Sukhmani Kooner, Pune
In a groundbreaking move, the Tamil Nadu government has unveiled India’s inaugural night street racing circuit, setting the stage for adrenaline-pumping racing under the stars.
The Tamil Nadu government and a race promoter, Racing Promotions Private Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three years. On Wednesday, the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, launched the racing circuit.
It is set to be a 3.5 km racing track with 19 corners and multiple chicanes that will be located in the heart of the city, stretching 100 acres. The circuit will have elevation changes with tracks laid out across Island Grounds, the Victory War Memorial, and the Napier Bridge, with a stunning view of Marina Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal. Once ready, it will be the longest street circuit in India.
It will become the first street circuit to host night racing in India and South Asia. This track is set to host the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League. The opening ceremony is planned for December 9-10. The Indian Racing League is the only motorsports league in India with male and female drivers competing in a team-based championship. The F4 Indian Championship is an FIA-certified competition aimed at aspiring and up-and-coming racing drivers. In both tournaments, competitors would be from India and around the world. The State Department of Art and Technology will invest Rs. 42 crore to organise the event.
The launch will act as a catalyst for boosting the Indian motorsport ecosystem. It is also expected to increase tourism in Chennai. The track will be India’s second street circuit after Hyderabad, which successfully hosted a round of the FIA Formula E Championship.