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India is chockablock full of racing fans, and overflowing with people who just want to go fast. We are sure just about everyone has that friend who thinks he’s Michael Schumacher, cutting turns a bit close, braking too fast and generally driving more like a pissed off teen, opposed to a professional. That’s why we figured we should lay out a guide for people who want to become racecar drivers, so they know the correct parameters and which ladders to climb, as well as, a guide for people who just like going fast, so they can burn rubber at the tracks versus being a knucklehead on the road.
As far as being a professional racecar driver goes, it’s important to say it ain’t cheap. Racing recreationally is not an obscene financial commitment, but if you want to go professional, mummy and daddy best have more than a little moola stored under their mattress. So, first off, the glamour does not start on day one. Nobody in their right mind will let you jump in a winged racer straight off the bat. You have to make your bones, understand your lines and how to keep your position. The perfect place to accomplish this is at a go-karting academy. Yes, this step is perhaps lacking in the sex appeal you had in mind, but the wide consensus is take karting seriously and you will become a better racer.
So, the next logical question is, where are the best karting academies in India?
Based: Chennai
Founder: Akbar Ebrahim
Meco Motorsports conducts training sessions in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Coimbatore.
II. Rayo Racing
Based: Pune and Mumbai
Founder: Rayomand Bannerjee
III. Dark Don
Base : Chennai
Team Owner : Afsar Riyaz E
These karting academies offer training programmes designed for drivers at various levels: entry, intermediate and advanced. A two or four stroke engine and a good track can make the experience pretty exhilarating. There are obviously other karting academies in India, however, as far as training goes, these aforementioned academies come highly recommended.
These academies will require you to get a FMSCI license for karting. The minimum age to apply for this license is eight years old. However, minors need their parents signed permission. If you want to upgrade to racing cars at the track you need to be at least fifteen years old, have a Grade C license, have a medical form attesting you are in good health and, if you are below eighteen years old, an FMSCI adult member must testify that they have full confidence in your capabilities as a track driver. This protocol helps ensure young drivers understand that racing is as dangerous as it is fun.
If you are inclined to professional aspirations it is highly recommended you participate in the National Karting Championship (National Rotax Max Karting Championship). However, it may be more pragmatic to first participate in the Rookie Cup, which is held before the karting season. This gives young drivers an opportunity to understand the fundamental rules that govern track races, as well as, a chance to boost their confidence.
After kart racing is when you get a plethora of options as to where, and how far, you want to take your passion. One point we’d like to stress is that there are a lot of starry eyed drivers out there who think it’s do or die if they don’t make it professionally abroad. That’s a lot of pressure you don’t want to put on yourself. The two names in Indian driving that are, for lack of a better expression, the pillars of Indian racing, come down to Nazir Hoosein and Narain Karthikeyan. Hoosein, the father of Indian rally racing, and Karthikeyan, the hallmark name that first represented the nation in Formula One.
These two have competed against European and Asian nations who produce racers at a phenomenally faster rate than India. Moreover, the level of competition abroad lets young drivers really hone in on their skills and their composure. Thus, the success of Hoosein and Karthikeyan is a testament to more than just dedication, it’s painstaking effort coupled with natural talent, and a large amount of funding. That being said, here are the various tiers of racing Indian drivers can pursue, which offer a diverse range of competitiveness and funding.
After karting many aspiring racers want to jump into single seaters. The entry level Formula cars available are 1.3 litre Swift engines, which are unwinged Formula LGB Swifts and Formula LGB 4 models. These open wheeled racers are similar to Europe’s Formula Ford series, aside from the aerodynamic asset of wings. Although most racers in Europe directly jump into winged racers, we suggest casual racers stick to these unwinged racers, and serious racers at least complete a quick training course in one of these models before saddling up in the big kahunas.
If you have the finances and money to directly move to winged and slick vehicles (slick tyres that help to increase wheel-to-wheel racing) drivers can look to the Formula FB02 and the FF1600s. However, these rides aren’t for the faint of heart and pack some serious speed. With these racecars the only thing left for drivers to accomplish is to achieve the results needed for competing internationally.
Amateur racers can turn to Tin Tops, which are usually Saloon or Hatchback vehicles with a four cylinder engine and a capacity under two litres. Tin Tops are a great way for amateur racers to experience healthy competition, without breaking the bank. With a TinTop you can compete in the Indian Junior Touring Car Championship, the Indian Touring Car Championship, the Volkswagen Vento Cup and the Etios Motor Racing Cup.
The difference between the IJTCC and ITCC competitions and the Volkswagen Vento Cup and the Etios Motor Racing Cup is that the qualifying drivers in the Vento and Etios Cup can opt to pay a fee to use an already modified car. This helps drivers eliminate some of the hassle that goes into owning and maintaining a touring racer. Moreover, coming first in one of these events may open up some international speedways for yourself.
So, now you know what you need to do and how to do it, all that’s left to do is jump into your whip and get good. Best of luck.
Feature Image Credit: Journalism Production Blog
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