Motorsport in India has long flirted with the big stage. A Formula 1 race at Buddh whetted appetites, but what the country never had was a league of its own, something that was local yet ambitious.
The Indian Racing Festival, created by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), is filling that gap, and 2025 already feels like a watershed year.
At the heart of it sits the Indian Racing League: six city-based teams, Indian rookies paired with international pros, and race weekends that mix competitive grit with theatre.
Alongside it runs Formula 4 India, giving young drivers a visible pathway to climb. Two rounds in, the buzz has spread from Coimbatore’s trackside crowds to Goa’s oceanfront streets, and the season still has plenty left to unfold.
Let’s learn everything there is to know about the Indian Racing Festival
What Is The Indian Racing League? Explained For Beginners
The Indian Racing League sits at the centre of the festival, first launched in 2019 and now growing fast under Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. It is built around six city-based franchises, each pairing Indian talent with international drivers.
Every team runs the same car, the Wolf GB08 Thunder fitted with Aprilia engines, so the fight comes down to driving skill rather than machinery.
Race weekends are split into sprint and feature races, which gives younger drivers a chance to attack and experienced hands a chance to manage strategy. Alongside it runs Formula 4 India, a certified FIA series for teenagers starting their careers.
By bringing both under one umbrella, RPPL has built something rare in Indian motorsport: a platform where rookies, professionals, and city allegiances all collide on the same stage.
When Is The Next Indian Racing League 2025 Event?
With two rounds already concluded in Kari and Madras in the 2nd and 3rd week of August, round 3 of the Indian Racing Festival is again taking place in Kari from the 3rd to the 5th of October.
But the real spotlight is on what follows. Goa will host Round 4 on an oceanfront street circuit, the first of its kind anywhere in South Asia. It is a truly bold statement of intent, showcasing how far Indian motorsport is willing to push.
Racing by the Arabian Sea, with temporary grandstands set against the waterfront, feels like a scene borrowed from Monaco.
Here are the next three upcoming events:
- Round 3: Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore
- Round 4: Goa Oceanfront Street Circuit
- Round 5: Venue to be announced
With Speed Demons Delhi edging ahead, Hyderabad and Kolkata circling, and Goa Aces counting on Raoul Hyman’s pace, every round now has the weight of a final. The calendar is short, the margins razor-thin, and one bad weekend could change everything.
The difference between the top three of Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata is razor-thin right now. Every single round is crucial to edge ahead for these 3.
But with 3 out of 5 rounds still remaining, the bottom three teams of Chennai, Goa, and Bengaluru could hope to do better and even take a podium spot by the end.
Indian Racing League 2025 Format
Five rounds decide the season, unfolding across venues as different as Kari’s tight corners in Coimbatore and Goa’s brand-new oceanfront streets.
Each weekend is built around two main races, both carrying equal weight, which means there is no room for coasting through Saturday to save something for Sunday.
The league’s structure is unusual and makes it fascinating to follow. Every franchise runs with four drivers, starting with an experienced international, followed by an emerging youngster, a homegrown domestic racer, and a female competitor.
All share two cars across the weekend. That mix produces garage pairings you would never see anywhere else, like Jon Lancaster working alongside Akshay Bohra or Raoul Hyman mentoring Chetan Surineni.
Every finish counts toward the driver standings and the team battle, and with fields this close, one mistake can sink a weekend. Alongside the league, Formula 4 India runs on the same bill, giving teenage hopefuls the platform to chase the same dream.
Where To Watch The Indian Racing League 2025?
If you are looking to tune in from Round 3 onwards, you can watch the Indian Racing Festival live on Star Sports Select 2 on your TV.
The Indian Racing Festival also streams live on JioHotstar, with both TV and streaming coverage starting at 1:30 pm on race days.
RPPL’s YouTube feed fills in the gaps with highlights and garage clips that TV rarely shows. And if you’re in one of the franchise cities, keep an eye out for fan screenings.
Who Owns And Funds The Indian Racing Festival?
The Indian Racing Festival is staged by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), the company that has turned a bold idea into a functioning league. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, officially heads RPPL.
But the festival runs on more than ambition, it has the backing of heavyweight sponsors who give it both financial muscle and cultural reach. JK Tyre, with decades of history in Indian motorsport, anchors the grid.
