As dusk settled over Chennai, a 3.5-kilometer stretch around the Island Grounds transformed into a pulsating, floodlit spectacle – the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit. This 19-turn track, weaving through iconic landmarks like Napier Bridge and the Victoria War Memorial, hosted the second round of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) from August 31st to September 1st, 2024. The event brought a unique buzz to the city, drawing onlookers who typically flocked to the nearby Marina Beach on Sunday evenings to witness the roaring cars instead.
The engines’ thunderous roar drowned out the usual city traffic as six thrilling races unfolded on the track. Chennai had achieved a historic feat by hosting India’s first-ever night street race, featuring three prestigious competitions: the Indian Racing League (IRL), the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), and the JK Formula LGB cars.
Initially slated for the previous season, the track’s launch, built according to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) standards, was delayed due to a cyclone that struck the city in December 2023. However, the circuit officially returned to the IRF grid in July 2024, igniting anticipation and raising questions about its readiness.
The project was ambitious from the outset, with many raising eyebrows over the hefty budget exceeding Rs. 40 crores, dedicated to making the event a reality. The logistical challenges of hosting a race through the bustling streets of a major city added to the pressure. Yet, both the government and organizers acted swiftly, ensuring the event’s success. Wire mesh fencing, floodlights, and track walls were installed, tri-colour grandstands were set up, and roads were relaid, all within a tight deadline. After eight months of anticipation, the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit was finally ready to prove itself, but the question lingered: could it deliver a challenging and thrilling spectacle?
An unexpected eight-hour delay on the first day threatened to dampen the enthusiasm as an unsettling quiet hung over the circuit. Murmurs filled the air about session delays due to ‘technical issues.’ It was later revealed that the FIA had withheld its final approval after identifying concerns with a few corners, particularly Turns 10 and 19. Although a three-year license had been granted just two days earlier, these last-minute adjustments were necessary before the circuit could receive the green light.
To address these concerns, barriers at Turn 19 were modified to reduce car speed, while the hairpin at Turn 10, with a larger run-off area, required adjustments to ensure smoother ambulance movement as it was located near the Government Hospital. While these changes were implemented quickly, those outside the track were left in the dark about the developments. Confusion spread among media, police officers, and fans, all frustrated by the lack of communication and the absence of on-track action.
Despite the delays, the hope of racing never faded. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cars were flagged off, giving drivers their first taste of the track. The floodlit streets shimmered, almost making the long wait worth it. Just after 9 p.m., the FLGB cars set the first lap times around Chennai’s illuminated streets, followed by the IRL and F4 cars. With only a practice session completed for each competition, organizers faced a challenging task on Day 2, aiming to squeeze in practice, qualifying, races, and stunt shows.
Sunday dawned bright with excitement in the air as the FLGB cars roared to life again, though an hour later than scheduled, reportedly due to a delayed track inspection and safety simulations. Drivers began posting impressive lap times on the bumpy, tight, yet fast streets, picking up speed with each lap. Despite intermittent overcast skies, the sun eventually broke through, revealing stunning visuals of race cars blazing under its bright light. By the time the stands filled with spectators, qualifying was complete, the starting grids were set, and the stage was ready for serious racing.
Late in the afternoon, the most anticipated moment of the weekend arrived – the FLGB cars saw the lights go out and set off on the first official lap, followed by races from the IRL and F4 categories. The narrow streets witnessed fierce on-track battles and daring overtakes, defying the norm of limited overtaking on such circuits. Hugh Barter’s performance in the second F4 race was a prime example, as he surged past more than 10 cars to finish fifth after starting from the back of the field.
Despite the packed schedule, the event ran smoothly, with all six races completed without major issues. With the track licensed for the next two years, there’s hope for an encore, this time, armed with lessons learned from the inaugural race.
