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Viswas Vijayaraj, Abhay Mohan seal title in their classes with 3 races to spare;
Chennai, 17 August 2024: Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh driving for DTS Racing sealed the championship in the MRF F1300 class with three races to spare while Abhay Mohan of Bengaluru continued his unbeaten run and clinched the MRF F1600 championship with three races still to be run, on the first day of the fourth and final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM-X at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday.
Vijayaraj won 8 of the 10 races so far and with only two races remaining on Sunday, he garnered an unbeatable lead of 63 points scoring 211 points. Barring a very unlikely ‘dq’ on the final day, he sealed the championship. for 2024. His closest driver in second place is Balaprasath of Coimbatore on 148 points.
Viswas Vijayaraj of Nellore who clinched the championship in F1300 class. Abhay Mohan, 16, was impressive in maintaining his unbeaten run in the MRF Formula 1600. He won all the 9 races so for to bag 225 points and he is far ahead of Zahan Commissariat in second place with 142 points. He is provisionally crowned the National champion in F1600 class.
In the MRF F2000 race, teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat from Shillong also came up with fine performances to claim top honours.
Seventeen-year-old Jaden set a scorching pace to score his eighth win in 10 outings from pole position in the MRF Formula 2000 race. He was never seriously challenged in his race.
Elsewhere, Mumbai’s Biren Pithawalla (N1 Racing) also notched his eighth consecutive victory in the premier Indian Touring Cars class, holding off Chennai ace Deepak Ravikumar (Performance Racing) who drove a fine race to finish second with a last lap overtaking of Ananth Pithawalla (N1 Racing).
Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan who won the MRF F1600 title with three races to spare on 17 Aug 2024. Srinivas Teja (Performance Racing) and Balaprasath (DTS Racing) topped the Indian Junior Touring Cars and Super Stock categories in a race that saw its share of extremely close fights where a few cars exchanged paints.
Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore led a podium sweep for DTS Racing, while also scoring his eighth win to take a firm grip on the title in the Formula LGB 1300 category. His team-mates Balaprasath (Coimbatore) and Diljith TS (Thrissur) came in second and third, respectively.
There was plenty of action in the Polo Cup which saw three of the six races scheduled being completed. All three races produced different winners underlining the competitiveness of the grid. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai), Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla) and Romir Arya (Mumbai), the youngest competitor in this category, won a race apiece.
Meanwhile, Daiana Pundole, the mother of two from Pune, was in total command while winning the MRF Saloons race ahead of Chennai’s Anirudha Aravind and Arunshi Vikram from Chikkamagaluru.
The results (Provisional – all 8 laps unless mentioned):
MRF F2000 (Race-1): 1. Jaden Rahman Pariat (Shillong) (12mins, 49.153secs); 2. Chetan Surineni (Bengaluru) (12:54.889); 3. Tarun Muthaiah (Bengaluru) (13:13.928).
MRF F1600 (Race-1): 1. Abhay Mohan (Bengaluru) (14:00.541); 2. Zahan Commissariat (Mumba) (14:03.100); 3. Raaj Bakhru (Mumbai) (14:03.978).
Indian Touring Cars (Race-1): 1. Biren Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (15:22.533); 2. Deepak Ravikumar (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (15:24.900); 3. Anant Pithawalla (Mumbai, Team N1) (15:25.874).
Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race-1): 1. Srinivas Teja (Chennai, Team Performance Racing) (15:38.598); 2. Nikung Vagh (Surat, Team N1) (15:55.340): 3. Dean Mascarenhas (Mangaluru, DB Motorsports) (16:13.472).
Super Stock (Race-1): 1. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (16:45.693); 2. Justin Singh (Gurugram Redline Racing India) (16:46.283); 3. Manan Patel (Mumbai, Redline Racing India) (17:00.886).
Formula LGB 1300 (Race-1, 5 laps): 1. Viswas Vijayaraj (Nellore, DTS Racing) (09:25.493); 2. Balaprasath (Coimbatore, DTS Racing) (09:26.828); 3. Diljith T. S. (Thrissur, DTS Racing) (09:27.460).
MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) (Race-1): 1. Diana Pundole (Pune) (16:46.605); 2. Anirudha Aravind (Chennai) (16:50.194); 3. Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamagaluru) (16:53.548). All Redline Racing.
Polo Cup (Race-1): 1. Aditya Patnaik (Mumbai) (15:35.929); 2. Ojas Surve (Mumbai) (15:39.574); 3. Dhruv Chavan (Lonavla) (15:40.330). Race-2: 1. Dhruv Chavan (15:35.029); 2. Ojas Surve (15:35.876); 3. Aditya Patnaik (15:36.524). Race-3 (10 laps): 1. Romir Arya (Mumbai) (19:22.798); 2. Ojas Surve (19:25.236): 3. Dhruv Chavan (19:28.045).
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Bagnaia wins, Martin recovers to second & Marquez slides out: Sprint
Gloves off, a Long Lap and a slide out of contention: the Tissot Sprint in Austria puts us on equal points – with Bagnaia back on top as Championship leader.
Spielberg, 17 August 2024: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took a stunning victory in the Tissot Sprint at the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, going gloves off against Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) in the early stages before the #89 went wide through a shortcut, didn’t lose enough time, and then got handed a Long Lap penalty. The reigning Champion’s win makes it equal points at the top, and Bagnaia is the official Championship leader thanks to his higher number of Grand Prix wins so far in 2024. The stage is certainly set for a showdown on Sunday.
Behind, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) shadowed the duel in the early stages before losing a little ground, and he then crashed out from second as Martin served his Long Lap. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) avoided any of that drama, coming home third to complete the Sprint podium as Martin recovered to second place.
It was a sensational launch from Bagnaia in an intense start to the Tissot Sprint, with the reigning champion taking the holeshot and Martin then attacking for the lead on the entry to Turn 3 on the opening lap. The #1 soon tried to respond at the end of Lap 1, getting past at the penultimate corner before Martin sliced through to regain the lead at the final corner as the title rivals went elbow to elbow.
Bagnaia didn’t attack again at the first corner, but by Turn 2, Martin was in hot and headed wide into the runoff – taking the shortcut through the chicane. He rejoined behind Bagnaia, but didn’t lose enough time with the mistake. The #89 was investigated by the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards for the incident, and a Long Lap handed down.
He didn’t take it straight away but didn’t wait too long, by which time he and Bagnaia had pulled out some gap on the chasing Marc Marquez. When Martin did head into the Long Lap loop, Bagnaia was left with a solid lead ahead of the #93 and Martin emerged just ahead of Aleix Espargaro.
Then on Lap 10, there was yet another twist. In some space and on for a solid second, Marc Marquez lost the front on the entry to Turn 3. The #93 dropped to 23rd, outside of the point-scoring positions, and would soon retire to the pitlane, bringing a disappointing end to his Saturday.
On the final lap, nobody could match Bagnaia’s pace, with the Italian able to hold a four-second margin to Martin in second – putting them exactly equal on points. Meanwhile, the final spot inside the top three went the way of Aleix Espargaro, who claimed a somewhat unexpected third after a drama-free Saturday.
Meanwhile, there was an intense fight for the final spot inside the top five, with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) losing a spot late on to a classic charging Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Prima Pramac Racing’s Franco Morbidelli also battling behind.
Bastianini crossed the line in fourth, with Miller rounding out the top five after the Australian defended from Morbidelli to the line. Just 0.102s separated the duo after the 14-lap dash, with Binder lurking in seventh.
Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) moved up to P8, with wildcard Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) putting in a very solid day at the office to take the final Sprint point in P9 – just ahead of rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
That’s it from super Saturday, but it was an incredible teaser for what may lie ahead on Sunday in Spielberg. Come back for more MotoGP™ as the battles lines are drawn in Austria at 14:00 (UTC + 2)!
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Kingfisher set to bring good times to Indian Racing League
New Delhi, 13 August 2024: Kingfisher is set to bring the good times back to Indian motorsports as the presenting sponsor of the Indian Racing League (IRL) for the 2024 edition. IRL and Kingfisher announced this exciting partnership for India’s premier race event and the motorsport fans across the country.
