A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene

moralfibre · 30th September 2012, 07:48

I got in touch with Vicky Chandhok and he was very kind enough to share his collection of pictures of the Indian racing scene from back in the day.

Would you believe me if I told you that we had more racing events in the 1970's, 1980's and early 1990's as compared to what we have today? Racing was not restricted to the rich but people from all walks of life would plan their weekend to be at Sholavaram or Barrackpore to watch the die hard drivers sweat it out on track. There weren't many cars on offer either. It could be your dad's trusty old Fiat or a heavy weight Amby.

Admittedly you needed real courage to put a Fiat or an Amby through it's paces. Forget comforts, it didn't have any safety features like in modern race cars to stop you from meeting St. Peter. I read up somewhere that these cars were built on shoe string budgets by your friendly neighborhood garage. Yeah, the same ones you call "tuner workshops" today.

I do not know much about the events but I've added a caption or two from what I knew. Once again, a big shout out to Vicky for being kind enough to let us enthusiasts take a look at how it was done:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-mysore-safari-mr.-irani-owner-jawa-motorcycles-flagging-us-off.jpg

moralfibre · 7th October 2012, 14:35

Vicky's Ford Escort Mark II (or is it the RS1800) at the Himalayan Rally 1984.

The pictures are labelled - Marhi, Rohtang Pass:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984rohtang-pass-marhi.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-2.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-3.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-5.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-6.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-7.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984-8.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-ford-escort-himalayan-rally-1984.jpg

moralfibre · 10th March 2013, 09:30

Fiat's at Scissors rally. (Unfortunately, I hardly have any information on these events. Experts may please contribute):

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-flag-off-scissors-rally.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-scissors-rally-1.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-scissors-rally-2.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-scissors-rally-3.jpg

A service team at work on a Fiat:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-service_team1.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-hard-work-engine-bay.jpg

A flying Fiat at what is now the MMST:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-flying-what-currently-mmst-race-track.jpg

During a Himalayan rally:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-himalayan-rally-1.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-himalayan-rally-2.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-himalayan-rally.jpg

At Marhi near Rohtang Pass:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-marhi-rohtang-pass-himalayan-1983-.jpg

Kamlesh Patel and Vicky during Mysore safari:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-kamlesh-patel-vicky-mysore-safari.jpg

Fiat at flag off by Mr. JJ Irani of Jawa motorcycles fame:

A group 2 Fiat at an event in Coimbatore:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-coimbatore-group-2.jpg

A custom modded example:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-fiat-custom-modded.jpg

moralfibre · 10th March 2013, 09:44

A Formula car on track. I guess it is in Sholavaram

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-car-track-2.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-car-track.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-3.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-4.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-5.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-6.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-7.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-8.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-9.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-10.jpg

A Formula Ford racing in Barrackpore - 1982

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-11-formula-ford-1982-barrackpore.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-12-formula-ford-1982-barrackpore.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-13-formula-ford-1982-barrackpore.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-14-barrackpore.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-15-formula-ford-1982-barrackpore.jpg

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars-track-16-formula-ford-1982.jpg

A Formula Maruti I guess:

A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene-formula-cars.jpg

moralfibre · 10th March 2013, 09:46

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Motorsport Section.

wanderernomad · 11th March 2013, 12:08

wow. Its pure nostalgia. Why dont other members also pitch in with their old time pictures. DB sir would have a sea of them I think. These pictures now make me want to have a fiat and not a gypsy that am pursuing. haha.

Dr.Suraj · 11th March 2013, 12:50

Fantastic pics!!!

What a priceless collection and a wonderful insight into those times!

Simply superb!

n_aditya · 11th March 2013, 12:56

Excellent thread Kiran. These pictures are priceless. I can't fathom why the sport has dwindled so much even with all the advancement in safety systems, vehicles, and track conditions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moralfibre

A Formula car on track. I guess it is in Sholavaram

Looking at the viewing gallery and paddock's, i can safely say that this is the MMST track at Sriperambudur.

rjstyles69 · 11th March 2013, 13:36

Fantastic kiran IIRC Nian Ali from yesteryear's racing and rally scene is on our forum. Can't recall his handle here, he definitely should be able to give a wonderful insight into the rally scene from the 80's onwards or so.

I used to follow Niaz's blogon rally.co.in, the threads are here and here.

moralfibre · 11th March 2013, 13:46

Riju, his handle is Hell Kuul and he did contribute considerably on this thread:

navin · 12th March 2013, 09:37

This is an absolutely phenomenal collection of pics. For me it is nostalgia, I remember in 1980 when the first Rally was flagged off from Brabone Stadium Mumbai amidst a lof of fanfare. Yes there used to a lot more enthusiasim back then. I dont believe anyone got hurt (I left India in 1981 so lost touch) but Behram Dhabar might have more information on that.

350biker · 12th March 2013, 12:18

How can we discuss Indian Rally scene and not mention Sir Jagat Nanjappa and his wife Anita Nanjappa. They have been associated with motor racing in India since the 80's.

One of the most well known couple in the field of bike racing as well as car racing. Cheers to such a couple and cheers to the Indian Motor Racing !!!

mukundmenon · 13th March 2013, 12:52

Quote:

A custom modded example:

Attachment 1060154

That is a Standard Herald !
Most of the old Indian Rwd cars are covered in the

, except the Contessa. Guess the extinction of cheap fun-to-drive rwd cars lead to the general loss of interest towards Motorsports/Rally in India...

jazzrockz · 13th March 2013, 16:04

THANK YOU! Moral Fibre a truly nostalgic experience this thread. 'remember the days waiting for the rally to roll into town and the beg and plead with the parents to let you stay till late and hang around the cars...and the bikes.
Truly awesome...thanks again

tharian · 13th March 2013, 16:47

How I wish I was born earlier!
Thanks for the pictures . Makes me feel I should take my friends 78' Padmini and do it up.

