The scales are finally tilting in favour of Indian Motorsport! After many decades of waiting, car manufacturers are finally taking interest and investing in Indian Motorsport. Yes, their ultimate goal is to sell more cars via these initiatives, but it seems that one of the best ways to attract the growing Indian youth and create a cult following is by associating with motorsport.
If you’re a car manufacturer, racing is in your DNA. If the success of the Indian Grand Prix is anything to go by, the times ahead will surely be exciting. Probably the best time to be a budding race driver or team owner in Indian motorsport. Not only is the awareness of the sport increasing, but manufacturers are coming forward and embracing motorsport in India.
Up until now, JK Tyre and MRF were the key investors in Indian motorsport and they sponsored teams, drivers and even championships. Volkswagen made an entry with their globally famous Polo Cup about two seasons back and became one of the only car manufacturers involved in the sport in India.
However, at the recently concluded Auto Expo, Toyota announced their ‘Toyota Racing Development’ program on their Etios and Etios Liva platforms. The key aspect of the program would be the ‘Toyota Etios Motor Racing Championship’ which will be held on similar lines as per the Polo Cup.
Toyota’s motor racing initiative aims to identify and nurture young Indian talent by going to various Indian cities and performing road shows. Their first such show was held in the city of Chandigarh a few days back. More on their initiative:
– Name: Toyota Etios Motor Racing Championship
– Car: Etios (will be followed later by the Etios Liva)
– Age Group: 15 – 24 years
– Last date of registration: 15th February 2012
– Prior Experience: basic go-karting
– Application process: online (www.toyotaetiosmotorracing.in)
- Online applications will be processed offline at the venues along with valid documentation
- Medical check-up mandatory
– Cities (9): Chandigarh, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Cochin
– Promotion dates: 28th January 2012 to 16th June 2012 (check out the events calendar here)
– Expected circuits: Buddh International Circuit, Madras Motorsports Club and Kari Motor Speedway
Going by the data mentioned above, Toyota seems to have planned their entry into Indian Motorsport fairly well. They are involving their dealer network in this program, which offers a few benefits. First, it makes the program accessible across multiple cities where Toyota cars are sold. Second, the curiousity of their new championship will only drive more footfalls to their showrooms where prospects would be entertained via RC racing cars and simulators. Third, it makes the dealer feel a lot more involved and hence improves dealer relationships for the corporate brand.
Red Rooster Performance (a part of former motorsport team, Red Rooster Racing) is expected to partner and tie up with Toyota and help set up the series and prepare the 25 identical racing cars on their Etios platform. While Toyota will provide Red Rooster with a car to use as a benchmark, the decision to outsource their race car preparation work is most smart. Red Rooster’s Chief Technical Director N LeelaKrishnan is known to be the country’s finest race car tuner and has over 25 years of combined experience in tuning rally and racing cars.
The Japanese car manufacturer will hold two exhibition races in 2012, followed by a full-fledged one-make racing series in the second half of 2013. Toyota’s plan to launch and market their series nearly 18 months in advance is mighty impressive! Hopefully the series will gain much traction by the time they go racing and attract crowds at the circuits to watch the action live.
The most important element of the series is the drivers and this is where little has been disclosed yet. The age group is not most conducive for a nurturing a long-term career in motorsport, but has been set keeping in mind the target audience of the corporate brand.
Driver selection will be done via selection camps which will be held from March to June 2012 and the main basis of elimination will be two karting rounds; venues of which haven’t been disclosed yet. The final list will consist of 25 drivers. The selected drivers will be mentored and nurtured by former racing drivers as a part of the program.
While Toyota has quit racing in Formula1, they have a good lineage in motorsport and participate in respected international racing categories such as Le Mans and NASCAR. This new series could well offer talented Indian racers a firm step into international motorsport.
And just tweaking my earlier statement; if you’re a budding Indian racer, this is probably the best time for you to go racing in India and get noticed!
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29 comments On Toyota Enter Indian Motorsport, Introduces Toyota Etios Motor Racing Championship
I really like the initiative taken by toyota.. & A very nicely written blog
very nice and forward step taken by toyota to bring motor racing in india thankyou toyota
this is the great chance to all kind of car racers.thanks to the toyota motors for introducing.
Great step taken by toyota to improve the motor sport in india….thank you.
i jst got a sms notification to check out my email to complete selection process..but i hav not got the email yet ..hav nyone got the email ??? plz reply
Hi Avijit, best you connect with the organisers for this query. Not too sure how I can help. Good luck!
I also dn get ne email nor ne sms from toyota
I just got the form which is to filled up
guys check your spam folder i git the mail as in spam
thanks for toyota for giving a wonderful chance to show the racing DNA unleshed in our body….
i full fill the driver registration form and also download the application with medical check up form.Now what we have to do with the download form please suggest
Wait back to hear from Toyota. They’re mailing all interested drivers who had registered. They shall send more information to you via email. Keep checking your ‘Junk’ as well.
i full fill the driver registration form and also download the application with medical check up form.Now what we have to do with the download form please suggest
Hi Kunal Shah ,
you said “…the age group is not most conducive for nurturing talent…”
pls clarify if it(15-24) shud have been ascended or descended ? And reasons ? Wat are the career opportunities for a 22yr old aspirant like me ?
Mohan, best you contact Toyota for your answer. I wouldn’t know what the official procedure is.
Pulkit, in my view, it should have been between 14 and 18 years of age max.
If the 22 yr old aspirant as prior experience, then its good. If not, it will be a tough battle out there. But never give up!
Hey
bro i lost my hard copy of application form as well as of medical certificate, can any one tell where i could get another form please … 09532155001
It would be nice if you would give credit for the images you have used above.
Hi Abhay, if you see the Mouse Rollover of the image, it is credited to the source.
plz give me one chance to take part in race
Sure Mohammad. I don’t see why Toyota won’t let you participate if you meet their criteria and their registrations are still open!
sir, i recently participated in one from a billion hunt and m keen interested to participate in such upcoming events .. i tried to register for toyota as well but the last date was 15th feb.now can i paticipate in this compit
ition .plzz help in furnishing our potential
The upcoming Etios racing platform will definitely aid in molding young highly skilled racers to hone their talents and to give them an edge in the motorsports arena.
Im a Automobile engineer,and im 20 year old i am come from Gujarat
I like to ride a vehicle in a dirty and off-road,Sir plz give me one great chance to prove my knowledge about the racing.
Sure Vishal. Do let me know how I can help. Regards, Kunal Shah
how to entry care race
i have partispated in go kart and completed as finalist.. i want to join this racing club!
Bhagirath, I think their qualifiers are over for this season. Do check out for next season.
I like stunding race
Dear sir,
I wanna make career in racing bt how to apply this give some details.
Vivek, head to your nearest karting track and start karting. If you’re good, participate in local championships and then the national championships. Best place to start. Good luck!