Promoted by Racing Promotions, the IRL aims to captivate India’s booming motorsports fanbase. Returning in 2024, the IRL is set for its most spectacular season yet, with eight franchise teams set to battle for glory over five rounds. Kingfisher Power Soda from United Breweries Limited, part of the Heineken company, known for its vibrant and youthful spirit, joins the high-octane speed extravaganza at Chennai from August 20, when the season testing begins.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of RPPL, expressed delight in welcoming Kingfisher on board; “We are thrilled to have Kingfisher, a brand that has been intrinsically associated with premier sports events in India. We are happy to welcome them as our sponsor for the 2024 edition. Kingfisher embodies the same spirit of excitement, youth, and belief to create experiences—values we at IRL not only share but also aim to celebrate with our rapidly growing fanbase of motorsport enthusiasts.”
Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited said, “As one of the most iconic brands in the country, Kingfisher has always been on the forefront in bringing experiences that elevate consumer engagement. With significant opportunities for motorsports and growing popularity of the sport in India, we are thrilled to partner with Indian Racing League 2024 as the presenting partner. Tamil Nadu has been a hub for motorsports and is a state with immense growth potential. By being a part of IRL, we look forward to strengthening our association with the state and connecting with motorsport fans and consumers, as we celebrate the competitive spirit of the sport.”
Kingfisher has cemented itself as a prominent name in Indian sports, aligning with premier sports leagues and teams, including India’s foremost cricket franchise-based league. Sharing Kingfisher’s dedication, the IRL is equally committed to delivering exceptional moments for its audiences. The iconic visual identity of Kingfisher, the logo, will also be showcased throughout the Indian Racing Festival with a 360 degrees visibility this year.
The 2024 edition of IRL will witness the pre-season testing from August 21 and 22 followed by the first race at the Madras International Circuit on August 25. The excitement then shifts to the first-ever Chennai Formula Road Racing Circuit, hosting the subcontinent’s first night circuit race from August 30 to September 1 and the grand finale will be played in November 2024.
With an expanded grid and an unprecedented race experience, India is all set for good times on the track.
About Indian Racing Festival
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is a meticulously curated motorsport event designed to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India. The Indian Racing League (IRL) is FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) approved, adding a level of prestige and official recognition to the competition. The Indian Racing League (IRL) is India’s only 4-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. IRL features six city-based teams competing in a dynamic franchise-based competition.
About Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd.
Racing Promotions Private Ltd., co-founded by Akhilesh Reddy, Abhinandan B, and professional race drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel in 2019, aims to bridge the gap between racing talent and opportunities. The franchise model, a first in Indian motorsports, emphasizes creating lasting engagement opportunities for teams, drivers, fans, and sponsors, while promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit.
Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) is dedicated to forging a holistic motorsport ecosystem in India, with the mission to host FIA-caliber events and create pathways for aspiring individuals to pursue careers as drivers, engineers, and mechanics.
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Chiranth, Sarthak dominate Pro-Stock races; Savion, Rakshitha, Abdul win
Chennai, 4 August 2024: Two of country’s best and brightest, Chiranth Vishwanath from Bengaluru and Pune’s Sarthak Chavan came up with sensational rides to win a race apiece in the two premier Pro-Stock categories as the third round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2024 – Powered by STORM concluded at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.
Chiranth, starting from P10, dished out a stunning ride to win the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open race, all but destroying a high-quality field that included multiple National champion Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate), riding in his 23rd season after a year’s break. Later, Sarthak scrambled to a brilliant victory in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open race, starting from P5. The two 17-year-old TVS Racing team-mates, in the process, headlined a fresh crop of young riders who have been making a mark in the National Championship this season.
Two Chennai riders, 17-year-old Abdul Basim (Rockers Racing) and 15-year-old Rakshitha Dave topped in the Stock 165cc (Novice) and Girls (Stock 165cc) races, respectively, while Bengaluru’s Savion Sabu, who turned 17 three days back, won the Stock 301-400cc (Novice) race with a dominating performance.
