City gets world-class karting circuit

Leonia-Phoenix tie-up with Armaan Ebrahim

An idea was flirting in the minds of some the most prominent motorsport enthusiasts of the country for quite some time and the best part it was seemingly achievable! They were a determined lot because they wanted to close the constant blabber from the prophets of doom who saw no future for the exciting world of motorsports in India.

They wished to pool resources that stemmed from the erudition and first-hand experience gained from over a decade’s active participation in the trickiest of tracks.This desire to give a second lease of life to the sport in India has borne fruit in Hyderabad with the launch of the ultra-modern Chicane Karting Circuit in Leonia Holistic Destination in Shamirpet on Saturday.

And the driving force is none other than F2 racer Armaan Ebrahim, who says this was their way of “giving something back to the sport as a measure of their passion.”Needless to say, with his signature style as the aura the circuit is not just one more but one which has the distinction of the being the country’s first track to be certified by the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIA).

It is also India’s largest and fastest karting track. It is 1.2km long-9 metres in width, has 16 corners.The track was formally inaugurated by Sajeev Rajan, Chairman, Karting commission- Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).Gracing the occasion were Armaan Ebrahim, Akbar Ebrahim, former F3 racer and founder of Meco Racing; Bharath Varma, managing partner of Phoenix Live and Prawesh Kumar Das, general manager of Leonia.

"I have been in this field for a long time and I can vouch that Chicane is one of the best tracks around. I am proud to say that it took just three months for an idea to become a reality- from a handshake to the establishment of an international level karting track. The one who deserves the accolades here is Bharath Verma, who promised and delivered a track that jells with our vision,” said Akbar, while recounting their first meeting and how the idea came to life.

Highlighting the need for a karting facility, Armaan added, “It is important that talent is nurtured at the grassroots level. And karting is the best way to begin the graduation to the highest level. Until now, we didn’t have the facility, but now the wind is changing, and we are proud that we have become the reason.”“We are constantly endeavouring to build world class sporting infrastructure. We have many exciting initiatives lined up for the immediate future. Our aim is to produce champions who will bring international glory,” said Bharath Verma.Hyderabad has always been the host of the few of largest karting circuits in the country – Kart Cave, Kartainment Go Kart Track and Runway 6. The new addition is indeed the jewel in the crown.

The circuit also has fully fledged workshops, pits, viewing gallery.“Chicane will have state-of-the-art recreational and racing karts for tarmac, dirt karts, buggies and ATVs for gravel sport and the Safety Driving programmes for the regular city drivers apart from some very exciting drifting competitions. The circuit will soon be host to exciting indigenous championships,” Bharath added.“As of now, the facility will soon host Rotax Max Challenge. The Asian Championship is in the pipeline,” informed Rajan, who asserted that they wanted to give a new dimension to hosting international events that match the best of world standards.

By Augustin Kurian