Motorsport activities in India have understandably been put on pause, as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown. However, with sporting series around the world now starting to host events behind closed doors, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) – which is responsible for the governance and promotion of motorsport in the country – has announced a host of measures to encourage racing activity.
Aimed to motivate the resumption of national championships as well as grassroots-level events, these new initiatives largely target event organisers and promoters. The new measures announced for 2020 include:
-
Free renewal of national level competition licences applied for in 2020 for the year 2021, if these licence holders do not take part in any event in 2020.
-
100 percent waiver of the permit fees for organisers of all events, if there are no sponsors associated with the event. 50 percent of permit fees will be charged otherwise.
-
100 percent waiver of the naming rights fees for events if there are no sponsors associated with the event. 50 percent naming rights fees will be charged otherwise.
-
One year extension for the existing promoters of various National Championship events, irrespective of whether the championship is conducted in 2020 or not.
-
Local stewards will be appointed to ease the burden of travel and hospitality costs for the organisers.
India has currently entered the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown but with a number of relaxations in place. The government has already announced that stadiums across the country can be opened, provided there are no spectators. However, no clarity has been provided on whether sporting events can yet be conducted without spectators.
Suraj Viswanathan
