The MMSC Racing Championship received a major boost as their six-round 2016 season, commencing in January, will provide an entry to the Mazda Road to Indy USF 2000 series scholarship shootout.
The topper of the MRF Formula Ford 1600 series will be sent for the Mazda Road to Indy shootout, where the winner receives a scholarship of USD 200,000 (INR 1.31 cr) towards a season in US F2000. The F2000 champion in turn gets a shot at the Indy Lights - which is the final feeder to the Verizon Indycar Series which includes the legendary Indy 500.
The Formula LGB 1300 class has been converted into a rookie class, open to drivers below 25 years of age. The top performers in this series will be eligible for scholarship to the following year's MRF FF 1600 championship. So theoretically, a LGB 1300 national champion can progress all the way to the Indy Car series.
Other proposed classes include Indian Junior Touring Cars, Indian Touring Cars and Superstock as a part of the support bill.
“We are pleased to announce our tie-up with the Indy Racing League for the Mazda Road to Indy scholarship shootout which is further evidence to our commitment to develop talent in the sport", said Ajit Thomas, president of the MMSC.
“We will continue the trend from this year to start our championship early in the year and stretch it over the year. The feedback from our partners and competitors has been positive and encouraging in starting early again next year.
The Mazda Road to Indy is one of the most successful driver development programs in the world, providing a unique, scholarship-funded path to reach the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500.
MMSC will also conduct shootouts for scholarships in the 2016 championship at the iconic MMRT Circuit in Sriperumbudur, from December 8 to 11. Rookies and newcomers can take part in the scholarship shootout for the Formula LGB 1300 and existing drivers below 25 years of age participate in the shootout for the MRF FF1600.
Details for the scholarship programme will be posted on the MMSC official website and their Facebook page shortly. Interested competitors can also email to race@mmsc.in for details.
Provisional calendar for 2016 season (venues not finalised)
Round 1: January 29-31.
Round 2: March 4-6.
Round 3: June 17-19.
Round 4: July 15– 17.
Round 5: August 19-21.
Round 6: September 6-8.