News

1st FMSCI National Autocross Championship - Details here

13th April 2012, 12:52 by Munjal Savla

India will have its first-ever national autocross championship. The Autocross is one form of motor racing that allows non-professionals (and professionals) to enjoy the thrills of competitive driving in a safe and LOW COST environment. Team-BHP welcomes this move from the FMSCI.

Here's the Schedule:

Round 1: 28-29 APR, Bangalore
Round 2: 26-27 MAY, Cochin
Round 3: 14-15 JUL, Coimbatore
Round 4: 15-16 SEP, Chennai
Round 5: 3-4 NOV, Mumbai
Round 6: 8-9 DEC, Bangalore

The Autocross will be run on a non-sealed flat surface (Gravel), but will NOT comprise of any ditches or water crossings. The track will be approximately 800 metres in length. An Autocross track is essentially marked by cones and is very tight & twisty. It generally demands extreme agility of the steering wheel, and great hand-eye coordination. It is a challenging yet fun event. Click Here to see a report with videos and pictures from the winner of the Maruti Autocross that was held in Mumbai in 2011.

The event is divided into various classes, depending on the engine size to keep things competitive. Here's a list of the classes with their respective entry fees for standard entry (the fees differ for team entry and late entry, see the Sporting Regulations):

Class 1 : upto 850 cc Open, Rs. 1500
Class 2 : Over 850 cc upto 1150 cc Open, Rs. 2000
Class 3 : Over 1150 cc upto 1400 cc Open, Rs. 2250
Class 4 : Over 1400 cc upto 1600 cc Open, Rs. 2500
Class 5 : Upto 3000 cc Open, Rs. 3500
Class 6 : 4 X 4 Gypsy upto 1400 cc Open, Rs. 2000
Class 7 : upto 1400 cc (Ladies) Open, Rs. 1500

Modification of cars is permitted, but only for the engine internals, the air-intake system and the exhaust. Forced Induction (Turbo Charger or Super Charger) and NOS are banned. The externals of the Head, Engine and Gearbox must be as provided by the Manufacturer. The Body Panels (Bonnet, Dickey, Doors, etc.) must be as provided by the Manufacturer.

We hope that this championship will garner the interest and participation it deserves, because it is indeed one of the best avenues for the average enthusiast to get involved in motorsport. Basically, all one needs is a car, FMSCI license, civil driving license and insurance (this can be arranged by the organizer).