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.
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.
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.
“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.
Drag racing is a 400-metre showdown between two automobiles lined up side-by-side. The first to complete the distance is the winner.
Tentative calendar: August 13-14: Hyderabad. September 24-25: Coimbatore. October 15-16: Bangalore. November 19-20: Coimbatore. December 17-18: Hyderabad.
