The Madras International Circuit hosted the second round of the MRF-Tyres Indian National Car Racing Championship, sanctioned by the FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India), on Sunday, 08 January 2023. The event, organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) was marred by the death of veteran racer K. E. Kumar, 59-year-old.
Kumar was involved in a horrific crash during the 10-lap saloon car race, held in the morning. His car slid across the track, after colliding with the front of another competitor's car and veered to the left. The vehicle, bearing the race number #10, crossed the run-off area at full speed and slammed into a fence and trees, landing on its roof.
The race was immediately red flagged. The emergency crews extricated K. E. Kumar from the wreckage and, after a preliminary examination at the track's Medical Centre, he was transferred by an ambulance to a nearby hospital in Thandalam, Chennai. Despite the best efforts of the hospital's doctors, he succumbed to his injuries several hours after the accident.
A hotelier from Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India, K. E. Kumar was an avid amateur racer who participated in touring-car races for decades, having won several trophies. A well-respected driver, he was a member of the Madras Motor Sports Club.
Located in Irungattukottai, near the Tamil Nadu state capital city of Chennai - formerly known as Madras - in south-eastern India, the Madras International Circuit (MIC) is a 3.717-kilometer permanent race track, previously known as Madras Motor Race Track or Irungattukottai Circuit. As a mark of respect, the remainder of the day’s racing schedule was canceled.
R.I.P
