Guide to the Indian racing scene | Motorsports as a career

Matrix888 · 13th April 2021, 14:40

Motorsports is something which is close to our hearts, thought to create this thread to start a conversation on the scope & future for anyone who wishes to consider racing as a career.

Compiling some useful videos below. Do share your experiences & trivia about the Indian racing scene to help anyone interested in the same.

A helpful beginner’s guide from Abhimanyu Gautam. (Asia-CRR & National podium holder.)

https://youtu.be/RZGpYEl8fUU

Amit Arora (Director at INMRC & Chairman of FMSCI.) explaining the basics.

https://youtu.be/S9FYnvyWSdM

Interview with a National champion Sandeep Nadimpalli.

https://youtu.be/GLU3brhEDXg

Costs associated, shared by the fastest Indian at BIC Simranjeet Singh.

https://youtu.be/k5rOmSHBwLM

Key points

Academies: Training & certification from an accredited racing school is a must before applying for a racing license: http://www.fmsci.co.in/2w-academies/ Cost: 20 to 60k.

Racing license: After certification, you can apply for a racing license to participate in events http://licence.fmsci.co.in/ Cost: 1500-2000 as per category.

Events: One make championships (Low cost entry fee: 5-10k, bike is provided by event host.) Endurance, National championships (High cost, own bike.)

Tracks: https://www.redbull.com/in-en/india-top-racetracks cost for practice sessions vary from track to track, from 5k for a day of multiple sessions at KMS to about 15k for a session at BIC. Which can be pooled by multiple riders.

Total Cost: To get started, 50k to 4Lacs depending upon various factors like rented suits (5-10k) / own (Approx. 1-1.5L for everything incl. boots, gloves & helmet.) Type of racing event (Own bike, team / Manufacturer event.)

The difficult part: You’ve gotten your racing license & have made it to the championships. Even have the talent/skills. That is not enough, we need to swallow the bitter pill that without significant sponsorships making it big in the racing arena is not a piece of cake, far from it.

Motorsports was considered as entertainment & didn’t get the recognition it deserved as a sport by the GOI. In 2020 it was included in the category for central govt. job reservations. A small but encouraging development which does make the future seem bright.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...-athletes.html (Government job quota will now include Motorsport athletes)

https://youtu.be/cXW2t2AdDoE

With high costs & almost nil earnings it may be discouraging for those with limited means & the common dream of racing as a profession.
Above is an inspirational video, even abroad in the racing heaven of Italy it isn’t easy when you don’t have a ton of money. This should give you a perspective & ideas to do something similar. With hard work, creativity, dedication & passion dreams can come true.

We must not lose hope and give up on our dreams, because..

Guide to the Indian racing scene | Motorsports as a career-d63dff11882116a19f1d2ce7ba33f960.jpeg

v1p3r · 20th April 2021, 01:19

Being a rider/driver is a very small niche in the field of motorsport careers. Every racing team consists of a large number of engineers and designers, supported by sales, marketing, management, etc. Mercedes F1 has 1400 employees, and the smallest team - Haas F1 - has over 200. Each of those team members is also a motorsport professional, and they don't have to start training at 3 or 4 years old for it.

Of course, this is internationally. In India, there isn't much scope for gainful employment that will sustain an upper-middle class lifestyle.

Krishna95 · 15th November 2021, 21:03

Any advice for someone who is associated with a motor racing team as a consultant and is looking to get into the management side of it ?

20th April 2021, 01:19	#2
v1p3r Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: BLR / DXB / LON Posts: 5,334 Thanked: 6,896 Times View My Garage	Re: Guide to the Indian racing scene \| Motorsports as a career Being a rider/driver is a very small niche in the field of motorsport careers. Every racing team consists of a large number of engineers and designers, supported by sales, marketing, management, etc. Mercedes F1 has 1400 employees, and the smallest team - Haas F1 - has over 200. Each of those team members is also a motorsport professional, and they don't have to start training at 3 or 4 years old for it. Of course, this is internationally. In India, there isn't much scope for gainful employment that will sustain an upper-middle class lifestyle. Last edited by v1p3r : 20th April 2021 at 01:21.
	(2) Thanks

15th November 2021, 21:03	#3
Krishna95 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times	Re: Guide to the Indian racing scene \| Motorsports as a career Any advice for someone who is associated with a motor racing team as a consultant and is looking to get into the management side of it ?
	() Thanks