KARI MOTOR SPEEDWAY RACETRACK
KARI MOTOR SPEEDWAY RACETRACK Notes:
Kari Motor Speedway is a purpose-built Formula Three racing circuit located in Chettipalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Inaugurated in 2003, the facility represents a significant milestone in Indian motorsport development and has earned Coimbatore recognition as the "Motorsports Capital of India." The circuit is named after S. Karivardhan, a pioneering figure in Indian motorsport who designed and built entry-level race cars and established ultralight aviation manufacturing operations on the property. In the late 1990s, part of the existing site served as a runway for power gliders and hosted drag racing events before former racer B. Vijay Kumar purchased the land in 2002 to create a permanent racing facility capable of hosting national championship events.
The track layout spans 2.3 kilometers (1.43 miles) and features 14 corners, including a challenging mix of technical sections and a prominent 800-meter straight that allows vehicles to achieve substantial speeds. This configuration creates a versatile testing ground that evaluates driver skill across acceleration, braking precision, and cornering technique. The circuit received FIA and CIK approval to host races up to Formula 3 category, establishing its credentials as a legitimate international-standard facility. Following the COVID-19 pandemic racing pause, Kari Motor Speedway underwent significant renovation including complete track resurfacing with fresh tarmac and modifications to the layout that introduced additional technical sections, enhancing the circuit's challenge for modern racing machinery.
Kari Motor Speedway has established itself as the premier venue for Indian national motorsport competition, regularly hosting the JK Tyre National Racing Championship, MRF Challenge, Formula Bharat (annually since 2017), Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and national championship races for go-karting, motorcycle road racing, and formula categories. The facility serves multiple functions beyond competitive racing, operating as a testing ground for motorcycle clubs, racing schools, karting academies, and automotive manufacturers conducting vehicle development and validation work. Notable lap records demonstrate the circuit's capability: the Audi RS Q8 SUV recorded 1:13.691 with champion racer Aditya Patel, while motorcycle records include a 300cc category time of 1:23.81 set by CRA Motorsports—both achievements ratified by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India and entered into the India Book of Records.
The circuit's compact dimensions and technical layout make it particularly suitable for developing driver talent and conducting intensive testing programs, with the 800-meter straight providing adequate space for high-speed vehicle dynamics evaluation while the 14 corners create constant engagement requiring precise throttle control and racing line optimization. Located in Tamil Nadu's industrial hub of Coimbatore, approximately 500 kilometers southwest of Chennai and the Madras Motor Race Track, Kari Motor Speedway benefits from the region's strong automotive manufacturing presence and established motorsport culture. The facility continues to play a crucial role in nurturing Indian motorsport talent, providing accessible track time for amateur racers while maintaining standards suitable for professional competition, contributing significantly to India's growing prominence in Asian motorsport development.