Rakshitha (centre), flanked by Jagathishree Murugesan (left) and Ryhana Bee, 3rd, at at MIC on 4 August 2024. Photo by Anand Philar Chiranth was at his very best in the Pro-Stock 301-400cc race. He made some six places in the very first of the six-lap race and continued to progress through the field like a hot knife through butter to burst into the lead for a sensational win ahead of Rajini Krishnan and Alwin Sundar (KTM Gusto Racing India). Sarthak, starting from pole, came in eighth after stalling in the very first lap and then rejoining the race. The loss ended Sarthak’s streak of five wins but he continues to provisionally lead the championship table. Chiranth leapfrogged to second spot, 39 behind Sarthak.
In the Pro-Stock 165cc Open race, pole-sitter Chiranth led in the initial laps before being overtaken by his team-mates KY Ahamed and multiple National champion Jagan Kumar, and later, by Sarthak. In the latter half of the race, Sarthak moved to the front and notched his second win of the season in this category. Finishing second behind him was Jagan Kumar and the late-charging Chiranth.
Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup: Kolhapur’s Siddesh Sawant scored his first win of the season in the NSF 250R class by a comfortable margin. Savion Sabu from Bengaluru came in second, ahead of Hyderabad’s Beedani Rajender for whom it was his first podium finish this season. Championship leader Mohsin Paramban (Mallapuram) failed to complete the race but still enjoys a 36-point cushion over AS James (Bengaluru) in the provisional standings.
TVS One-Make Championship: Coimbatore’s Senthilkumar C notched his fourth win of the season to move to the top of the provisional points table in the Open (RR 310) class.
CS Kedarnath from Tirupati recorded his first win in the Rookie (RTR 200) category to end the unbeaten run of Bengaluru’s Harshith Bogar who failed to finish the race but continues to provisionally lead the points table on the back of his five consecutive wins this season.
Provisional results (all 6 laps unless mentioned):
Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open (Race-2): 1. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (11mins, 03.966secs); 2. A Alwin Sundar (Chennai, KTM Gusto Racing India) (11:06.905); 3. Rajini Krishnan (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) (11:08.457).
Pro-Stock 165cc Open (Race-2): 1. Sarthak Chavan (Pune, TVS Racing) (11:40.093); 2. Jagan Kumar (Chennai, TVS Racing) (11:41.449); 3. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (11:43.725).
Stock 301-400cc (Novice, Race-2): 1. Savion Babu (Bengaluru, Mad Rabbit Racing) (12:11.176); 2. Raj Kumar (Coimbatore, RDX Torque Racing) (12:11.258); 3. Shyam Sundar K (Chennai, Tachyon Motorsport) (12:15.525).
Girls (Stock 165cc, Race-2, 5 laps): 1. Rakshitha Dave (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power1 Ultimate) (11:02.916); 2. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (11:08.132); 3. Ryhana Bee (Chennai, Motul Sparks Racing) (11:08.174).
Novice (Stock 165cc, Race-2): 1. Abdul Basim RS (Chennai, Team Rockers Racing) (12:55.289); 2. Kamal Navas (Chennai, Team Rockers Racing) (13:08.895); 3. Tasmai Cariappa (Mysuru, Motul Sparks Racing) (13:08.982).
Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (NSF 250R) Race-2 (8 laps): 1. Siddesh Sawant (Kolhapur) (15:11.679); 2. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru) (15:14.661); 3. Beedani Rajender (Hyderabad) (15:25.784).
TVS One-Make Championship: Open (RR310, Race-2, 5 laps): 1. Senthilkumar C (Coimbatore) (09:52.643); 2. Manoj Yesuadiyan (Chennai) (09:52.644); 3. Ajai Xavier M (Nagercoil) (10:01.808).
Rookie (Apache RTR 200, Race-2): 1. CS Kedarnadh (Tirupati) (13:30.442); 2. Saranjith KM (Thrissur) (13:34.532); 3. Rajivsham AS (Tirupur) (13:41.466).
Electric RTE (4 laps): 1. Sarthak Chavan (Pune) (07:21.134); 2. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru) (07:28.085); 3. Alwin Sundar (Chennai) (07:29.421).
