Pinnacle of Speed: India’s Premier Racing Circuits

Speed, adrenaline rush, passion, and grit—these are the euphoric emotions that resonate with every racing enthusiast. The thrill of pushing machines to their limits on the racetrack is an exhilarating experience. However, in India, the racing culture remains niche, primarily accessible to a passionate and affluent crowd. Furthermore, only a handful of racing circuits in India are recognised by prestigious organisations like The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, and the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme. Aside from the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, there are only two recognised race tracks: MMRT in Chennai and Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. Let’s jump into a detailed overview of these circuits that cater to the racing DNA of the country.

Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida

• Often considered the Mecca of Indian racing, BIC is located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and was developed by the Jaypee Group.
• Inaugurated on October 18, 2011, BIC hosted its first F1 Indian Grand Prix on October 30, 2011.
• It is one of India’s largest and most prominent racing tracks, boasting FIA Grade 1 certification.
• The 5.125 km circuit features 16 turns and a 1.06 km long straight stretch, designed by Hermann Tilke.
• Hosts various prestigious national-level racing events and is open for track days.
• Used for promotional activities and testing by automobile manufacturers and media authorities
• Reports suggest a daily rental cost of around`14 lakhs.

Madras Motor Race Track, Chennai

• One of the oldest racing tracks in India, MMRT was inaugurated in 1990 and underwent resurfacing in 2007 and 2016.
• The 3.717 km track features 10 major curves and 2 minor ones, with an additional 2.067 km club circuit.
• FIA granted a Grade 2 license to the circuit in 2014, and ongoing development aims to meet international standards.
• Known for producing top racing drivers, MMRT hosts various racing championships and testing activities.
• The reported daily rental cost for the entire track is around `1 lakh.

Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore:

• Named after the legendary Formula racing driver and designer, Sundaram Karivardhan Naidu.
• The 2.3 km circuit with 14 corners and an 800m stretch is CIK and FIA certified.
• Hosts karting, motorcycle racing events, and various national-level races.
• Used by manufacturers for testing and training purposes.
• The reported daily rental cost is around `1.5 lakhs, and advance booking is advisable due to the track’s busy schedule.

The racing culture in India revolves around these recognised circuits, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing and allowing manufacturers to test and showcase their machines.