The highly anticipated Indian Racing Festival in Chennai faced a rocky start on its opening day due to safety concerns and necessary track modifications. The event, billed as India’s first-ever night-street racing spectacle, was expected to showcase fast cars weaving through the city’s iconic landmarks. However, delays of over five hours marred the initial excitement for fans.
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for four-wheel motorsports, mandated changes to the 19-turn circuit layout for safety reasons. After inspecting the track, FIA Circuit Commission member Giuseppe Muscioni raised concerns about the high approach speeds at certain corners, especially turn-19, which exits Swami Sivananda Salai back onto the start-finish straight on Marina Beach Road.
These safety concerns led to a significant rework of several corner profiles, necessitating the rearrangement of Tecpro barriers and track modifications to slow down the cars. Akbar Ebrahim, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), highlighted the complexity of these changes, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of the process.
The delays became evident when both international and Indian drivers participating in the Formula 4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League series were seen leaving the track and returning to their hotels. Organizers initially cited ‘technical issues’ for the delay but later acknowledged the safety concerns and the required track modifications.
Despite the initial setbacks, the event eventually got underway. Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off the event near the Sir Thomas Munro Statue on Anna Salai, with the Formula 4 Indian championship cars taking to the track for a sighter lap. However, further delays followed, with the JK Formula LGB cars only commencing their first practice session at 9.10 p.m. local time.
The two-day event, organized by Racing Promotions Private Limited and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, promises a thrilling spectacle of motorsports. Despite the initial delays, the event is set to showcase the talent and skill of drivers as they navigate the challenging street circuit.
