Indian Racing Festival: A Historic Night Race
Experience history with India’s first night race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit. From August 30 to September 1, 2024, eight teams compete in an electrifying event.
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is gearing up to make history with its first-ever night race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, scheduled from August 30 to September 1, 2024. This event will be the inaugural night race on a street circuit in India, setting the stage for a thrilling experience.
Over three action-packed days, eight teams will bring their high-speed cars to life, promising an electrifying and ambitious season. Supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the event will have cars speeding through a 3.5-kilometre route, showcasing some of Chennai’s most iconic spots. Starting from the Island Grounds, the race will move in an anti-clockwise direction, passing landmarks like the Victory War Memorial, Napier Bridge, Swami Sivananda Salai along the Cooum River, and Kamarajar Salai near Marina Beach.
The circuit then loops back over Napier Bridge, through Flag Staff Road, and returns to Island Grounds. Featuring nineteen turns, multiple chicanes, and challenging elevations, this track is set to deliver a heart-pounding experience for both drivers and spectators.
Chennai’s Role in Motorsports
As Chennai cements its reputation as India’s motorsports capital, this night race will enhance its legacy, placing it alongside international street racing venues like Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
A few weeks ago, during the event launch and car display, India’s first F1 racer, Narain Karthikeyan, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He praised the initiative, believing the night race will offer a fresh and exciting experience for motorsport fans in India.
In a world where every sport finds its own niche—like T20 in cricket, rapid and blitz formats in chess, and 6-Red in snooker—the night race will undoubtedly draw more enthusiasts to motorsports. The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) is organizing this prestigious event.
Track Details and Race Preparations
The Island Grounds will house the pit and paddock areas for the teams, while grandstands will be strategically placed around the circuit. Spectator stands will be set up on Anna Salai near Muthuswami Bridge, with Sivananda Salai hosting four grandstands and the Island Grounds featuring three lounges.
For safety, tyre walls have been installed at key points along the track. Built to FIA standards, the track will host a practice session one day before the main race, allowing drivers limited lap time to familiarize themselves with the circuit. The IRL will use Wolf Thunder GB08 single-seater racing cars, capable of reaching speeds up to 240 kmph.
Saturday will feature free practice and qualifying sessions for the Indian Racing League (IRL), the F4 Indian Championship, and the JK Formula LGB 4 categories. The IRF comprises the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), with eight teams competing in this landmark event. The IRL stands out as the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship, promoting inclusivity and a competitive spirit in motorsports. Notable team owners include Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor.