Indian Motorsports Icon Indu Chandhok Passes Away
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Chennai, Dec 7 (NationPress) Indu Chandhok, a towering figure in Indian motorsports who dedicated more than six decades to the sport, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning at the age of 93. He is survived by his two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
His son, Vicky Chandhok, who is also the vice-president of the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), shared, “The patriarch of the Chandhok family left us in his sleep this morning. He was a true legend, living his life with incredible humor until the very end. As a father and protector, he was unparalleled. He was not only a family leader but also the patriarch of Indian motorsports, possessing a clear vision for the sport’s future. Both the family and the motorsport community will profoundly miss him.”
MMSC president Ajit Thomas remarked, “In the passing of Indu Chandhok, both the MMSC and Indian motorsports have lost a giant and an institutional figure. His pivotal role in steering motorsports in India has led to the enjoyment of its current successes. He was also fundamental in shaping MMSC into what it is today. We mourn his loss deeply and extend our condolences to his family.”
Born on July 22, 1931, in Kolkata, and relocating to Chennai (formerly Madras) in 1932, Indu Chandhok led a vibrant life filled with diverse interests and unmatched energy. He was among the founding members of the Madras Motor Sports Club in 1953 and later helped establish the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in 1971, serving as its president from 1978 to 1979. He was also a crucial part of the Trust responsible for acquiring and developing the Madras International Circuit (formerly the Madras Motor Race Track) located in Irungattkottai, about 40 km from Chennai.
Apart from his motorsport endeavors, he actively contributed to the Punjab Association Trust as Chairman, the DAV School, Camp Tonakela, and founded the Madras Round Table. He was also involved with the Masonic Lodge, served as president of the Indian Motor Parts Dealers Association, and was the international President of the 41 Clubs of India, an association of former Round Tablers.
Indu Chandhok is revered for his lasting impact on the development of motorsports in the nation. His six-decade involvement, first as a competitor and later as an organizer, earned him the title of the “Godfather of Motor Sports in India”.
He passed on his passion for motorsports to his son, Vicky Chandhok, a former National Rally Champion, and his grandson, Karun Chandhok, who made history as India’s second Formula One driver and is now a respected F1 race commentator and analyst.
Former FMSCI president Shramik Masturlal aptly noted, “Indu was an institution in his own right. His efforts in co-founding the FMSCI, transforming the Sholavaram races, developing a new track from scratch, and establishing the MMST are all testaments to his commitment to elevating motorsports to unprecedented heights. Indu leaves behind monumental footprints. An era has concluded!”
