22 May,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Pic/iStock
Whoever coined the phrase "what a drag" could learn a thing or two about the high-octane motorsport that has kept racing enthusiasts glued to their seats for almost as long as performance cars have existed. The short, 402 m-long races, popularised by the rise in customisation in the 2000s are the perfect way to witness the marvels of modern automobile engineering. This weekend, Elite Action, a racing community, will bring the action to the Juhu Airport, a unique, yet somewhat familiar venue.
Rongom Mukerji, city-based motorsport enthusiast and the brains behind the event, takes us back in time to Mumbai in the late 1980s and 90s. "Back in the day, the airport was the heart of a small, yet close-knit community of performance vehicle owners. The airstrip would be transformed into a track, and the areas surrounding it would be used for off-roading. It was usually the high net worth individuals (HNIs) who would assemble at such closed events," he recalls.
While the airport subsequently evolved into a hub of general aviation (GA) and VIP aircraft movement, leaving the supercars no option but to hit the road, Mukerji insists that the fanbase has transformed just as much. It's the democratisation of motorsports, he believes, that marks the evolution of the scene over the last four decades. "Super cars and bikes became more attainable and hence, common. Thanks, in part, to social media, the newer generation has developed an interest in competitive racing," he notes.
This weekend, after the last aircraft calls it a day at the Juhu Airport, Mukerji's team will take over the airstrip, turning into a sight straight out of a Fast and Furious title. More than 80 supercars, comprising factory builds to supercars modified to perfection by motorheads, will roll into the venue. "To give every kind of enthusiast something to look forward to, we invited a diverse set of cars that will compete in different categories based on their BHPs [brake horsepower, a measure of a vehicle's power]," he shares.
At the five-hour-long event, visitors can choose to witness the drag races from the stands or take a detour and get up close with the automobiles. "Where else can you find cars from the Mercedes AMG series, BMW M series, Porsches, Lamborghinis and McLarens under one roof?" Mukerji chuckles. We learn that electric vehicles like the Mercedes EQS, Audi RS e-tron GT, and the Porsche Taycan EV will also make an appearance. "They might not sound as powerful as their fuel-powered counterparts, but they can give them a run for their money," the organiser reminds us.
Amid ongoing discussions around the misuse of supercars in the state, Mukerji assures us that safety remains the first priority for him. "That is exactly what took us so long. We have a clearance from the Airport Authority of India and a strong set of SOPs that we will abide by," he shares, adding that the spectators will be protected by barricades placed strategically around the tracks for their safety at all times. "There is a dearth of dedicated tracks in the country, with Maharashtra having none. I hope to see one soon so enthusiasts have a controlled environment to burn some rubber," he concludes.
ON May 25; 8 pm onwards
MEETING POINT Main Gate, Juhu Airport, Airport Area, SV Road, Juhu.
LOG ON TO insider.in
ENTRY Rs 3,500 onwards (Airport rules apply)
. Supercars including, but not limited to BMW, Audi, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG, and Porsche can participate.
. Owners of modified cars must declare their modifications and tunings to the organisers.
. Vehicles will be categorised based on their BHP at the organisers' discretion.
. Participants should carry their own protective gear.
. A valid Indian Union driving licence is mandatory.
LOG ON TO eliteoctane.com
COST Rs 25,000 (registration fee)
