CHENNAI, Feb 6: For an ardent fan of motor races, there is nothing quite like the scream of the engines and the smell of burnt rubber when the drivers let in the clutch as the lights turn green. And it will be so on the morrow when the two-day McDowell Grand Prix gets under way at the Irungattukottai track, about 30 Kms from here.Track racing in India has certainly come a long way from the days of Sholavaram when one used to watch the dare-devils riding shotgun while the huge crowd gaped in awe. There is far more sophistication now, both in terms of the actual conduct of the races, and the machines themselves. The event itself is being `packaged' as a show with the attendant media hype and Corporate big-wigs putting in an appearance at the venue.
it was hardly a surprise then when India's hot-shot driver, Narain Karthikeyan confessed that speed, above all, is the factor that drew him to motor racing. ``I love speed,'' said the 22-year old Coimbatore lad, by way of explanation to his entry into thesport.
Surely, at the week-end, the Indian hopes will be riding with Naraian as he and 15 others, including seven Indians, zoom around the track in the Elf Formula Campus single-seater cars which, incidentally, are making their bow in the country. ``I have not even had a close up look at these cars,'' said Narain, ``but I am looking forward to the experience.''
Quite obviously, the Campus cars would be the show-piece of the programme which is spread over two days. The show includes competitions for Formula motorcycles in 250cc and 125cc classes, the concluding leg of the TVS Ride-A-Bike series, an exclusive event for CEOs and for 1300cc Indian cars.
The spotlight would also be on Japan's Ryo Fukuda who is part of the eight-member Elf La Filiere team which boasts of the only woman competitor, 22-year old Melina Priam.
Fukuda, winner of the Karting race in Mumbai last year, will be facing strong challenge from the likes of reigning Renault Megane Elf French champion, Guillaume Greuet and Formula-3driver, Sebastien Philippe.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