Nayara Energy and Mobil1 add industry and technical credibility, while Bisleri puts the festival’s branding in everyday homes and stadiums. Infrastructure giant MEIL is another key name, a reminder that serious money is betting on the sport’s growth.
Broadcasters Star Sports Select 2 and JioHotstar carry the spectacle to screens nationwide, supported by lifestyle partners like Radio City, District by Zomato, and Go Fish.
Together, they make RPPL’s vision sustainable: a racing league built in India, for India, with world-class standards.
Indian Racing League 2025 Teams
Six franchises form the backbone of the league, each mixing Indian rookies with experienced international drivers. Together, they give the grid its texture and its drama.
| Team | Owner | International Racer | Emerging Talent | Domestic Racer | Female Racer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Demons Delhi | Arjun Kapoor | Alister Yoong (Malaysia) | Sai Sanjay (India) | Shahan Ali Mohsin (India) | Caitlin Wood (Australia) |
| Hyderabad Blackbirds | Naga Chaitanya | Jon Lancaster (UK) | Akshay Bohra (India) | Mohamed Ryan (India) | Gabriela Jílková (Czech Republic) |
| Goa Aces | John Abraham | Raoul Hyman (UK/South Africa) | Akash Gowda (India) | Chetan Surineni (India) | Fabienne Wohlwend (Liechtenstein) |
| Kolkata Royal Tigers | Sourav Ganguly | Tom Canning (UK) | Sohil Shah (India) | Sandeep Kumar (India) | Alexandra Hervé (France) |
| Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru | Kichcha Sudeep | Neel Jani (Switzerland) | Ruhaan Alva (India) | Kyle Kumaran (India) | Jem Hepworth (UK) |
| Chennai Turbo Riders | The Accord Group | Aqil Alibhai (Kenya) | Shibin Yousaf (India) | Tijil Rao (India) | Laura Camps Torras (Spain) |
All teams run the Wolf GB08 Thunder chassis, powered by Aprilia engines, keeping the machinery identical and the focus firmly on driver skill.
1. Speed Demons Delhi
Arjun Kapoor’s team has become the capital’s pride, with Shahan Ali Mohsin’s breakthrough win at Kari igniting belief.
Sai Sanjay’s maiden victory only deepened their momentum, while Alister Yoong brings valuable experience, and Caitlin Wood keeps the female podium streak alive. Delhi finally feels like a contender, not an underdog.
2. Hyderabad Blackbirds
Source: IRL Instagram
Naga Chaitanya’s Blackbirds balance pedigree and promise. Jon Lancaster, with a decade of European mileage, adds stability.
Akshay Bohra turned heads with his first podium at just 18, Mohamed Ryan remains relentlessly consistent, and Gabriela Jílková is already a fan favourite. Hyderabad follows the tradition of treating race days like cricket fixtures.
3. Goa Aces
John Abraham’s Aces are serial contenders, their podium streak stretching across two seasons. Raoul Hyman is the league’s winning machine, while Akash Gowda and Chetan Surineni carry Goan hopes.
Fabienne Wohlwend, steady as ever, extends the female podium tradition. In Goa, race weekends spill seamlessly into nightlife along the coastline.
4. Kolkata Royal Tigers
Sourav Ganguly’s Tigers embody Kolkata’s intensity. Sohil Shah delivered a pole-to-win masterclass at Round 2, while Sandeep Kumar’s aggression keeps rivals wary.
Tom Canning provides the international anchor, and Alexandra Hervé rounds out a dynamic roster. When the Tigers roar, it feels like Eden Gardens on a Sunday.
5. Kichcha’s Kings Bangalore
Owned by Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep, the Kings field a heavyweight in Neel Jani, who hasn’t missed a Kari podium in three years.
Ruhaan Alva and Kyle Kumaran form a youthful domestic duo, with Jem Hepworth bringing balance. Bengaluru’s crowd has waited long for fireworks. This lineup should finally deliver.
6. Chennai Turbo Riders
Backed by the Accord Group, Chennai thrives on raw potential. Aqil Alibhai opened his campaign with consecutive podiums, Shibin Yousaf continues to rise, and Tijil Rao adds depth.
