India to Host First FIA-CIK Arrive and Drive Karting Competition at MIKA

Chennai, March 12: The Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) will host India’s first-ever international karting competition, the FIA-CIK Arrive and Drive, at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) in September 2026.

The landmark announcement was made during the MMSC Annual Awards Function, where winners of the 2025 National Racing Championship were honoured in Chennai on Thursday.

According to Vicky Chandhok, Vice-President of the Madras Motor Sports Club, the event will mark a major milestone for Indian karting.

“The Arrive-and-Drive competition at MIKA will be one of the three rounds, and we will see karters from across the globe competing. It will be the first of its kind in India,” he said.

MIKA to Host Global Karting Talent

The FIA-CIK Arrive and Drive format allows international drivers to compete on identical equipment, ensuring a level playing field and a strong focus on driver skill.

The race will be held at the Madras International Karting Arena, located within the Madras International Circuit complex in Sriperumbudur, a venue widely recognised as one of India’s premier motorsport facilities.

The competition is expected to attract young karting talent from across the world, giving Indian racers an opportunity to compete against international drivers on home soil.

New 4×4 Off-Road Facility and Crosscar Championship Plans

In another major development, MMSC also revealed plans to build a 4×4 off-road facility at the Madras International Circuit.

The club is also working to introduce Crosscars into the Indian motorsport ecosystem.

The first crosscar vehicle is expected to arrive soon at the circuit, with plans to add four or five more vehicles to launch a club-level championship, which could later evolve into a national championship series.

MRF Formula 2000 Winner to Get International F3 Test

To further encourage young Indian drivers, the winner of the 2025 MRF Formula 2000 championship will receive an all-expense-paid test drive with the Double R Racing.

The team is run by former Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 Formula One World Champion, along with Steve Robertson.

Chandhok described the opportunity as a significant step forward for the champion in terms of international exposure and experience.

MRF Reaffirms Commitment to Indian Motorsport

Chief guest Arun Mammen, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to motorsport in India and internationally.

He said the tyre manufacturer would continue supporting the sport across multiple racing disciplines as India strengthens its presence in global motorsport.

MRF also recently established a specialised tyre testing facility with multiple tracks, allowing the company to test and develop tyres faster and with greater precision.

2025 National Racing Champions Honoured

During the awards ceremony, the Madras Motor Sports Club honoured winners of the 2025 National Racing Championships across motorcycle and car racing categories.

Key champions included:

Motorcycle Racing Champions