MIKA legacy project will help future generations: Karun Chandhok

CHENNAI: In a major development for motorsports in India, two-time Formula One winner Mika Hakkinen inaugurated the state-of-the-art Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) here on Thursday. The 1.2km long MIKA circuit, designed by UK-based Driven International in consultation with Karun Chandhok, is the first of its kind in India.
Several Indian drivers did not have the opportunity to drive in a karting arena, which is the first step in the journey to F1.Interestingly, Karun and Narain Karthikeyan are exceptions, who broke barriers and drove in F1 without competing in karting races.
Karun, who has been part of the MIKA project since day one, is very happy for the future generation. “This project is pretty close to me. I remember walking on this track when I was four years old when they were giving the finishing touches to the main track. My grandfather had built a legacy project of creating the first motorcycle track in India and this legacy project should help the next set of younger generations. The first impression was cool,” Karun Chandok said during the inauguration of the MIKA here on Thursday.
“It has ticked all the boxes we wanted. We have tried to create a track that will help train drivers for the future; we have got fast and slow corners. So far, we have done a good job.”
Karun further spoke on the importance of having a karting arena. “I have never competed in a go-kart race in my life, nor has Karthikeyan. We started racing with a Maruthi car. I think we were the last drivers to have been in F1 without driving in a go-kart race. The next generation will have the opportunity to drive in a karting arena in India. It is very expensive to travel to Malaysia or the Middle East (to compete and train). The track here should help financially as well,” Karun added.
Hakkinen who was on his maiden visit to India said: “It has been my pleasure to open the MIKA circuit today (Thursday) along with India’s only two F1 drivers, Narain and Karun. “Karting is an important first step for any driver as they begin their journey towards F1. The investment made by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) into this facility will be a big step towards preparing future racing drivers from India.”