Media (Apache RTR 200) 5 laps: 1. Praveen Kumar (Chennai) (11:25.490); 2. Charan Karthik G (Pune) (11:34.091); 3. Pratheek Kunder (Mumbai) (11:39.208).
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Taylor Gill grabs Junior WRC lead on Saturday: Rally Finland
Jyvaskyla (Centreal Finland) 3 August 2024:
Taylor Gill will go into Secto Rally Finland’s final leg as the leading FIA Junior WRC driver after a scintillating Saturday turned the leaderboard on its head. The Australian hotshot languished a lowly eighth this morning after dropping around one minute nursing a rear left puncture through Päijälä, but a sublime afternoon drive saw him rise through the ranks and end the day with a 19.7sec lead.
Excluding championship leader Romet Jürgenson, who was ruled out of contention by a crash on Friday, Gill was the fastest Junior WRC driver on every stage but Päijälä 1. Early hopefuls Norbert Maior and Gerardo Rosselot both crashed and Gill climbed to second when Petr Borodin, who led on Friday, suffered front right tyre damage on the penultimate test.
A blistering run over the 32.98km of Ouninpohja pushed the FIA Rally Star driver past Ali Türkkan and into the lead as Tom Rensonnet completed the podium over one minute further back.
Borodin dropped to fourth but sits just 21.8sec adrift of the top three with four stages remaining on Sunday. Fabio Schwarz is on course to record his best-ever Junior WRC result in fifth, while Eamonn Kelly overcame a puncture to round out the top six in the M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 field.
Jürgenson, who hails from Estonia, made amends for Friday retirement by taking fastest times on four of the day’s six stages – earning himself four Wolf Stage Win points in the process. -
Bastianini storms to Tissot sprint victory: MotoGP
Silverstone, 3 August 2024: Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) stormed to an incredible Tissot Sprint victory at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, taking his first Saturday podium in some style: on the top step. Beast mode was very much engaged as the #23 denied Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), although the #89 claws back some crucial Championship points after drama for points leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) saw the reigning Champion slide out.
Completing the rostrum on Saturday was polesitter Aleix Espargaro as the Aprilia Racing rider ran the top two close, escaping the attentions of Bagnaia and having pulled ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) on the chase. The eight-time World Champion then also slid out late on to cede third overall in the Championship to Bastianini in a dramatic afternoon at Silverstone.
As the lights went out it was a fantastic launch from Bagnaia, who pushed Espargaro wide on the entry to Turn 1. It was an immediate melee at the front, however, and Martin was able to sneak through and snatch the Sprint lead on the opening lap at Silverstone.
There was drama behind too as Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) crashed on the opening lap after the former overshot Turn 1 and sent both sliding out. Both passed fit, but Morbidelli given a double Long Lap penalty to serve on Sunday.
There was soon more drama in the fight just behind the podium battle too as Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) clashed, with no harm done to either but a confetti shower of winglets sent into the air. The clash was also just enough for Marc Marquez to pry the door open and slice past both, needing no second invitation and at least briefly getting past the duo.
At the front, Martin continued to lead from the chasing Bastianini, with the Italian hanging on to the tail of the #89 as Espargaro and Bagnaia shadowed the duo.
The first title fight drama then unfolded, with Bagnaia losing the front on Lap 5 at Turn 4. Rider ok, but that was all she wrote and the Italian was forced to watch from the sidelines as teammate Bastianini started to harry Martin. Polesitter Espargaro was released from the pressure of having the reigning Champion sat on his tail too, and with Martin still at the front the #1 looked to have lost the Championship lead.
However, after one failed attempt that saw Martin hit back immediately, the Beast then sliced through to the lead on Lap 6 and attempted to stretch away almost instantly. The #23 put together a series of impressive times inside the 1:58 bracket with a handful of laps remaining, gaining a little breathing space but Martin still very much in touch. A Bastianini win was a 1-point lead for Bagnaia in the title fight, a Martin win was the #89 back on top.
Then, further drama for the top echelons in the standings: Marc Marquez lost the front at Turn 16. That brought an end to the Spaniard’s chance to earn some vital Championship points as he retired to the pitlane, leaving it as a KTM-GASGAS battle for fourth and likely about to drop out the top three in the standings given Bastianini was now holding station at the head of the field.
