The New Year has begun on a bright note for the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as eight of its nominees have been invited to serve on various FIA commissions for the 2011-12 season.
“FIA has now got confidence in the Indian federation and its people. Now that the nominations are through, we need to gain the stability to contribute and make a difference,” said Vicky Chandhok, the FMSCI president. “It's not an easy task, though. It will take a year or two to understand the global functioning, and a few more years to ensure stability,” he added.
“It is a matter of great pride for India, leave alone the FMSCI, as it is for the first time that a large number of Indians have been nominated to the FIA commissions. The sporting regulations for the various disciplines are formulated by the commission for adoption by the World Motor Sports Council. “This set of nominations certainly brings India and Indians to the world stage and gives them an opportunity to participate in regulation formation for the whole world,” said Coimbatore's J. Balamurugan.
“It will also involve a great deal of networking and knowledge sharing at a global level. We certainly hope to accelerate the process of bringing up Indian motor sports to global standards through this experience,” he added.
A challenge
“We will all be under test because most of us have never done this before. So, it will be a challenge,” said Coimbatore's B. Vijayakumar.
He said that the nomination will provide a lot of insight into the entire process. “The Commission [single seater] that I am in is below F-1. The cars are much more advanced than the ones we make. So, that will be very useful for racing in India. I will share my knowledge and in return gain some too.
“It is a recognition and a responsibility to bring in global standards on how we manage the sporting aspects, and also contribute the Asian perspective to the world stage,” said Chennai's Prabha Shankar (volunteers/officials commission). “There's a big number to manage, and I am eagerly looking forward to giving my best,” he added.
“It is a proud moment for me. I want to be a learner in the first place because I don't want to be a laughing stock. I want to do a good job because I owe a lot to my motherland,” said the Bangalore-based Shivu Shivappa, who has a vast experience in both rallying and organising.
Brand new field
“It's a big step forward. It's a brand new field so it is too early to cast aspersions. But, I want to create a platform so that the world looks at India for cross country championships. By hosting a Grand Prix, India has proved to the world that anything is possible.”
The list: Shivu Shivappa (rally); Manjeev Bhalla (cross country rally); B. Vijayakumar (single seater); J. Balamurugan (drag racing); Vicky Chandhok (CIK karting); Manvendra Singh (historic motor sport); Prabha Shankar (volunteers & officials) and Farhan Vohra (circuits).
