Indian Karting Championship is a GOKART design, manufacturing and racing competition initiated by Nexus Motorsport, Pune. The competition involves static and dynamic stages, and both are held on the trackside at Pune. The teams from various Engineering college will have to design, fabricate and race their vehicles on their own, without any assistance from faculty advisers or professional engineers. However, the outsourcing of some parts is allowed.
Virtual Round – This Round is to evaluate and judge the best design. No team will be eliminated at this stage. The teams will have to present their design report, analysis, and calculations in this Round. Each team will be given 15 minutes to present their design.
On Day One, 14th February, 2023, the Technical Inspection (TI) was carried out. The dynamic event is preceded by this TI, which does not carry any points but is mandatory for participating in the dynamic event. TI is based on rule book parameters and safety checks of the vehicles. The teams are allowed only 2 chances in the TI test, and if they don’t clear the test even after two chances, they will be disqualified for the dynamic events.
On Day Two, 15th February, 2023, Brake Test and Acceleration Test were carried out. It’s mandatory for a vehicle to pass the brake test, to participate in any of the dynamic events. The vehicle must stop in a straight-line after the brake is applied. Each vehicle is given 2 attempts at the brake test. The speed of the vehicle must not be less than 45 kmph, while attempting the brake test. Acceleration Test determines the time a vehicle takes to accelerate along the 100ft (30.48m) flat course. Each team may take two attempts, but with different drivers. The better of the two attempts is taken into consideration for the scoring.
Team Xtreme Squad at Indian Karting Championship, Mohite Racing Academy, Kolhapur
Valhestur at Indian Karting Championship
On Day Three, 16th February, 2023, the Skidpad and Autocross was carried out. The objective of the Skidpad event is to measure the vehicle’s cornering ability on a flat surface, while making a constant-radius turn. The skidpad layout may be the figure of ‘8’, of minimum track width 3 and shortest turning radius 2.5 m.
The objective of the Autocross event is to evaluate the vehicle’s cornering and handling qualities on a tight course. It is a timed competition in which the drivers navigate one at a time through a defined course on a sealed surface track. The autocross course combines the performance features of acceleration, braking and cornering in one single event. The vehicle will be staged such that the front wheels are 6m behind the starting line.
On Day Four, 17th February 2023, the Time Trial was carried out. This test combines acceleration, deceleration, skidpad and autocross tests, into one single test. The time will start, as soon as the vehicle leaves the starting line of the acceleration test, and time will end as soon as the vehicle touches the finishing line of the autocross test. The vehicle will have to clear all these tests, without stopping. The teams are shortlisted on the basis of minimum time required for acceleration, skidpad and autocross tests.
The Endurance Event is designed to evaluate the overall performance of the vehicle, and to test the vehicle’s reliability. Teams are free to choose any top speed. This event is held as a pre-qualifying test, and each vehicle will have to complete 20l laps. Teams are not allowed to work on their vehicles during the heat.
Prequalifying Test – This test is held to shortlist vehicles for the final race, on the basis of the best timing of all laps. The pole position for the race is assigned on the basis of the acceleration test.
Final Race – The pole position is assigned on the basis of performance in the Prequalifying test. Teams can make changes in their vehicle during the final race.
Both the teams from MVJCE, i.e. Team Xtreme and Team Valheuster Racing, cleared the Technical Inspection, Brake Test and Acceleration Test, and qualified for the Final Endurance test.
Prize Distribution Ceremony
Xtreme Squad Team received Best Design Presentation Award
On the evening of 17th February, at 5.30 pm, the qualifying round got over, and our Xtreme Squad team qualified for the Final race, by successfully completing the Prequalifying test which consists of 7 rounds, with each round being approximately 2.4kms. At around 7 pm, the Final race began, where our team was competing with the Top 18 teams from all over India.
Our Team Xtreme secured the 4th place at the All India Level, in the Final race.