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Chennai To Host Historic Night Race At Indian Racing Festival 2024
The Indian Racing Festival 2024 is set to make history with the country's first-ever night race in Chennai. The event will take place at the iconic Island Ground, providing a stunning backdrop under the stars. This 3.5 km street circuit, featuring 19 turns and fast straights, includes the striking Napier Bridge painted in a chequered flag design.
Supported by the Tamil Nadu government, this race aims to elevate Chennai's status as a motorsport capital. With close to 9,000 spectators expected, the streets of Chennai will transform into one of the few global night street circuits. Dr Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary to Youth Welfare and Sports Development, stated, "Lot of efforts have been undertaken to bring this milestone night circuit to life in the streets of Chennai."
Excitement Among Drivers
Chethan Korada, the first Asian racer to win using prosthetic feet, expressed his excitement about driving on this night circuit. He said, "It's a great honor to be part of this event, and I'm deeply grateful to the government for this incredible opportunity." Nikhil Bohra, representing Kolka and with experience in European Formula 4 teams, added that this event is a significant statement for Indian motorsport.
The six city-based franchise teams of Indian Racing League (IRL) – Chennai Turbo Chargers, Goa Aces JA Racing, Speed Demons Delhi, Bangalore Speedsters, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Hyderabad Blackbirds – along with two additional teams will compete in the FIA Formula 4 India Championships. Gabriela Jikova from Goa Aces highlighted the growing involvement of women in motorsport.
Key Information for Spectators
Attendees are directed to specific gates based on their seating categories:
- Box Office 1 - Gate No. 2: Grandstand 1 entry from Muthuswamy Road/Bridge.
- Box Office 3 - Gate No. 4: Grandstands 2-5 entry from Wallajah Road.
- Box Office 4 - Gate No. 5: Media Stand entry from Wallajah Road.
- Box Office 5 - Gate No. 6: Gold, Platinum, and Premium Lounges entry from Kamarajar Road.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), expressed gratitude towards all departments involved in organizing this landmark race. He said, "We have done the hard yards to ensure that spectators enjoy the races in comfort and safety."
Additional Events
The event kicks off at 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday with car stunts and "hot laps" by bike riders. Concurrently running is Round-2 of the JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship featuring Formula LGB4 class with a 24-car grid.
In last weekend's double-header at Madras International Circuit on August 24-25, Bengal Tigers excelled with Alister Yoong winning Race-2 and Ruhaan Alva securing P3 in Race-1. Australia's Hugh Barter won two races after a last-lap retirement in Race-1.
About Indian Racing Festival
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is designed to captivate India's growing motorsport fan base. It includes two championships: Indian Racing League (IRL) and Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The IRL is India's only gender-neutral racing series featuring six city-based teams.
Formula 4 is an open-wheel category for junior drivers transitioning from karting to single-seater racing. The FIA-certified F4IC attracts young drivers globally and offers them Super License points while competing domestically.
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) promotes sports across Tamil Nadu by leveraging resources from various sectors to foster a thriving sports culture throughout the state.
As anticipation builds for this historic weekend in Chennai's motorsport scene, fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with speed and excitement under the night sky.
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