Maruti won INRC round before Gypsy’s took over. I know I will be termed immediately as a biased reporter. But I have been in Jodhpur too. It is then FMSCI president who conducted the Press Conference along with Mr Vamsi Merla, the promoter, which this reporter attended. Things would have been much better but for the local uprising. CASC has also been hand-holding and supporting the Popular rally for many years, as my good friend late George Francis used to reel out stories as he was a regular in Kerala, as every rally used to provide a chance for him to visit his native place. I too attended a few of them, with Kuttikanam, the Misty Meadows Rally of Kerala in 2010, being my favourite.

    Obviously, drivers and riders will not comment. Why a particular journalist is painted Red Or Yellow. Are we promoting sport, or is media becoming a rogue element in killing the sport… A moot point to debate and food for thought. Will stop here. I and George, have been mulling over this story for the last five years, but did not get the courage to write. I will be killing my conscience and will be doing disservice to my later friend George Francis and wanted to do this before his death anniversary on April 11. As a senior journalist, I feel I should not shun my duty of being a watchdog! I request everyone to take this in the right spirit and do something to sort out the mess!

    The year 2020 is a no-nonsense year in the history of Indian Rallying: It is also a year which began on a negative note and ended on a positive note. The COVID19, has changed the world and the evolving situation demanded that FMSCI, the governing body of motorsports in India too, had to make rules and ban huge gatherings. The year started with the arrival of Corona virus and ended with hope, as vaccination entered the market and by Jan 16, the roll out of vaccination was undertaken. But no rally (INRC) was held in 2020. The 2020 calendar is being completed in January and February 202`1, with two back-to-back rounds in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on super-fast Tarmac on National Highway NH415.

    Disclosure: This reporter covered the Rally of Arunachal Pradesh and his one-way travel to Guwahati and both ways Helicopter rider from Guwahati to Itanagar was paid by the Promoters, Champion Yacht Club, and his stay was offered by the Tourism Department of Arunachal Pradesh. INDIAinF1 is thankful for providing a chance to our reporter to attend the INRC Rounds 1 & 2.