If I am correct, that is Leelakrishnan sir second from right in the 14th pic from top .

30th September 2012, 07:48	#1
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene I got in touch with Vicky Chandhok and he was very kind enough to share his collection of pictures of the Indian racing scene from back in the day. Would you believe me if I told you that we had more racing events in the 1970's, 1980's and early 1990's as compared to what we have today? Racing was not restricted to the rich but people from all walks of life would plan their weekend to be at Sholavaram or Barrackpore to watch the die hard drivers sweat it out on track. There weren't many cars on offer either. It could be your dad's trusty old Fiat or a heavy weight Amby. Admittedly you needed real courage to put a Fiat or an Amby through it's paces. Forget comforts, it didn't have any safety features like in modern race cars to stop you from meeting St. Peter. I read up somewhere that these cars were built on shoe string budgets by your friendly neighborhood garage. Yeah, the same ones you call "tuner workshops" today. I do not know much about the events but I've added a caption or two from what I knew. Once again, a big shout out to Vicky for being kind enough to let us enthusiasts take a look at how it was done: Last edited by moralfibre : 10th March 2013 at 09:31.
	(17) Thanks

7th October 2012, 14:35	#2
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Vicky's Ford Escort Mark II (or is it the RS1800) at the Himalayan Rally 1984. The pictures are labelled - Marhi, Rohtang Pass: Last edited by moralfibre : 7th October 2012 at 14:36.
	(13) Thanks

10th March 2013, 09:30	#3
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Fiat's at Scissors rally. (Unfortunately, I hardly have any information on these events. Experts may please contribute): A service team at work on a Fiat: A flying Fiat at what is now the MMST: During a Himalayan rally: At Marhi near Rohtang Pass: Kamlesh Patel and Vicky during Mysore safari: Fiat at flag off by Mr. JJ Irani of Jawa motorcycles fame: A group 2 Fiat at an event in Coimbatore: A custom modded example: Last edited by moralfibre : 10th March 2013 at 09:45.
	(15) Thanks

10th March 2013, 09:44	#4
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene A Formula car on track. I guess it is in Sholavaram A Formula Ford racing in Barrackpore - 1982 A Formula Maruti I guess:
	(25) Thanks

10th March 2013, 09:46	#5
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Motorsport Section.
	() Thanks

11th March 2013, 12:08	#6
wanderernomad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chandigarh Posts: 2,534 Thanked: 1,276 Times View My Garage	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene wow. Its pure nostalgia. Why dont other members also pitch in with their old time pictures. DB sir would have a sea of them I think. These pictures now make me want to have a fiat and not a gypsy that am pursuing. haha.
	() Thanks

11th March 2013, 12:50	#7
Dr.Suraj BHPian Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Mumbai Posts: 724 Thanked: 1,775 Times View My Garage	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Fantastic pics!!! What a priceless collection and a wonderful insight into those times! Simply superb!
	() Thanks

11th March 2013, 13:36	#9
rjstyles69 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bengalooru.. Posts: 4,343 Thanked: 842 Times View My Garage	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Fantastic kiran IIRC Nian Ali from yesteryear's racing and rally scene is on our forum. Can't recall his handle here, he definitely should be able to give a wonderful insight into the rally scene from the 80's onwards or so. I used to follow Niaz's blogon rally.co.in, the threads are here and here.
	(1) Thanks

11th March 2013, 13:46	#10
moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,451 Thanked: 13,971 Times	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene Riju, his handle is Hell Kuul and he did contribute considerably on this thread:
	() Thanks

12th March 2013, 09:37	#11
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,195 Thanked: 9,284 Times	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene This is an absolutely phenomenal collection of pics. For me it is nostalgia, I remember in 1980 when the first Rally was flagged off from Brabone Stadium Mumbai amidst a lof of fanfare. Yes there used to a lot more enthusiasim back then. I dont believe anyone got hurt (I left India in 1981 so lost touch) but Behram Dhabar might have more information on that. Last edited by navin : 3rd November 2018 at 11:12. Reason: Correcting Behram's last name. :)
	() Thanks

12th March 2013, 12:18	#12
350biker BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Nasik Posts: 163 Thanked: 95 Times View My Garage	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene How can we discuss Indian Rally scene and not mention Sir Jagat Nanjappa and his wife Anita Nanjappa. They have been associated with motor racing in India since the 80's. One of the most well known couple in the field of bike racing as well as car racing. Cheers to such a couple and cheers to the Indian Motor Racing !!!
	() Thanks

13th March 2013, 16:04	#14
jazzrockz BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 101 Thanked: 166 Times	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene THANK YOU! Moral Fibre a truly nostalgic experience this thread. 'remember the days waiting for the rally to roll into town and the beg and plead with the parents to let you stay till late and hang around the cars...and the bikes. Truly awesome...thanks again
	() Thanks

13th March 2013, 16:47	#15
tharian Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SBC Posts: 3,985 Thanked: 8,039 Times View My Garage	Re: A Nostalgic look at the Indian Racing Scene How I wish I was born earlier! Thanks for the pictures . Makes me feel I should take my friends 78' Padmini and do it up. If I am correct, that is Leelakrishnan sir second from right in the 14th pic from top .
	() Thanks