Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced its return to the race circuits with the 2014 season of Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Trophy. And for the first time, the company is conducting the EMR Trophy in Coimbatore. The race is scheduled for July 19 and 20 at the Kari Motor Speedway.
“This is the second season of EMR Trophy. EMR is a one-make race series and only Etios cars will participate,” said N Raja, Director and Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
Stating that Toyota introduced EMR two years back in India to promote motorsport at a grassroots level, he said, “Our intention is to lure and groom young, budding racers and showcase their skill. We want to get more people into our fold. Last year, 25 EMR racing drivers took part in the trophy. Ten new drivers have joined EMR in its second season. The list includes two women drivers,” he added.
Though Coimbatore is acknowledged as the ‘racing city of India’, not a single driver from this city has figured in the racer’s list.
Raja however hinted that the company is looking forward to train and develop more motorsport enthusiasts. “We want to make motorsport more accessible and popular in India. EMR is the platform for talented young racers to develop their motoring skills. We want to grow the racing fraternity in India.”
The inaugural EMR Trophy held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida last year saw Diljith as its first champion.
“Only budding racers, not seasoned ones, participated in the maiden EMR Trophy. We will probably see them grow this year,” Raja added. “Our aim is to add more models and get into multi-car racing eventually. We want to see success with our drivers, who are not professionals,” he added.