Author: David Bodapati

By David Bodapati

Bengaluru, 3 August 2023: In a nation where cricket has long been hailed as the undisputed king of sports, a new contender is rapidly gaining ground, fuelled by adrenaline and roaring engines.

Supercross, the thrilling motorsport spectacle that marries off-road motorcycle racing with gravity-defying jumps, has quietly been making its presence felt on Indian soil. While it may not have yet reached the zenith of recognition enjoyed by its international counterparts, the winds of change are sweeping across the subcontinent’s motorsports landscape.

Traditionally, the Indian National Rally Championship has reigned supreme among the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India’s (FMSCI) 12 National events, commanding the attention of avid motorsports enthusiasts. However, the rally’s stalwart position is being challenged by the rising stars of Supercross. With each passing event, this high-octane extravaganza attracts throngs of spectators, becoming the sole motorsports National that consistently garners the allegiance of over 20,000 fervent fans at every round, be it official or promotional.

The journey of Supercross in India, though replete with excitement and promise, has been a challenging one. A trio of formidable obstacles has thus far impeded its ascension to the echelons of mainstream recognition. Foremost among these is the glaring lack of infrastructure tailored to host Supercross events. Unlike cricket and hockey, which boast well-established facilities and a sprawling fan base, Supercross demands specialised tracks and amenities that are regrettably absent on Indian soil.

Compounding this issue is the financial hurdle faced by aspiring Supercross athletes. The cost of participating in this exhilarating motorsport is a formidable barrier that prevents many local riders from venturing into the fray, thereby limiting the sport’s growth and reach. Consequently, despite the burgeoning crowd support, Supercross in India continues to labour in the shadows of more established disciplines.

Yet, a seismic shift is imminent, poised to transform the very fabric of motorsports in India. The inaugural CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a hotly-anticipated event that has motorsport aficionados buzzing with excitement, is set to roll across three prestigious venues from October to December 2023. This groundbreaking league is poised to reshape the narrative of Supercross in India, propelling it onto the centre stage of national consciousness.

New dawn for Motorsports in India

Distinguished as the world’s pioneer franchise-based Supercross League, the CEAT ISRL has forged an unprecedented collaboration with the FMSCI. It stands as an invitation to riders hailing from all over the globe, beckoning them to showcase their prowess on a series of Supercross tracks meticulously designed to enthral and captivate. With a harmonious blend of heart-pounding action, riveting entertainment, and cut-throat competition, the league promises to herald a new dawn for motorsports in India.

As anticipation swells and excitement reverberates across the nation, the CEAT ISRL has formally flung open the doors to its rider registration pool. The countdown has begun, and Delhi is set to host the curtain-raiser that will propel the league into the stratosphere of sporting spectacle.

In the annals of Indian sports history, a new chapter is being inked—one marked by the ascent of Supercross from the fringes to the grandeur of the spotlight. The echoes of roaring engines and the gasps of astonished onlookers resonate as a testament to the audacity of a sport that is resolutely staking its claim on the Indian sporting landscape. As the inaugural CEAT ISRL prepares to unfurl its banner, a two-wheeled revolution promises to redefine motorsports in India and inspire generations to come.

Fueling Dreams: The Visionaries behind India’s Supercross revolution

In the heart of India’s bustling cities and dusty terrains, a fervent love for motorsport has ignited a revolution that is reshaping the landscape of extreme racing. At the epicentre of this change stand Eeshan Lokhande, his brother Aashwin Lokhande, and their compatriot Veer Patel – the dynamic trio who dared to transform their passion for Supercross into a movement that transcends boundaries and redefines sportsmanship.

The genesis of the Supercross League can be traced back to the Pune Invitational League in 2014 – a daring three-day festival that marked a watershed moment in the annals of Indian motorsports. This audacious endeavour, embellished with an international format and the participation of foreign riders on Indian soil for the first time, struck a resounding chord with enthusiasts and laid the foundation for a revolution that was yet to fully unfold.

The driving force behind this endeavour was an unwavering love for the sport. Eeshan Lokhande, reflecting on the journey, notes: “The sport has given a lot of identity, a lot of character to all three of us.” It was this sense of indebtedness to Supercross, coupled with an unshakable desire to give back, that propelled them beyond mere spectators and into the realm of game-changers.

“The Supercross League was more than a mere event; it was a manifestation of a profound commitment to nurturing the sport’s growth in India.” Instead of basking in the glory bestowed by Supercross, the trio set out to forge a lasting legacy. Eeshan Lokhande succinctly encapsulates their mission, stating: “Our whole idea has always been to give something back to the sport. Not to walk away from something that gave us so much.”

The journey was not without its challenges. As the league expanded to cities like Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, and Vadodara, the team grappled with the daunting task of not just replicating a standard league format, but rather crafting an experience that resonated deeply with both riders and audiences.

The vision extended beyond the racetrack, encompassing an ecosystem that hinged on the active involvement of various stakeholders – from the automobile sector to manufacturers and corporate entities. This symbiotic relationship aimed to foster an environment of growth and sustainability, where Supercross could thrive and inspire generations.