Spanish teenager Laura Camps Torras injects flair, ensuring Chennai stands out on a grid increasingly defined by diversity and young firepower.
Indian Racing League 2025 Venues
The 2025 season moves between India’s most technical circuits and its boldest street races. This is creating a calendar blending motorsport with urban spectacle. Each venue brings its own character, demanding different skills from the drivers.
1. Kari Motor Speedway (Coimbatore)
Kari has long been India’s proving ground for young talent. Opened in 2003, the 2.1 km track winds through 15 corners and rewards precision over outright speed. Tight entries and quick exits make it a hotspot for overtakes, ensuring close battles in both Round 1 and Round 3.
2. Madras International Circuit (Chennai)
Built in 1990, MMRT is India’s oldest permanent racetrack and remains its spiritual home. The 3.717 km layout, with 12 sweeping turns, tests both endurance and race craft. Round 2 brought the league here, and the circuit’s history with the Madras Motor Sports Club adds depth to the calendar.
3. Goa Street Circuit (First Oceanfront Race)
Goa delivers India’s first oceanfront street race, a dramatic backdrop of surf and tarmac. The temporary course brings motorsport to the heart of the state, with packed promenades and sea breeze adding a festival feel.
Round 4 in Goa, the oceanfront backdrop makes the racing feel like a celebration as much as a contest.
4. Round 5 (TBD: Chennai Street or Hyderabad)
The final venue remains undecided, with two strong contenders.
The Chennai Street Circuit offers a 3.5 km floodlit night race through Island Grounds, India’s first of its kind. Hyderabad, meanwhile, has a proven pedigree with its fast 2.85 km urban loop around Hussain Sagar Lake. Both promise drama and speed.
This mix of permanent tracks and street circuits keeps the league unpredictable. Drivers must adapt from technical layouts like Kari and MMRT to the raw theatre of Goa or Chennai. It ensures the championship crowns not just the fastest driver, but the most complete racer.
Indian Racing League Standings After Round 2
Two rounds in, the table is already tight at the top. Hyderabad leads by a whisker, but Delhi and Kolkata are breathing down its neck. Each race has produced a new star moment, and consistency is proving just as valuable as outright wins.
| Rank | Team | Points | Highlights / Key Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderabad Blackbirds | 51 | Podiums from Jon Lancaster and Akshay Bohra keep the momentum. |
| 2 | Speed Demons Delhi | 50 | Shahan Ali Mohsin’s Round 2 win keeps them in striking distance. |
| 3 | Kolkata Royal Tigers | 49 | Sohil Shah’s pole-to-flag victory made headlines in Round 2. |
| 4 | Chennai Turbo Riders | 22 | Aqil Alibhai’s steady podiums show consistency despite mixed team results. |
| 5 | Goa Aces | 22 | Raoul Hyman’s Round 1 triumph, but Round 2 hurt his momentum. |
| 6 | Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru | 9 | Neel Jani’s experience hasn’t yet translated into points. |
Round 1 in Coimbatore set the tone, Raoul Hyman putting Goa Aces on top with a daring win while Hyderabad banked steady points through Jon Lancaster and Akshay Bohra.
Chennai’s Aqil Alibhai impressed with his first podium, showing the promise of consistency. Round 2, hosted on India’s first oceanfront circuit in Goa, was a spectacle both on and off the track.
Tens of thousands lined the promenade as Shahan Ali Mohsin stormed to victory for Delhi, vaulting them into title contention. Kolkata’s Sohil Shah matched that energy with a commanding lights-to-flag drive, keeping the Tigers in the mix.
Hyderabad’s relentless podium finishes mean they lead by a single point, even without a race win.
Winning teams collect crucial championship points, while the top driver of the season secures both prize money and a career-boosting pathway into higher FIA-backed categories.
Indian Racing League 2025 Tickets
Fans can secure their spot for the October 5th round through District.in, the official RPPL ticketing partner. Early Bird passes offer lounge access, curated experiences, and inclusive food.
- Gold – Weekend Pass (₹7,199): Access on both days with entry to the Hospitality Lounge and Viewing Gallery, plus food included.
- Gold – Day 1 Pass (₹4,799): Single-day access with the same lounge, gallery, and food benefits.
