Mallya shows direction, but will FMSCI drive that way?

Mallya expressed admiration and appreciation of Hoosein’s knowledge of motor sports and his clout with FIA. The “single point agenda” that the FMSCI chairman spoke about was a signal to Hoosein to join hands and worktowards the development of motor sports.

The ball is now in Hoosein’s court. Some FMSCI members expressed hope that Hoosein would change his stance and accept the post of chairman of Rally Commission.

The decision to provide a thrust to Go-Karting is the best decision that the federation took. There has been a mushrooming of Karting centres in India, thanks to the efforts of JK Tyre who now conduct inter-city competitions.Going by public response, it is clear that youngsters have been provided a avenue to channel their driving talent on the track rather than on city streets.

But FMSCI’s task to promote karting may not be as straightforward as it seems. Almost all the karting centres are run as commercial ventures. Any attempt to impose racing regulations at these venues might not be readily accepted.

For instance, the safety features at some of these karting tracks are virtually non-existent and tragedy seems to lie at every corner. There are no instructors to guide youngsters, most of whom think thatspeed is the essence of karting. Thus, the FMSCI might have to tread carefully while striking a balance between commercial interests and serious racing.

Mallya spoke about “many barriers” which hamper a quicker development of motor sport. He was referring to the rally scene where the numbers seem to be dwindling or, at least, there has been no increase.

The domination of two big teams MRF and JK Tyre has virtually driven out the privateer who cannot afford the service and testing facilities, nor the funds, that the Reds and Yellows enjoy. In this context, an element of monotony has crept into the National Championship.

While the move to reduce the licence fee is to be welcomed, the need is to provide incentives that would attract private entries. Participation in just one rally could cost Rs 75,000 at the minimum for a four-wheeler while returns are not guaranteed. Under the circumstances, it does not make for an attractive proposition.

Perhaps, the FMSCI could look at persuading various car andbike manufacturers to enter works teams and even having classifications based on engine capacity. Two-wheeler legend Sheriff Dyan sported a smile on Wednesday as he left the meeting. He would be even more pleased at the prospects of a National auto-cross for bikes. The two-wheelers have felt they are treated like poor cousins of rally drivers, and the new seven-round championship would inject some life in their community.