A BRIEF HISTORY OF INDIAN MOTORSPORTS
1904 - the first Indian Road Race, Delhi to Mumbai
In the pre-Independence days, motorsports was the past-time of the elite and the well to do, with Mumbai being the centre of imported vehicles.
Amongst the first significant clubs to be formed were the MG Car Club in Mumbai and the Madras Sports Club, largely run by Englishmen.
In the 1950's, several airstrips were converted to temporary race tracks. While some of these were later used for other puposes, this went on well into the 80's.
In the 1950's, Sholavaram and Bangalore became the hotbed of races, with events, conducted by the local clubs, happening every now and then.
Inter city rallies began steadily, mainly in the south.
1969-70 - the Western India Automobile Association was founded and got the support of the international body, the FIA.
1971 - various clubs get together to form the first national governing body for the sport, the Fedration of Motor Sports Clubs in India (FMSCI).
1972 - the all-India Highway Motor Rally was conducted on the lines of the Monte Carlo Rally.
The 1970's saw a medly of events and races as cars evolved and prominence for the sport grew.
1980 - the first Himalayan Car Rally is held, amidst protests and confusion.
New tracks come up in Sroperembudur and Coimbatore.
1988 - the FMSCI is recognised by the Govt. of India as the sole authority of control of motorsport.
In the late 80's and then in the 90's the national championships took off and held the stage even for the average news-reading Indian.
As karting takes off, leisure karting tracks emerge all over the metros and even smaller cities, making the sport more popular than ever.
Naren Kumar becomes the first Indian in the Production World Rally Championship and the APRC.
Narain Karthikeyan becomes the first Indian in F1, and is followed by Karun Chandhok.
Vijay Mallya, also the Chairman of the FMSCI, buys an F1 team and Force India is launched.
Red Rooster Racing becomes the first Indian team to be in the top 5 in the Asian GP for Motorcycles - the FIM ARRC.
Today there are over 40 large fan clubs, and over 300 organised clubs that have motorsports related activity in India.
Bibliography
FMSCI
Wikipedia |
