Bangalore: The FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) makes its formal entry as a premier championship in the Motor-Sport calendar of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). Wynnsport, the Promoter of the series, in association with An Open Mind (AOM) as Principal Associate, is bringing this exciting National Motorsport Championship to the motorsport enthusiasts in the country. The FMSCI, Wynnsport and AOM jointly announced the first edition of FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship 2012 at a press conference here Wdnesday.
The FMSCI INAC will be held in five cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cochin and Mumbai with the final round again in Bangalore in December 2012. The first round of the championship will be held in Bangalore on April 28th-29th followed by Cochin on May 26th-27th and will then move on to the other cities. The schedule of the locations with the respective dates of the championship is listed below in detail.
The FMSCI INAC will be the official National Autocross Championship, run under the aegis of the FIA and is subject to regulations laid down by the FIA. These include the FIA International Sporting Code, the FIA General Prescriptions (Rally) and the FMSCI Autocross Championship Regulations that will be specific to the INAC.
Addressing the media, Mr. R. Bharath Raj, Vice-President, FMSCI shared, “This is an exciting Championship launched by the FMSCI this year and am sure it will be received well by the Motor-Sport fraternity of the Country”.
Speaking at the press conference, Balakrishna Jayasimha, Chief Executive - Wynnsport, said, “Motorsports over the last few years has been gaining a lot of momentum and popularity which was quite evident at the recently held F1 in Delhi. Autocross events are increasingly becoming very popular in India. Wynnsport has been involved in conducting Motor Sport for many years and plans to take the Championship to the next level this year. Top drivers and teams have shown interest for this year’s Championship and the starting grid for the entire season looks quite promising.”
Autocross is a form of motor sports that emphasizes safe competition and active participation. An autocross is a timed competition where drivers compete with each through a defined course on either sealed or unsealed surfaces. Autocross differs from road racing or oval racing in that generally there are 2 cars on the track racing against each other and the clock. There is also a huge captive audience just as in F1.
Autocross courses are typically 800 meters to 1.2 kilometers in length and tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver’s skill rather than on sheer horsepower. Courses may be temporary and marked by traffic cones, barricading, flags, or can be permanent tracks. Events typically have many classes, which allow almost any vehicle, from economy sedans to purpose-built vehicles, to compete.
Balakrishna further added, “Safety of the competitors as well the spectators will be of high priority. It will be compulsory for the drivers to wear helmets and seat belts during the event. All cars will have to pass through safety checks by the Technical Delegate from the FMSCI before the event.”
The FMSCI INAC 2012 will see new standards set in terms of safety and speed with advanced Ambulances and trauma care and state-of-the-art timing equipment. Two trauma care Ambulances, a Fire Engine and Tow Vehicles will be present at the venue and adequate number of Fire extinguishers will be placed both in the pit area and the Track. The entire track will be barricaded to ensure spectator safety. The pit area for the participating cars will be separate from the track area and will be cordoned off.
To make the Championship attractive, there will be various categories of Cars for each event. The categories will be based on CC and modifications will be allowed. An ALL WOMEN’s class will be a part of the entire Championship along with a Foreign Open Class.
Attractive Cash Prizes for the individual events as well as the Championship have been planned and the promoter will associate with local Motor-Sports clubs in the respective cities to conduct the event.
Sharing her views, Ms. Haseena Kutty, CEO, An Open Mind said, “Motor sports is now in congruence to the brand personality of being stylish, exciting and cool. It will target the youth who are interested in creating a ‘Lifestyle’ based on adventure and fun. We are extremely pleased about being chosen as Principal Associate to promote FMSCI INAC. We look forward to an interesting season of motor sports action.”
She further added, “We have also planned many interesting entertainment events during the championship to make the event more exciting for the youngsters.”
Wynnsport is the promoter for the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) and has been involved in conducting Motor Sport events for many years. An Open Mind the Principal Associate has vast experience in the field of event management, media and publicity.
Tentative schedule: April 28-29: Bangalore; May 26-27: Kochi; July 14-15: Coimbatore; September 15-16: Chennai; November 3-4: Mumbai; December 8-9: Bangalore.
By Indian Sports News Network