- Platinum – Weekend Pass (₹8,799): Two-day entry with Hospitality and Platinum Lounge access, food, and a curated pit walk.
- Platinum – Day 1 Pass (₹6,399): One-day entry with the same premium inclusions as above.
With limited seating and premium hospitality perks, these tickets are expected to move fast. Booking in advance ensures not only the best views but also a seamless, elevated race-day experience.
Key Drivers To Watch In Indian Racing League 2025
The Indian Racing League (IRL) is blending global experience and homegrown talent, making its 2025 season one of the most exciting yet.
Among the top performers, eyes are on Akash Gowda, who impressed in past IRL seasons and continues to be one of the most consistent Indian drivers on the grid.
International stars such as Neel Jani, the Swiss Le Mans winner, bring world-class pedigree to the championship, raising the competitive bar.
The league also shines a light on rising Indian talent. Youngsters like Ruhaan Alva, who has ambitions for Formula 3 and beyond, represent the next generation of Indian motorsport.
Inclusivity remains a defining feature, with female drivers like Fabienne Wohlwend from Liechtenstein, who is known from the W Series and Ferrari Challenge, and Gabriela Jílková from the Czech Republic, both adding diversity and international flair to the competition.
Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula 1 driver, now serves as a mentor and figurehead for the league, guiding young racers with his decades of international expertise.
Can The Indian Racing League Produce Future F1 Drivers?
Can IRL be India’s launchpad to Formula 1? That’s the million-dollar question. The pathway typically flows from IRL into Formula 4 India, then toward European or Middle Eastern junior series such as F3 and F2, before a potential F1 seat.
What Europe and the Middle East already offer with deep-pocketed teams, intense calendars, and global exposure, India is just beginning to build. Still, IRL gives rising stars a rare homegrown platform where international scouts are already watching.
The road ahead isn’t easy, as funding gaps, training limitations, and fierce competition remain real barriers. But if the league keeps momentum, it could turn raw Indian talent into the country’s first serious F1 contender since Narain Karthikeyan.
How Important Is The Indian Racing Festival For India?
Think of the Indian Racing Festival as momentum in motion. By pairing the Indian Racing League with the FIA-certified Formula 4 India championship, it creates a domestic ladder from karting to single-seaters, giving young drivers a route toward international junior series.
Celebrity owners and corporate sponsors have amplified attention, with teams backed by John Abraham, Kichcha Sudeep, and Sourav Ganguly boosting commercial and media interest.
Government support for the Goa oceanfront street circuit signals long-term ambition and tourism value. Structural challenges remain, particularly grassroots access, funding, and reliable circuits, yet the festival is India’s clearest motorsport statement.
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Conclusion: Indian Racing Festival Is Now An Established Event With Its 4th Season In 2025
The Indian Racing Festival has now taken its place as a full-fledged movement. With celebrity-backed franchises, packed grandstands, and an FIA-sanctioned junior ladder, the 2025 season feels like the first genuine attempt to embed motorsport in India’s sporting culture.
The racing itself has been close, the drivers are household names in the making, and the venues, starting from Kari’s tight corners to Goa’s oceanfront spectacle, prove ambition is high.
Challenges around funding and infrastructure remain, but the intent is clear that India wants to be on the global motorsport map, and the IRF is carving that road with style and substance.
FAQs
The series first ran in 2019, using Formula BMW machinery, but was disrupted. It returned rebranded as the Indian Racing League in late 2022 after pandemic delays and organisational changes.
F4 Indian Championship is India’s FIA-certified single-seater series, inaugurated in 2023. Organised by RPPL, it uses Mygale chassis and regulated specs to bridge karting and international junior categories for progression.
India has established motorcycle series, including the MRF MMSC FMSCI National Motorcycle Racing Championship and manufacturer one-make competitions like the TVS One Make Championship, which develop two-wheeler talent regularly.
Film star and motorsport enthusiast John Abraham is the owner of the Goa Aces by JA Racing franchise, a high-profile IRF entry announced ahead of the festival to boost visibility.
The league aims for annual running, but early seasons saw interruptions. After the 2019 debut the championship paused and was relaunched in 2022, with organisers planning regular calendar seasons thereafter.
