Chennai: The elections for the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India (FMSCI) have never been as dramatic as they were at its 40th annual general meeting that was held here on Monday.
The voting for the posts of councillors has concluded, but the ballots have been kept in a sealed cover as per the Madras High Court order. When the envelopes are to be opened in front of judges on January 8, the FMSCI is set to greet new faces in its eight-member council, the most powerful body that will subsequently elect its new president and vice-president.
Current president Vicky Chandhok, who will continue to be a council member representing the founder-member Madras Motor Sports Club, announced on Monday that he would not seek re-election, but the rival camp says that “he doesn’t have majority even if he decides to contest.”
“We have the support of 11 members in the house of 14,” said a key member of the ‘new front’ which is reportedly led by an influential official from a tyre major. Another person whose roots can be traced to a rival tyre company is also said to be fully behind the new alliance.
As the new faction is set to take over the reins, there are a few potential candidates for the president post, but the camp insists that it would go for a unanimous decision. Either Coimbatore Auto Sports Club’s J. Prithiviraj or Meco Motorsports’ Akbar Ebrahim — former F3 driver — could be Vicky’s successor.
Given his track record as a driver, a mentor for many a budding racer and a successful organiser, Akbar looks cut out for the job. The new president has a monumental task of persuading the government in an effort to bring Formula One back to the country. F1’s entry to India was one of the achievements of the previous regime.
Srikanth Karani of Mumbai-based Sportscraft, a senior official who took the federation to court and got injection opposing its resolution that allows only non-profit clubs to become members of the powerful council, dramatically withdrew his nomination along with Pune-based Sportstrek’s Shyam Kothari and Ashwin Pundit (Western India Sports Association, Nashik).
The last two were thought to be supporters of Vicky and their withdrawals came as a blow to the Chennai strongman.
Mallya’s chairman post under review
The new council is all likely to review the chairmanship of Vijay Mallya. With his ardent supporter Vicky not in power anymore, Mallya may not find backers to retain his non-executive post. But given the liquor baron’s proximity to the big guns of international ruling body (FIA), the FMSCI could be forced to keep him. The council is also likely to name a new CEO, replacing Rajan Syal.
