When it comes to motorsports, there’s nothing quite like a night race. I remember my first time in Singapore. That smell of fresh tarmac, the roaring sound of engines, bright lights twinkling underneath the night sky – the nocturnal nature of the race adds a layer of magnificence unattainable otherwise. And then the lights go out and the cars whizz past in a blur, each turn sharper, each move absorbing.
I had never imagined that I would get to witness that in my own hometown, Chennai. As a co-founder of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), we had the privilege of bringing India’s first-ever night street circuit race to Chennai last month, creating the Chennai Formula Street Racing Circuit on Island Grounds, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Marina Beach.
India has held street races before but the blend between the unfiltered nature of a street circuit and the bliss of a nighttime setting created something truly unique and unprecedented for fans to relish.
BREAKING THE BARRIERS
Motorsports aren’t mainstream in India yet, but that’s why street circuits and night races are such promising opportunities.
Street circuits break the traditional barriers of racetrack locations and bring the sport closer to the people. When you put the action right in the heart of a bustling metropolis like Chennai, which has a long and storied history with motorsports and attracts thousands of auto racing fans, the energy becomes contagious. It takes the feel of a festival with families, friends, sports enthusiasts as well as hardcore fans all coming together to take in the burning tyres, the screeching engines, and the hair-raising speed.
Night races bring a different kind of excitement to motorsports: the city lights, the cool night air and a vibrant crowd create an electric atmosphere that’s truly memorable.
Thousands of motorheads that flocked to the circuit that weekend witnessed drivers from around the globe partake in multiple championships. There was the thrilling Indian Racing League, the first gender-neutral franchise-based racing league in the world, and the Formula 4 Indian Championships, putting some of the finest prodigious motoring talents in the world on display. Moreover, the night race showcased our adaptability as a nation in organising world-class events, the likes of which have been hitherto restricted to Singapore and Monaco.
EMPTY STANDS TO THOUSANDS OF FANS
Back in my time, auto racing in India was as niche as it could get. The audiences were low, made up of only the truest of motorsports fans. It remained on the peripheries of the Indian sporting ecosystem. From racing in front of nearly empty stands to seeing as many as 20,000 fans turn up at the Chennai street circuit raised hopes of a brighter future.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of the Tamil Nadu Government and other stakeholders, including sponsors and broadcasters. The way both the public and private sectors came together for this occasion proves that when their visions align, great things can be achieved. Together, we created an event that has put Chennai firmly on the world map of motorsports.
The writer is Indian auto racing driver
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)
I had never imagined that I would get to witness that in my own hometown, Chennai. As a co-founder of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), we had the privilege of bringing India’s first-ever night street circuit race to Chennai last month, creating the Chennai Formula Street Racing Circuit on Island Grounds, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Marina Beach.
India has held street races before but the blend between the unfiltered nature of a street circuit and the bliss of a nighttime setting created something truly unique and unprecedented for fans to relish.
BREAKING THE BARRIERS
Motorsports aren’t mainstream in India yet, but that’s why street circuits and night races are such promising opportunities.
Street circuits break the traditional barriers of racetrack locations and bring the sport closer to the people. When you put the action right in the heart of a bustling metropolis like Chennai, which has a long and storied history with motorsports and attracts thousands of auto racing fans, the energy becomes contagious. It takes the feel of a festival with families, friends, sports enthusiasts as well as hardcore fans all coming together to take in the burning tyres, the screeching engines, and the hair-raising speed.
Night races bring a different kind of excitement to motorsports: the city lights, the cool night air and a vibrant crowd create an electric atmosphere that’s truly memorable.
Thousands of motorheads that flocked to the circuit that weekend witnessed drivers from around the globe partake in multiple championships. There was the thrilling Indian Racing League, the first gender-neutral franchise-based racing league in the world, and the Formula 4 Indian Championships, putting some of the finest prodigious motoring talents in the world on display. Moreover, the night race showcased our adaptability as a nation in organising world-class events, the likes of which have been hitherto restricted to Singapore and Monaco.
EMPTY STANDS TO THOUSANDS OF FANS
Back in my time, auto racing in India was as niche as it could get. The audiences were low, made up of only the truest of motorsports fans. It remained on the peripheries of the Indian sporting ecosystem. From racing in front of nearly empty stands to seeing as many as 20,000 fans turn up at the Chennai street circuit raised hopes of a brighter future.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of the Tamil Nadu Government and other stakeholders, including sponsors and broadcasters. The way both the public and private sectors came together for this occasion proves that when their visions align, great things can be achieved. Together, we created an event that has put Chennai firmly on the world map of motorsports.
The writer is Indian auto racing driver
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)
