Motorsport is no stranger to Kolkata. In fact, the city is known to give India its first motorsports club at the Calcutta Motor Sports Club (CMSC). However, it’s will be nearly 68 years after the CMSC was set up, that the place will witness its first ever drag-race event ¬– the India Speed Week(ISW) 2016.

A collaborative effort by Elite Octane and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, the ISW will be held from December 9-11, 2016 at the Behala Flying Club airstrip, entries for which are now open.

The races will follow a quarter-mile (402.336m) format, wherein the car or motorcycle that is the quickest to cover the distance is the winner in a given category – based on the engine displacement and level of modification of the competition vehicle.

During the event, special arrangements will be made to ensure the safety of the spectators and the competitors, which include rescue, firefighting and medical support. Also, riders without the appropriate safety gear (as prescribed by the FMSCI) will not be allowed to participate in the races.

The Valley Run held annually at Amby Valley, also organised by Elite Octane, is one of the most popular drag race events in India. Now, the addition of Kolkata is sure to give drag racing some much needed traction here. In addition to the Valley Run and the India Speed Week, the calendar for 2017 is also going to add Ahmedabad, Noida (at the Buddh International Circuit), Bengaluru and Shillong to the list of venues.