Mumbaikars Embrace Speed on City’s Racing Tracks
Mumbai’s Motor Racing Community Flourishes Despite Hurdles
Although car racing is an expensive sport, with expenses for training, gear, and maintenance, Mumbai boasts a thriving motor racing community. This includes children as young as four and five years old who are enrolling in training programs.
Limited Venues in the City
Space constraints and high rent in Mumbai present significant challenges compared to cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Nevertheless, parents continue to enroll their young racers in training programs.
Aditya Patnaik, National Karting Champion and coach from Mumbai, explains, “Mumbai’s high rent and space issues undoubtedly impact motorsport. There’s a bottleneck between the number of Mumbaikars eager to venture into motorsport and the facilities the city provides. However, we’re utilizing the limited platforms available to train national champions.”
Reducing Risks with Proper Gear
Motorsports inherently involve risks, but with the right precautions, these risks can be significantly reduced. Jamie Shaw, endurance race driver and founder of a racing academy in Mumbai, says, “Wearing the correct gear is the first step, and we train all our drivers according to national safety standards. Small habits, like wearing full-sleeved clothing, avoiding loose attire, and securely tying and tucking in long hair, can prevent serious injuries. That’s why our approach combines professional training with comprehensive safety briefings.”
Training Locations in Mumbai
- Ajmera IndiKarting, Wadala
- Smaaaash Go-Karting, Lower Parel
- Hakone, Powai
- Republic of Karting, Virar
- Raymond Racetrack, Thane
Drifting in Mumbai
Haasil Shaikh and his wife Jessica Kump are training Mumbaikars interested in drifting, a motorsport technique where a driver intentionally causes a car to oversteer, breaking the traction of the rear while maintaining control and steering the car through a turn. Haasil shares, “My wife and I have trained in the US, Japan, and across the country. We started by renting out a go-karting track in Borivali where we trained kids, and seeing the response, we are now working on setting up an advanced track in Navi Mumbai.”
Training Expenses
- Basic training: Rs 30,000
- Advanced level: Rs 1,00,000
“I have been training for two-and-half years. I love speed and want to participate in the National Championship. I’m taking it step-by-step and giving my best” – Aarav Sureka (nine-year-old), resident of Juhu
“Initially, I was concerned about the safety of car racing. I consulted the coaches, who assured me that my child would be fine and that I should encourage him to pursue his passion. Now I’m happy to see Aarav enjoying his training” – Alka Sharma, resident of Sion
“I began with a basic course and got hooked. I realized I would need to improve my strength, fitness, and endurance to reach the international level, which is my dream” – Mairah Thacker (15-year-old), resident of Cuffe Parade
Pics: Prashant Jadhav
