The Formula 4 night street race scheduled for December 9 and 10 in the city has been indefinitely postponed, as announced by the government on Friday. The decision was made in light of the disruption caused by Cyclone Michaung to public life. The release did not specify any new dates for the event.
Racing Promotions Private Limited, in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, introduced the Chennai Formula Street Circuit in August. This circuit encompassed sections of Anna Salai, Flag Staff Road, Kamarajar Salai, and Swami Sivananda Salai, with plans for the pit and paddock structures within Island Grounds.
In August 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the DMK’s Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister, entered a three-year MoU with Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) for the development of the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit. The 5-kilometer circuit, featuring an anti-clockwise layout and 19 corners, was designed to extend over Island Grounds, Victory War Memorial, and the Napier Bridge. The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) was set to invest ₹42 crore, while RPPL committed ₹200 crore for the circuit’s development.
As part of the ambitious plan, the venue was intended to host the F4 Indian Championship and Indian Racing League on December 9 and 10, 2023.
TTV Dinakaran, General Secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK), criticized the government’s decision to prioritize the F4 race amid a crisis. He expressed condemnation on social media, highlighting the flooding caused by Cyclone Michaung and the government’s focus on a private car race instead of addressing the needs of the affected population.
Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also voiced criticism, citing inconvenience to essential facilities like hospitals, the secretariat, and the railway station. He suggested using dedicated tracks instead of public roads for such events.
Public interest litigations (PILs) were filed against the race, alleging threats to safety and unnecessary public spending. The Madras High Court requested details of the MoU between the government and Racing Promotions Private Limited, questioning the benefits for the government.
Officials mentioned restricted public access during the event, with vehicle passes being issued for essential services. Ticket prices ranged from ₹1699 to 19,999 for day and weekend passes on Paytm Insider.
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