Upgraded Chennai track officially inaugurated

Since receiving Grade 2 certification from motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, the Madras Motor Race Track has undertaken an extensive task of upgrading its facilities to bring it in line with international standards.

The entire 3.7 km track was resurfaced early last year while 20 new garages were also ready in time for the National Racing Championship season finale in August.

An upgraded race control room and a modern car tracking system was also installed in 2017.

Now, the entire pit and paddock complete has been constructed, complete with a spectator viewing area and VIP hospitality suites that can accommodate up to 400 people.

A separate pit complex has also been built on the west side of the track, allowing the circuit’s two loops to be run independently of each other. While the full-layout will be used for racing events, both the loops can be simultaneously utilised for testing purposes.

In addition to all the work done on facilities and the track itself, circuit owner Madras Motor Sport Club has also built a permanent 7.5km rally stage that will make its debut in the Indian National Rally Championship.

MMSC is currently in negotiation with triple APRC champion Gaurav Gill to start a driving academy in the near future.

Speaking on the occasion, MMSC president Ajit Thomas said: “It has been a long journey for MMSC from its humble beginnings 66 years ago.

“Even after we moved our racing activities from Sholavaram to the new track near Sriperumbudur, we constantly strove to improve, not just in terms of conducting events, but also upgrading facilities over a period of time.

“In 2014, the track received FIA Grade-2 certification, but in keeping with our philosophy of ever onward, we decided to refurbish and upgrade the existing facilities at considerable expense.

“The new paddock and facilities will allow us to host not just racing events but also create a venue that auto manufacturers, sponsors and agencies would be proud to use for their events.”