MADRAS, India (AFP) -- Batting greats Steve Waugh, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara will clash against each other today -- not on a cricket field, but on a go-karting track.

Joining them on the track at Navalur on the outskirts of the sourthern city will be former Australian paceman Dennis Lillee, who has long been associated with a pace bowling project promoted by tyre giant Madras Rubber Factory (MRF).

"It'll be a historic and memorable day for two totally unrelated sports -- cricket and karting -- as four great players will for once set cricket aside and compete in an eight-lap karting race," said MRF chairman KM Mammen.

Australian Test captain Waugh, India's Tendulkar and West Indies skipper Lara endorse the MRF logo on their cricket bats.

Go-karting, a poor cousin of Formula One, is run on 800 cc engines and has become a craze across India.

Tendulkar said he had been a Formula One racing fan since his childhood and his favourite was German Michael Schumacher.

"I've always been interested in cars. I'm a keen follower of Formula One racing. I also do some karting when I've time," said Tendulkar, who has amassed 8,811 runs in 105 Tests.

The racing is a new experience for both Lara and Waugh.

Tendulkar was gifted a Ferrari car by Schumacher when they met in England last year during India's Test tour.

When asked about his meeting with Schumacher, Tendulkar jokingly said: "He gave me a few lessons in cricket and I gave him a few lessons in racing."

Lara also said the German was his favourite driver, but Waugh opted for compatriot Mark Webber.

"I enjoy watching Formula One racing and appreciate the courage of those at the wheels," said Waugh.

Waugh also praised Lara for playing a crucial role in shaping the fortunes of a young West Indian team.

"Brian is back at his batting best and he's leading from the front. He's also enjoying captaincy," said Waugh, who has scored 10,265 runs in 160 Tests.

Waugh recently led his team to a 4-1 Test series victory over the West Indies. The lone defeat came in the fourth and final match at Antigua in May when the hosts successfully chased a record 418 in the fourth innings.

Lara emerged the top scorer of the series, with 533 runs in four matches.

He said his team was young and inexperienced, but talented.

"We may not be able to match the invincible West Indies teams of the 1970s and 80s or the present Australian side, but we've very realistic chances of getting near the top," said Lara, who has compiled 8,404 runs in 96 Tests.

Tendulkar said he had completely recovered from a finger injury and was looking forward to playing against New Zealand in a home Test series in October.

"I'm fine and will be playing against New Zealand," he said.

India will play two Tests against New Zealand and then a triangular one-day series, also featuring Australia.

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