With one lap remaining, all that was coming in was perfection from Bastianini. The #23 extended his lead from a handful of tenths to one second and that was that – a first ever Sprint victory secured at Silverstone. Martin consolidated second nevertheless, clawing back crucial Championship points to now sit just one behind Bagnaia. And behind him is now Bastianini in third.
Binder and Acosta’s battle didn’t stop as they continued their fight until the line, with the South African pipping the rookie for fourth after the 10-lap dash. Alex Marquez took sixth, having homed in but not able to get the better of the two.
It was a competitive battle for seventh place and the final point-scoring positions as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crossed the line just 0.185s ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), with the latter taking that final point on Saturday.
Now all eyes turn to Sunday for the British Grand Prix, with Bagnaia and Marc Marquez aiming for redemption and Martin well within striking distance of the lead. Who will come out on top on for 25 points? The stage is set, the style will be vintage and the action is guaranteed to be a modern spectacle. So make sure you join us at 13:00 local time (UTC +1)!
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MotoGP signs new contract with Uttar Pradesh for the Grand Prix of India
A new agreement, signed directly with the Government of Indian region Uttar Pradesh, confirms MotoGP will return to Buddh International Circuit for the next three seasons.
New Delhi, 31 July 2024: MotoGP has signed a new contract with Invest UP, the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s agency that facilitates international investment into the state. The agreement confirms the Indian Grand Prix will be on the calendar from 2025 to 2027 inclusive. The event will continue to be held at Buddh International Circuit, which made its debut on the MotoGP calendar in 2023.
With a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads, India is a key global market for MotoGP, our manufacturers and many of the sport’s partners. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily.
India also has a healthy established audience for MotoGP, with further scope to grow in coming seasons. The inaugural Grand Prix at Buddh saw more than 100,000 fans come to see history made as the world’s most exciting sport raced in the country for the first time.
This new agreement, signed directly between MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports and the government of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous region in India, provides the perfect backdrop to further the success of both the sport and motorcycle industry across the country.
Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary-cum-Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of UP, emphasized the monumental significance of this agreement: “Bringing MotoGP to Uttar Pradesh not only elevates our state on the global sports stage but also catalyzes substantial economic growth across tourism, hospitality, and associated sectors. This event will magnetize visitors worldwide, spotlighting Uttar Pradesh’s prowess in hosting world-class sporting extravaganzas.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said: “We’re very happy to announce this new agreement made directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was a key success and brought an enormous amount of value to both MotoGP and our host region of UP, so it’s fantastic we are able to continue building that together into the future.
“India is an essential market for MotoGP, with a healthy, established audience for the racing, and one we know we can increase exponentially. There are also hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles used across the country every day, making it vital for our manufacturers and for the sport itself thanks to MotoGP’s position as the pinnacle of two wheels.
“We’re very proud to work directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh to bring MotoGP back to India, and UP and Buddh International Circuit, for the next three seasons.”
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After a false start in 2023, Chennai hopes to host India’s first night street race in August
Chennai, 29 July 2024: After a false start in 2023, the Indian Racing League is all set to make history with its inaugural night race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit from August 30 to September 1.
This groundbreaking event marks the first night race on a street circuit in India. Over three thrilling days, eight teams will light up the track with their high-speed machines in what promises to be the festival’s most exhilarating and ambitious season yet.
Promoted by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd, the IRF strives to tap into a rapidly burgeoning motorsports fanbase in India. To capture the imagination of these fans, the IRF offers two championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). For the petrolheads, this Chennai night race, supported by the Government of Tamil Nadu, promises an unparalleled thrill for the region.
RPPL and the Tamil Nadu government announced the night circuit race on July 29 in a media conference, the event was graced by Dr. Atulya Mishra IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and J. Meghanatha Reddy IAS, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu along with Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of RPPL. They were also joined by former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and FMSCI President Akbar Ebrahim for the even. Also present were RPPL Director Abhinandan and rising stars in the racing world, Formula 4 drivers Mohammed Ryan and Sandeep Kumar.
