India Speed Week 2016; Kolkata Witnesses Its Debut Drag Racing event

Kolkata played host to its first ever drag racing event, which was held at the Behala Flying Club airstrip. The motorsport event welcomed both car and bike enthusiasts to enjoy a  three-day gathering, which saw more than seven thousand spectators pour in. The final race took place on December 11, 2016, but the Speed Week also held an auto expo, test drives, adventure sport, and cultural events.

The event was organised in alliance with Elite Octane Inc. and was duly approved by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). On the last day of the event, Bollywood celebrity Anil Kapoor crowned  the winners. He seemed greatly impressed and said:  “India Speed Week 2016 has given talent racers a platform to display their passion and urge to drag, in a much safer and secure environment, kudos to India Speed Week’2016.”

Amit Kumar Modi, chairman of ISW stated: “On India Speed Week and the auto industry - I have been an auto industry entrepreneur and have my dealerships. I have seen the excitability good cars and bikes and how people are involved. They needed a platform and we have provided it. It is working out thus far. I am very happy with what we have done so far, day three promises the best out of the best.”

Drag racing expert and FMSCI committee member, Rongom Tagore Mukherji commented, “The India Speed Week, an iconic series was conceptualised with my enthusiasm for the game at its heartstrings. As a former Drag Racing participant and a part of the industry for over 16 years, the sheer scope and popularity of this sport have increased since the first year of its inception. This is indeed one of those very few sports wherein one could participate in a safe and controlled environment without the fear of endangering their lives. We envision to continue our journey to take it to the next level with ISW 2016. Drag Racing is truly the T20 of Motorsports and Elite Octane's commitment to take it to its rightful place will increase with each passing day.”