Locals in Srinagar were treated to a memorable racing show on March 17. Super Cars zoomed past awestruck fans during the first-ever Formula 4 racing demonstration event in Jammu & Kashmir. The Boulevard road at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range was one of the most scenic circuits in the world as the test racing was held from Lalit Ghat to Nehru Park in the city. The event started at 10 am on Sunday and concluded at 2 pm in which professional Formula 4 drivers performed stunts.
The high octane event was seen as an example showcasing Kashmir as a destination for such events in future. “This is very heartening to see. It will help further showcase the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir. India offers great opportunities for motorsports to thrive and Srinagar is right on top of the places where it can happen!” PM Modi posted on X.
Motorsports is slowly gaining traction across the country with various forms of racing events being organised across the country over the past few months. Kashmir has had rising popularity in the field of motorsports events in the last few years.
The Formula 4 racing demonstration event was organised by Formula 4 in collaboration with the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India, which is affiliated to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), under the aegis of Kashmir’s Tourism Department. The race was organised aiming to promote tourism and encourage multi-career choices for the local youth.
The authorities had made extensive arrangements for the first-ever event of its kind in the Valley, which included levelling of the racing surface and black-topping of potholes, installation of barricades, deployment of medical teams with ambulances, fire extinguishers and deployment of adequate security. The event was additionally secured through drone surveillance.
However, during the run, two cars rammed into the plastic barricades erected on the sides of the road for the spectators’ protection. Several spectators were hit by debris from the barricades but no one was injured.
The authorities ensured the safety of spectators and participants alike, with C-type 2-tier barricades and medical teams on standby, showcasing the meticulous planning that went into making this event a success.
The organisers of the event said that it was not only to showcase speed and competition but also a message of celebration of resilience and unity. Indeed, Kashmir has come a long way and there is no looking back.
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