Opening Doorz

Opening Doorz Editorial | December 20, 2016

Motorsport in India has come a long way since the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) was formed in 1971.

After cricket and hockey, it has gained in popularity, thanks to Sportscraft, which caters to the young, old and adventurous by organizing events like Autocross, Dirt Track racing, Scooter rallies and off-beat drives.

Started in 1984 by Shrikant Karani, the Mumbai-based club has organized everything possible that comes under the umbrella of motorsport, which also includes tackling the finer nuances of riding/driving under a safe environment.

From Gymkhana races, Vintage car and Scooter rallies to Dirt Track, Go-kart racing, off-beat driving and races for autorickshaws, tractors and even rig trucks in various cities and rural areas, Sportscraft has organized them all and with high proficiency.

In 2007, Sportscraft and Karani figured in the Limca Book of Records after they conducted their 250th event. Their first event was held in 1984—The McDowell Vintage Car Rally. This rally was run through Lonavala, the popular holiday destination in Maharashtra, in association with the Indian Automotive Racing Club. It was the first of many accolades to come their way.

Last month, Karani and his team added another feather to their cap when the Limca Book of Records honoured them with two more records.

1. For completing 351 events.
2. For completing 27 years of the Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally in July 2016. The now popular race over the backwoods of Navi Mumbai, was started in 1986 as a one-off event.

“Recognition of our efforts to take motorsport to the masses by the Limca Book of Records is heartening. It is the enthusiasm of the ever-growing list of participants that has made this possible,” says the 65-year-old Karani, who turned organizer from participant following a motorcycle accident in 1975.

Forty years down the line, Karani’s passion has become his vocation.