Racing Beyond Borders: Madras opens Its track for Nepali drivers and riders

Kathmandu: Nepali motorcycle racers and kart drivers will now have the opportunity to race on the international-standard track in Madras.

The announcement was made by Vicky Chandhok, board member of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and director of the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), during the FIA Asia Pacific Congress being held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from October 8 to 10. The collaboration was publicly announced under the concept of regional cooperation, based on a proposal by NASA Nepal (Nepal Automobiles Association). The agreement was reached between Govinda Bhattarai, Executive Director of NASA Nepal, and Vicky Chandhok of MMSC and FMSCI.

Three annual programs will be held at the Madras track — one for motorcycles, one for karts, and another for marshals. Under this collaboration, 16 Nepali riders will be able to participate each year in a two-day racing and training event at the Madras track. For the MMSC–NASA Nepal National Championship, MMSC will provide all ground facilities (including the track and machines) free of cost, while NASA Nepal will handle the selection, participation, licensing, and official responsibilities of the Nepali riders.

A maximum of 16 riders and officials from Nepal will gain the opportunity not only to compete but also to receive training and management-related knowledge. Likewise, 16 kart drivers will receive hands-on and competitive experience on the same track.

The NASA Nepal–FMSCI Karting Championship is expected to play a vital role in the development of grassroots motorsports in Nepal. Sixteen young kart drivers and two technicians or officials will benefit from this program. In addition, both events will include an orientation session for developing skilled marshals essential for motorsport activities.

According to Santosh Prasad Nyaupane, Secretary of NASA Nepal and participant in the congress, such cooperation marks a significant step toward the sustainable development of Nepali motorsports. Given the lack of a proper racing track in Nepal, the Madras track in India will provide Nepali drivers and riders with greater opportunities for competition and training. Chandhok added that FMSCI and MMSC are always enthusiastic about supporting Nepali motorsport talent through such initiatives.

The announcement, made in the presence of senior officials from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), was also praised by representatives of other member nations.

NASA Nepal is affiliated with three major international motorsport federations — FIA (International Automobile Federation), FIM (International Motorcycle Federation), and UIM (International Powerboat Federation). Recently, it has also entered the field of air racing, including drone and robotic sports.

Established in 1952 in Madras (now Chennai), South India, the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) is one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious motorsport clubs. It also played a founding role in the establishment of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.