Runway turned speedway. That’s how Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway (KMS) came into existence a decade ago. Former racer B Vijay Kumar built this track in memory of legendary driver S Karivardhan, after the latter died in a tragic accident.
Ever since, it has been the stepping stone for many a young driver. “I remember coming here during the days when this was an airfield. My dad (Vicky) and Kari uncle were best friends and we used to come here often. After his unfortunate demise, it was a good initiative on the part of Vijaykumar uncle to build this track,” said Karun Chandok, racer and F1 expert.
“I haven’t raced much on this track but I used to come karting here with Narain (Karthikeyan) in 2004-05. They modified the runway to the straight stretch and built the track around it. It may be small when compared to the Chennai track, but it at least provides an opportunity for youngsters to practise and race,” he added.
The 2.3km-long stretch has nine turns and is built on the outskirts of Coimbatore, in Chettipalayam. Local lad Sarosh Hataria has been racing on this track ever since it was inaugurated in November 2003. “It’s one of my favourite tracks and also a lucky one. In my very first race here, I qualified on pole and went on to win. It’s designed in such a way that you need to work more on your car set-up, especially the speed suspension, as there are tight corners,” said Hataria.
The JK Tyre National Championship, which completed its second round of the season on Sunday, was one the first races to be held here, ten years back. One of the only three racing circuits in the country, KMS continues to enthrall the lovers of the sport.
“It is one of the most viewer-friendly tracks in the country. Also, it’s only 20 minutes' drive from the city and draws quite an audience,” said Sanjay Sharma, head of motorsport of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.
“This track has changed the outlook of racing in the city. For the owners of this track, their heart beats for the sport. And that’s the reason why they have not changed the price in the last decade. The Buddh International Circuit may be one of the cheapest F1 tracks but from an Indian context, it’s quite expensive. In Chennai also they have increased the prices but in Coimbatore it’s still the same. My team is so happy with this track that they also want to host the third round here, though it’s not possible,” he added.
KMS has been the desired destination when it comes to need for speed for the last decade. And it won’t be long before it helps the city and the country produce the next Narain Karthikeyan.