Sholavaram
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Sholavaram, a quite town at the 24th KM north of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is primarily known for its Lake and the motor racing.
Sholavaram lake is one of the many that is used as water source for Chennai.
The race track once used to be an air strip during World War II, racing event were conducted between early 60's and well into late 1980's. Racing event took place during the month of February every year until Madras Motor Sports Club built a new track in Sriperumbadur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It still evokes strong memories and nostalgia from several drivers and spectators.
Racing categories included Mopeds, Scooters, Superbikes and Cars like Indian Saloon car to the much exciting 4 wheeler open class. Some of the most powerful cars like 1981 Formula 1,Formula 5000's ,Formula 2 and Formula Atlantic 's participated during the racing event.
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[edit] Notable drivers
- S.Karivardhan
- Vijay Mallya[1]
- Niaz Ali - from Calcutta nicknamed Ambassador Guru
- J.Anand
- Tiff Needell former BBC Top Gear presentator
- Jim Crawford former Indianapolis Indy 500 racer
The track in its heyday attracted drivers from Srilanka,United Kingdom and other European Countries.
[edit] Notable cars
Apart from Ambassadors,Premier Padmini's and Standard Heralds many formula cars have scorched the track.FISSME's (also known as Formula Maruti) made its debut here in the tracks last year 1988.
- Ferrari 365 GT-Dr.Rossi of Mumbai
- Formula 1 Team Ensign-Vijay Mallya
- John Surtees Formula 5000-Driven by Mahrajkumar of Gondal[2]
- Several Chevrons Formula Atlantic's-S.Karivardhan ,Vicky Chandok
- Ford Mustang,Jaguar E-type,Jaguar XK 150 etc.
[edit] Layout
The track was originally an unused Worldwar II air strip with a T-Shaped layout with long straights.The main straights had a long grandstand where the spectators had the full view of the racing action and the pits.This track attracted more crowds making the stands jampacked.
[edit] See also
[edit] Links
- History of Sholavaram Racing Strip
- Premier Padmini's at Sholavaram.Beating the Coimbatore Boys. [3]
- Ambassadors in Racing [4]
- Origins of Sholavaram [5]
- Maharaj of Gondals Formula 5000 [6]
