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L-R: FMSCI president Akbar Ebrahim, Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Mika Hakkinen, MMSC president Ajit Thomas and MMSC vice-president Vicky Chandhok | Photo collected.
Indian motorsports fraternity has got a major leap, Thursday evening. India got its first-ever CIK-certified Karting circuit at Chennai. Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen has inaugurated the Karting Circuit, at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA), near Chennai.
"Flying Finn" Hakkinen has heaved praises after closely speculating the facilities and the world-class design. One can say, the facilities have convinced him, that this place is going to be big for training future motorsport stars.
Along with Hakkinen, the event had two former Formula 1 drivers from India- Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. The trio, along with 32 other motorsport drivers took some laps on the newly laid tracks. This, thus signalled the new and much-awaited new era in the Indian motorsports fraternity.
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World Class Facility to Persuade Young Talents
MIKA has nicely represented the years of planning and execution of the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC). This state of art facility is the first Karting Circuit, certified by FIA-CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting).
The infrastructure is made to meet all the global standards. The circuit track is extended over a span of 1.2 kilometres. Driven International, a U.K.-based company will take care of it, having Karun Chandhok as its consultant.
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The facilities include floodlights for night racing, a modern control room and an electric go-kart changing areas.
Evaluating Motorsports to International Standard
MIKA has started walking faster on the roads of inspiration the budding racers. Ajit Thomas, the MMSC President has already outlined his future plans.
Thomas has plans of attracting International motorsport competition. The CIK certification will ease MIKA's path.
Moreover, the Madras International Circuit (MIC) has a drag strip and rallycross stages. This will make the venue more comprehensive as a motorsport venue. In future, there are high chances of them conducting a World Rotax Final!
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MIKA guides a better Motorsport Future
MIKA's inauguration will play a pivotal role in Indian motorsports' future. The infrastructure it got along with the International backing, will nurture the young generation for a better future.
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Vicky Chandhok, the Vice President of MMSC hopes to minimize juniors' to compete abroad. He hopes, MIKA to come handy for them in that case.