MADRAS MOTOR SPORTS CLUB
Motor sport established its
roots in Madras in 1953. in that year, Rex Strong, an Englishman and K.Varugis,
raced two 1948 M.G.models from Chesney Hall, on commander-in chief road to the
Catholic Centre in Armenian Street in George town.
These two people searched around for like-minded people and then they staged a
Motor Scavenger hunt. At the prize distribution ceremony that day the winner was
the famous Kasim Khaleeli. It was then that a formal resolution was passed to
form the MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club).
Then
the MMSC had a prize catch when they managed to secure the airstrip at
Shaolavaram about 25 kilometer fro Madras for their race track. In August 1953,
the first event was organized for two classes of cars-MG’s and other stock
cars. Encouraged by the response and the general enthusiasm, the MMSC organized
the first ever official meet on 25th October, 1953. There was a five
lap relay for motorcycles, a five lap race for sports cards and a three lap
relay for motorcycle teams.
The
fastest man at the meet was Johnny Dye who clocked 72 mph in a Triumph Twin. The
popularity of the sport and the tremendous response from the participants from
all over the country forced the Club to host the first All India race meet on 17th
February 1954. In addition to a large number of Indian riders and drivers, there
were also internationally reputed drivers from Sri Lanka. About 10,000
spectators gathered to watch the day’s events.
Zacky Dean, who had taken part in the Isle of Man TT and other international
races, lived up to the expectations in his Norton Special. Raja Sinmnathurai,
the young participant for whom special permission had to be obtained because he
was for too young, won in his maiden attempt. Among the Indians, Hari Rao of
Madras won the Bikers section while P.S.Hariharan from Bangalore won in his
Jaguar XK-120.
The
growth of MMSC has been steady. Starting with a membership strength of 40 in
1953, the club today has over 750 members. This is higher than the total
membership of all the other motor clubs in the other parts of the country.
Incidentally, 80% of the members are life members. |
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Address: Madras Motor
Sports Club, Guru mansion, 1st floor, 123 / 1, TTK Salai, Alwarpet, Chennai –
600018.
Phone: 4990998
Fax: 24993984
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