59-year-old K.E. Kumar, an esteemed and admired racer, died at a hospital following a crash during the second round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 at the Madras International Circuit on Sunday. The saloon cars race in the morning took a terrible turn when Kumar’s car collided with another competitor’s vehicle, causing it to slide across the track and land on its roof after smashing into a fence.
The officials immediately stopped the race (red flag) and within minutes, Kumar was extracted from the car wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital after receiving preliminary treatment at the track’s Medical Centre. Unfortunately, Kumar could not be saved and succumbed to his injuries.
The chairman of the meet, Vicky Chandhok, expressed, “It is a most unfortunate incident. Kumar was an experienced racer. I have known him for several decades as a friend and competitor. The MMSC and the entire racing fraternity mourn his passing away and convey heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Chandhok stated that FMSCI (the national governing body for the sport) and MMSC (the organisers) have launched an investigation into the incident. As a mark of respect to Kumar, who was a life member of MMSC, the remainder of the day’s schedule was cancelled.