Termed as the Detroit of Southern Asia, Chennai is the country’s motorsports hub. While the metropolis boasts other race tracks and has held multiple race events in the past, the upcoming night race will add additional glory to its rich motorsports heritage and excitement to its burgeoning reputation as the center of all the high-octane action.
A 3.5-kilometre stretch, the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit was made by RPPL in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). The competing speedsters zoom through the heart of India’s motorsports capital at breath-taking speed, within view of the iconic Marina Beach. The track commences at the Island Grounds and weaves past several key landmarks before rounding back to the starting point. Nineteen turns, multiple chicanes, and tricky elevations punctuate long stretches of the tarmac, keeping both drivers and fans on their toes.
As the motorsports fanbase in India grows to new heights, Chennai evolves with it. A dream destination for true petrol heads, India’s motorsports capital will now fall in line with the likes of Singapore and Saudi Arabia, offering a distinct and tantalizing street circuit that will light up under the city lights at night.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for their exceptional leadership and steadfast backing in making this landmark event possible. Their unwavering support has been crucial in bringing India’s first-night street race to Chennai. This ground-breaking event will offer fans a thrilling new perspective and present drivers with unique challenges in a stunning setting.
We are confident it will further establish Chennai as the premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts across the country and inspire a new wave of interest in the sport, which India will experience for the first time,” says Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of RPPL.
“I assure you that this race will set a new benchmark for motorsports and serve as a dynamic showcase of India as a premier destination for global events. This thrilling spectacle will not only highlight Chennai’s exceptional capabilities but also attract international drivers, positioning India as a top choice for future motorsports competitions in the coming times” he further added.
The Chennai night race will mark another first for the Indian Racing Festival, which is the foremost event in the motorsports world to offer a gender-neutral racing championship.
The six-franchise team league is approved by FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India), making it the most trusted and authentic race destination in the country. Meanwhile, the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship is an open-wheel, single-seater racing event that has begun attracting young, talented, and aspiring drivers from across the country, as well as around the world.
The Indian Racing Festival has also seen the support of heavyweights like Indian sporting great Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor as Team Owners, while many more are lined up to join the IRF’s exhilarating racing roster and make it one of the most sought-after sporting properties in India.
The latest, adrenaline-fueled season of the IRF gets underway with pre-season testing on August 22 and 23, followed by the opening round on August 24 and 25 at the Madras International Circuit ahead of the much anticipated night race for Round 2, starting August 30, 2024. Eight teams are confirmed to participate in the event with Kolkata and Ahmedabad joining seasons one and two stalwarts Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru at the tracks.
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Rishon Rajeev tops Seniors; Nikhilesh, Rivaan Dev excel with a double each: Karting Nationals
Coimbatore, July 29: Bengaluru’s Rishon Rajeev and Nikhilesh Raju, and Rivaan Dev Preetham, the 11-year-old from Chennai, took the honours in their respective categories in the third round of the Meco Fmsci National Rotax Max Karting Championship 2024 at the brand new CoASTT circuit, built by India’s first F1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan, here on Sunday.
Former champion and Indian F4 driver, Rishon Rajeev (Birel Art India), topped the Pre-Final and the Final in the Senior Max class to underline his dominance. In fact, Rishon won the 19-lap Final by 7.4 seconds with Rayo Racing’s Krish Gupta from Mumbai finishing second and Bengalurean Ruhaan Alva (MSport) coming in third.
Nikhilesh Raju (Peregrine Racing) extended his win-streak by winning both Pre-Final and Final races in the Junior Max category. He edged out Gurugram’s Aarav Dewan (Leapfrog Racing) in the Final with Eshanth Vengatesan (Chennai, MSport) taking P3 spot. In the Pre-Final too Nikhilesh was a comfortable winner while Eshanth finished second, ahead of Aarav.
Rivaan Dev Preetham led a 1-2 finish for MSport in the Micro Max Final while finishing comfortably ahead of Rehan Khan R. Rayo Racing’s Danish Dalmiya from Mumbai completed the podium. Earlier, in the Pre-Final, the trio had finished in the same order.
Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore City, V. Balakrishnan and District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati were the chief guests at the prize distribution ceremony.
The results (Provisional):
Senior Max – Final (19 laps):1. Rishon Rajeev (Bengaluru, Birel Art India) (14:36.817); 2. Krish Gupta (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (14:44.230); 3. Ruhaan Alva (Bengaluru, MSport) (14:49.916).
Pre-final (14 laps): 1. Rishon Rajeev (Bengaluru, Birel Art India) (10:40.150); 2. Rohan Madesh (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (10:40.914); 3. Krish Gupta (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (10:43.194).
Junior Max – Final (20 laps): 1. Nikhilesh Raju (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (15:06.695); 2. Aarav Dewan (Gurugram, Leapfrog Racing) (15:09.069); 3. Eshanth Vengatesan (Chennai, MSport) (15:12.905).
Pre-final (15 laps): 1. Nikhilesh Raju (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (11:19.432); 2. Eshanth Vengatesan (Chennai, MSport) (11:23.919); 3. Aarav Dewan (Gurugram, Leapfrog Racing) (11:25.450).
Micro Max – Final (20 laps): 1. Rivaan Dev Preetham (Chennai, MSport) (16:07.601); 2. Rehan Khan R (Chennai, MSport) (16:09.439); 3. Danish Dalmiya (Pune, Rayo Racing) (16:14.864).
Pre-final (15 laps): 1. Rivaan Dev Preetham (Chennai, MSport) (12:08.129); 2. Rehan Khan R (Chennai, MSport) (12:09.135) 3. Danish Dalmiya (Pune, Rayo Racing) (12:14.191).
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Triple for ‘King of Drag’, Hemanth Muddappa; Jagathishree triumphs
Chennai, 28 July 2024: Bengaluru ace, Hemanth Muddappa (Mantra Racing), continued to dominate the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024 as he claimed a triple crown in the third round at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.
Consistently crossing the 200 Kmph speed barrier, Muddappa, the 12 times National champion, swept to victories in the Unrestricted, 1051-1650cc and 851-1050cc categories besides finishing second behind Hyderabad’s Mohammed Riyaz in the 551-850cc class.
In the process, Muddappa emulated his triple success in the previous round at the same venue last month and looked set to retain his status as the “King of Drag”.
Later, Chennai’s Jagathishree Murugesan led a 1-2 finish for One Racing in the Girls (Stock 165cc) category with SP Shuria from Bengaluru placed second ahead of Coimbatore challenger Aisvariya.
Provisional results (all 4-Stroke unless mentioned):
Chennai’s Jagathishree Murugesan Unrestricted: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.110secs); 2. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.112); 3. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.385).
1051-1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (07. 970s); 2. Attaulla Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.196s); 3. Aymaan Baig (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.227s).
851-1050cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.006s); 2. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, Pvt) (08.805s); 3. Khaja Awais Ahmed (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.866s).
551-850cc (SS): 1. Mohammed Riyaz (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.407s); 2. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.418s); 3. Altaf Khan (Hyderabad, Pvt) (08.684s).
361-550cc (SS Indian): 1. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) (12.136s); 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (12.456s); Iqbal Shaikh (Bengaluru, Pvt) (12.458s).
166-225cc (SS): 1. Prashanth S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.719); 2. Prashanth K (Chennai, Pvt) (14.023); 3. Govardhan R (Chennai, Pvt) (14.154).
Up to 165cc (SS Indian): 1. Shashi Kiran V (Bengaluru, Pvt) (14.143s); 2. Bharathraj J (Chennai, Rockers Racing) (14.281s); 3. Abdul Basim (Chennai, Rockers Racing) (14.319s).
Girls (Stock 165cc): 1. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (16.781s); 2. SP Shuria (Bengaluru, One Racing) (17.305s); 3. Aisvariya (Coimbatore, Motul Sparks Racing) (17.449s).
2-Stroke (131-165cc, SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.019); 2. Prashanth S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.286); 3. Balasubramanian (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rookies Racing) (13.315).
2-Stroke (Up to 130cc, SS): 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Pvt) (13.488s); 2. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.499); 3. Ashok S (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.650).
