The opening round of the Formula Junior Racing Series (FJRS) held here last week served as the right platform for aspiring young drivers to take a big step forward in their racing career.
Promoted by Meco Motor Sports (MMS), a Chennai motorsport management enterprise started by racer Akbar Ebrahim, the FJRS is a new entry-level Formula Racing Series for rookie drivers, who have attended the Meco Racing Academy, to step up from karting to single-seater open-wheel racing.
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“We have training programmes in our academy right through the year. Many drivers come and go. They learn the technicalities of racing but a few prefer to shift gears to serious racing,” said Ebrahim, considered the best racer in his era.
“And for those who show the passion to pursue racing, we wanted to set up a nice platform and the FJRS is one,” he added.
“It’s a thrilling experience for the boys to be on the podium.”
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“They not only learn but also live and react,” he said.
He was pleased with the first-round performance of the boys.
“Twelve cars formed the grid and the drivers were selected on a first-come first-serve basis. But there were others who showed the interest as well.”
Wait and watchEbrahim, who has a good idea of where the country stands in terms of talent, infrastructure, training and opportunities, wants to play a wait-and-watch game.
“We have the second round happening in Coimbatore [April 30 & May 1] and we want to see the response. Based on the popularity, we may have two more rounds. If more drivers join, then we can have regular meets.”
The FJRS is a grooming ground for a seat with the Meco Racing Team taking part in the JK Tyre – FMSCI National racing championship.
The first round saw a young Brayan Perera from Sri Lanka dominate. He grabbed three titles of the five at stake.
There are others like Perera who are passionate about racing.
And, Ebrahim understands it much better than anybody else in the country.
He wants to train, clear those obstacles that come their way and convert them into champion materials.