Resurfaced MMRT Track Ready For Round 4 of INRC

The twenty-six year old Madras Motor Race Trust (MMRT) track is ready to hold the FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship (INRC) after a four-month break for resurfacing. The championship consists of a number of races, including the MRF Formula 1600 and the Volkswagen Vento Cup, beginning from Friday.

The re-turfed MMRT track is 3.7 kilometres long and has FIA Grade 2 certification. The resurfacing has been done using Polymer Bitumen as part of the multi-crore upgrade of the facility. It also includes laying of a new short-loop of 1.9 kilometres to add to the existing 2.1-kilometre loop. Besides, the expansion also includes a new Race Control Tower and new garages to accommodate as many as 120 race cars and 600 race two wheelers. The track facility will also be further enhanced for spectators, with constructions starting from September, and once done will provide 90 per cent view of the track.

Vicky Chandhok, chairman, the board of trustees of the MMRT, said; “The MMRT track is among the busiest of its kind in the World. Last year, it was booked for nearly 300 days. As such, we decided to upgrade and expand the facility. Now, with two fully operational tracks for rent, we can accept more bookings for testing and corporate events besides of course regular racing.”

He further added, “Since the surface is fresh, it could be a bit slippery with no rubber on the track, but I expect the timings to be at least 1.5 seconds quicker as it settles down. For this weekend, we have kept required personnel and equipment on stand-by to carry out running repairs if necessary.”

“Over the next four months, the renovation works will continue and completed in time for the start of the 2017 season in January. Our total budgeted outlay is about Rs 12 Crores as of now.”

The track will hold three races this upcoming weekend, one each in the MRF 1600 race, VW Vento Cup and the Indian Touring Cars class. On the other hand, Indian Junior Touring Cars, the Super Stock and the F1300 Rookie Championship are all double-headers.

MRF F1600 Category Standings