The motorsport scene in India is growing at a tremendous pace everyday. Formula 1 may not return next year, but various manufacturers like Volkswagen and Toyota have entered car racing with their track spec versions of showroom models in the last couple of years, and sound upbeat about the forthcoming seasons.
Now Tata Motors could do something unheard of in our country. The company plans to bring their commercial vehicles to the racing track. That’s right! Truck Racing could come to India as soon as March 2014.
While officials at Tata Motors have no comment about their plans, Mr. Vicky Chandhok - President of Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI) - has spilled the beans to India Today.
According to Mr. Chandhok, the racing series could take place in 2014 at India's sole Formula 1 track, the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).
He further added that the company has modified 12 Tata Prima trucks which will be piloted by experienced Indian and international drivers.
It took Tata Motors around a year and a half to work on the initiative. The plan is to arrange a single round in its debut year and depending upon the success of the event the future course would be decided. The company aims to make it a multi-make series within three years.
As for the modifications to the machines, the trucks will be equipped with safety features such as a roll cage, fire extinguisher, brake coolers, race spec fuel tank, etc. The trucks were tested in Jamshedpur last month with satisfactory results. The top speed of the track-honed trucks would be around 100 kph.
We'll keep an eye out for the listing of India’s first ever truck race on the FIA and FMSCI calendar. Needless to say, officials at the Buddh International Circuit are excited to host this event.
[Source - IndiaToday]
