Narain switches gear, launches academy

Despite a busy season ahead, India’s only Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan today launched the Amaron NK Racing Academy that would identify, nurture and groom a new generation of young racers. Promising to be closely associated with the academy in ‘‘most of his free time’’, Karthikeyan, the brand ambassador for Amaron, said the academy, the first of its kind in the country, would provide ‘‘vital leverage to the existing racing infrastructure in the country’’.

While all initial activities, including regular racing workshops and training programmes for aspiring and promising drivers, would be held at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, the programmes would be gradually extended to other cities as well, he told reporters here. ‘‘It is easier for me to operate in Coimbatore and the promoters too have all the equipment ready there,’’ Karthikeyan said. A few ‘‘dedicated people’’ would look after the Academy, but ‘‘I will also be there most times, unless, of course when it clashes with my Formula One commitments’’, he added.

Aspirants will be put through a rigorous selection process; four young drivers will be chosen and allowed to represent the two teams — Amaron and Speed — in the JK Tyres Formula ROLON Championship beginning in the third week of August. ‘‘The objective is to learn and win,’’ said Karthikeyen, ‘‘I have gained experience over the years. Hopefully, I will be able to guide these youngsters in a better way.’’

The academy will be an independent institution and besides providing training to promising young drivers, will manage and run teams in racing championships and promote events to identify talent and encourage participation of youngsters in motorsport.