MOTORSPORTS | New karting track at Sriperumbudur to be opened later this year

India's latest CIK-approved karting track, measuring 1.2 Kms, will be inaugurated later this year at the Madras International Circuit premises.

India’s latest CIK (world body for karting)-approved track, measuring about 1.2kms, is all set for inauguration later this year at the Madras International Circuit, Sriperumbudur, according to Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) vice-president Vicky Chandhok,.

Speaking at the MMSC Awards Function here on Saturday when the winners of the MRF MMSC FMSCI National motorcycle and car racing championships were honoured, Chandhok said: “We are proud to announce that the CIK-approved karting track will be inaugurated later this year.

“The track is being built at a cost of about Rs. 16 crore, and we have received all the necessary approvals from CIK. This is a natural progression after our MIC racetrack received Grade-2 certification from FIA.”

Chief guest Arun Mammen, vice-chairman and managing director, MRF Tyres, said: “MRF has been India’s leading tyre company for four decades, and continues to be the pioneer in developing and supporting motorsport not just in India, but also globally.

“It is a matter of pride that we won back-to-back European Rally Championship in 2022 and 2023 with tyres developed and manufactured in India. Also, MRF tyre is the choice for events not only in India, but also World-wide like the FIA South American Rally Championship, and the National Rally championship in Uruguay, Paraguay, Australia and New Zealand.”

Ajit Thomas, president, MMSC, said: “We appreciate the support from MRF Tyres and also TVS and Honda India. We made some upgrades, especially with regard to the timing equipment. We hope to inaugurate the CIK-approved international standard karting track later this year.”

MMSC secretary Manoj Dalal proposed a vote of thanks.