<p>Given the popularity of the form, the FMSCI has been under severe pressure to accept and promote drag racing through a national championship for years, but the idea never quite took off until the arrival of Vicky Chandhok, the former driver who is now the president of the FMSCI.<br /><br />The proposed five-leg championship will kick off in Hyderabad on August 13 with the curtain raiser at the same venue on July 23 and 24.<br /><br />Spitfire director J Balamurugan said: “When we offered to hold the national championship, the FMSCI council welcomed the idea as it enables a lot of motor sport fans and novices to make a low-cost entry into the sport. It is a stepping stone to move to forms of motor sports like rallying and single-seater racing.<br /><br />“Drag racing becoming a part of the regular national calendar allows participants to learn safety aspects of the sport and enjoy speed in a safe and secure environment,’’ he added.<br />Drag racing is a 400-metre showdown between two automobiles lined up side-by-side. The first to complete the distance is the winner. <br /><br />Tentative calendar: August 13-14: Hyderabad. September 24-25: Coimbatore. October 15-16: Bangalore. November 19-20: Coimbatore. December 17-18: Hyderabad.</p>
<p>Given the popularity of the form, the FMSCI has been under severe pressure to accept and promote drag racing through a national championship for years, but the idea never quite took off until the arrival of Vicky Chandhok, the former driver who is now the president of the FMSCI.<br /><br />The proposed five-leg championship will kick off in Hyderabad on August 13 with the curtain raiser at the same venue on July 23 and 24.<br /><br />Spitfire director J Balamurugan said: “When we offered to hold the national championship, the FMSCI council welcomed the idea as it enables a lot of motor sport fans and novices to make a low-cost entry into the sport. It is a stepping stone to move to forms of motor sports like rallying and single-seater racing.<br /><br />“Drag racing becoming a part of the regular national calendar allows participants to learn safety aspects of the sport and enjoy speed in a safe and secure environment,’’ he added.<br />Drag racing is a 400-metre showdown between two automobiles lined up side-by-side. The first to complete the distance is the winner. <br /><br />Tentative calendar: August 13-14: Hyderabad. September 24-25: Coimbatore. October 15-16: Bangalore. November 19-20: Coimbatore. December 17-18: Hyderabad.</p>