The Supercross League’s enduring impact is a testament to the trio’s unflagging dedication and innovative spirit. The subsequent editions of the league, held in 2017, 2019, and the foray into the Baroda League in 2020, underscored their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries and catalysing change. Through every hurdle and triumph, the Lokhande brothers and Veer Patel remained steadfast in their pursuit of a thriving Supercross ecosystem.

“So after Pune and Baroda, and with all the other experiences, the only way forward was to look at India as a whole. We wanted to make a series which is at parallel or even better than some of the races across the globe. To create a new format and not just do one championship or one series but to have more people come in. And that’s where the real thoughts about the League began. A lot of people don’t know that this thought came into our minds in 2015 and since then we have just been trying to figure out how things have to be done,” revealed Eeshan Lokhande.

As India eagerly awaits the inaugural CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, the legacy of these visionary trailblazers looms large. Their passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to Supercross have not only elevated the sport but also paved the way for a new era of motorsports in the country. The Supercross League, born from a profound love for the sport, stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that even the wildest dreams can be turned into reality with the right blend of vision and determination.

As the wheels of time turned, Eeshan Lokhande, Aashwin Lokhande, and Veer Patel hatched a plan that would elevate Supercross from a mere sport to a sustainable, transformative force. The year was 2018, a pivotal juncture where nascent ideas began to coalesce into tangible reality.

Four years in the making

“The blueprint unfolded gradually, taking shape over the course of three to four years. A meticulous timeline was etched, allowing for comprehensive planning and execution,” said Eeshan. The goal was a sustainable model that would stand the test of time, propelling both Indian riders and the sport itself to new heights. “Nothing is going to happen overnight,” they acknowledged, well aware that their vision required patience and unwavering commitment.

“The core of their model was a potent blend of inclusivity, opportunity, and empowerment,” he added. By uplifting Indian riders and providing a platform for their talents to shine, they were not merely hosting events – they were fostering a legacy. Their vision had the potential to ignite a fire that would burn brightly for generations to come.

League format

The shift from a city-based league to a brand-based league in the realm of motorsports heralds a strategic evolution that promises to unlock new horizons and propel the sport into uncharted territory. While city-based leagues have their own merits, the brand-based approach offers a myriad of advantages that not only enrich the experience for fans but also open doors for wider engagement and sustainable growth.

“One of the primary rationales behind embracing a brand-based league lies in the expansive canvas it paints across the Indian subcontinent. Motorsports have carved out pockets of passionate fan bases in various regions, from bustling metropolitan cities like Bangalore and Chennai to the scenic landscapes of Kerala. The city-based format, while successful, tends to confine the sport’s presence to a limited number of locations, often bypassing regions that hunger for the thrill of live Supercross action,” said Eeshan.

Enter the brand-based league, a visionary concept that defies geographical constraints. Its essence lies in mobility, in the ability to transcend boundaries and traverse the vast expanse of India. “This mobility is a lifeline, ensuring that motorsport enthusiasts in places like the Northeast, central India, West Bengal, and Odisha are not mere spectators but active participants in the Supercross phenomenon,” he added. The brand-based model recognises the imperative of taking the sport to the people, a principle that not only democratises access but also strengthens the sport’s grassroots foundation.

From a brand’s perspective, the advantages of the brand-based league are equally compelling. “Motorsports, with its automotive-centric and passion-driven appeal, offers a unique platform for brand exposure and engagement. Unlike the city-based approach, where branding might be localised to a specific locale, the brand-based league magnifies a brand’s presence, affording it a larger geographical canvas,” he feels. This not only enhances the visual impact of branding but also aligns with marketing strategies seeking a broader reach.

The synergy between brands and the brand-based league is further accentuated by the direct association with teams. “Branding becomes an integral part of the team identity, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the sport. The spectacle of Supercross racing becomes a living canvas for brand storytelling, where logos, names, and identities are intertwined with the fervour of competition. This symbiotic relationship cultivates a mutually beneficial alliance, where brands receive optimal exposure and motorsport gains the financial impetus needed for sustained growth,” Eeshan, the brain behind the event, explained.

Another unique facet of the Supercross brand-based league is its departure from the conventional home-and-away match concept. Unlike traditional leagues where teams alternate between home and away venues, Supercross transcends this structure. All teams with riders from different cities, regardless of their “home” city, converge at a central location for each round, creating an electrifying atmosphere where every race is a home race and rivalries ignite under the same spotlight. “This paradigm shift fosters a unified camaraderie among riders and teams, amplifying the sense of competition and unity that defines Supercross,” he noted.

In the tapestry of motorsports, the transition to a brand-based league marks a visionary step toward innovation and inclusivity. “It is a canvas where passion, strategy, and aspiration converge, where the roar of engines transcends boundaries, and where the legacy of Supercross unfurls across the vast mosaic of India,” Eeshan concludes.

As the inaugural CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League prepares to debut, the brand-based approach embodies the very spirit of the sport – a relentless pursuit of excellence, unbounded by limits, and a commitment to thrilling fans across the nation.