Volkswagen Polo R available to race at the Buddh Circuit

Getting behind the wheel of a race-spec car and driving its wheels off on a high speed circuit is a hobby that is quite an expensive one. However, racing is getting democratized, at least to a certain extent, as the Buddh International Circuit has come up with a unique initiative called "Arrive and Drive".

Through the "Arrive and Drive" program, motor sport enthusiasts can get behind the wheel of race-spec Volkswagen Polo cars and experience the thrills of going pedal-to-metal on the Buddh International Circuit, one of the newest Formula1 race tracks in the world. The entire experience is a much more safer affair when compared with driving a car hard and fast on public roads. 

Here are the high points of the Arrive and Drive program, 

• The Volkswagen Polo R turbo diesel race-spec cars will be offered on rent for the program.
• The cars feature a 1.6 liter TDI turbo diesel engine that outputs 130 Bhp.
• A six speed manual gearbox is standard while suspension is a race-spec Sachs item.
• The Polo R is stripped out on the inside what with the car being shorn of all creature comforts.
• Safety is given a fillip through the addition of a 6 point seat belt and a roll cage. 
• Every participant of the program will get a pre-track briefing from an instructor, explaining key points about the car, the circuit, rules and safety aspects. 
• The program costs are as follows: Rs. 5618 for a 5 lap run, Rs. 11,236 for a 30 minute drive and Rs. 16,854 for an hour with the Polo R. 
• The Polo R taxi ride experience is priced at Rs. 4,500 for 3 laps. Each subsequent lap will cost an additional Rs. 1,500.
• Participants need to sign an indemnity bond that costs Rs. 150 and a refundable deposit of Rs. 20,000 is mandatory.  

Such driving programs are offered by Mercedes Benz's Performance Drive initiative and the Buddh Open Track Day, when car enthusiasts can bring in their own cars and drive them on the circuit. However, the Polo R based Arrive and Drive program is unique in its own right as it offers a genuine race-spec car at an affordable price tag, thus making the high speed circuit driving experience accessible to a wider audience. 

Information courtesy Team-BHP member Mudit Grover