India’s first Grade-1 Karting circuit gets CIK-FIA Certification
The Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) which is located within the Madras International Circuit in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, received the highly coveted CIK-FIA Grade-1 certification, thus placing the facility among the elite karting circuits in the World.
The Madras International Circuit is a FIA Grade 2 racing track and the hub of motor racing in India.
The MIKA, measuring 1.17 Km, is the longest karting track in India. Its multiple-track configuration makes it suitable for competitive racing, corporate and leisure activities, and a broad spectrum of clientele.
Double Formula One World Champion Mika Hakkinen flagged off Indian motorsports on a new and exciting journey when he inaugurated the state-of-the-art Madras International Karting Arena (M.I.K.A.) at a gala and landmark ceremony last September, attended by India’s two former F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Hakkinen was all praise for the MIKA track which he said can spawn a generation of talented drivers in India. “Karting is a good way to start your racing career, and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for kids to make a beginning. I hope they enjoy their karting stint,” he said during the inauguration.
Securing the license is the culmination of months of designing, planning and efforts to develop a facility that conforms to global standards. The track layout has already received rave reviews about it being a driver’s delight, given the mix of sharp turns, high-speed straights, and elevation changes.
Recently, actor and racer Ajith Kumar visited the MIKA track along with his son Aadvik and did a few laps to get a feel of the new facility. Ajith has been taking part in several saloon car races in various European cities this year and seems interested in getting his son on an early start to a possible racing career.
The licence, dated April 8, is valid for three years and certified that the track fulfilled “the conditions and safety standards laid down by the CIK-FIA for the running of kart races held under CIK-FIA rules”. It was inspected by Willibald Zöttl, the CIK-FIA Technical Inspector for the Circuit and Safety Commissions.
Reacting to the development, MMSC Vice-President Vicky Chandhok said: “When we first conceptualized MIKA circuit, the target was to develop an international standard track that can host global competitions besides offering a great platform for racing aspirants as well as a destination for leisure activities for families and corporates.”
The CIK-FIA licence considerably raises the profile of the MIKA circuit which will host a three-round Karting Karnival series in April-May this year.
