As the Indian Racing Festival 2024 edition is all set to revv up for
the country’s first-ever night race, as Chennai gears up for an electrifying weekend
that promises to make history with a perfect backdrop of the iconic Island Ground
under the twinkling starlight.
Nestled in the heart of this vibrant metropolis, the 3.5 km street circuit features 19
turns, multiple chicane and fast straights, including the striking Napier Bridge,
painted in a chequered flag design as the zooming formula cars and the drivers will
zoom by the War Memorial. Presented by Kingfisher Soda and promoted by Racing
Promotions Pvt Ltd, the night race will be nothing short of a spectacle and a
monumental step forward for Indian motorsports.
Supported by the Tamil Nadu government, this race aims to elevate Chennai’s status
as a motorsport capital by offering fans an unparalleled experience. With packed
houses in attendance having close to 9,000 spectators the streets of Chennai will be
transforming itself to etch themselves among the global few when it comes to having
Night Street Circuit in the world.
Dr. Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary to Youth Welfare and Sports
Development said, ” Lot of efforts have been undertaken to bring this milestone
night circuit to life in the streets of Chennai. It is not only a prestigious moment for
India but will also propel Chennai and Tamil Nadu in the global map as a strong
Motorsports destination. While every effort is going into the smooth execution of the
race and create a thrilling street circuit which will not only be a spectacle to watch out
for but also will be as competitive as one can imagine. This is not just a race; it’s a
celebration of speed, skill, and the spirit of Chennai.”
With IRL cars expected to exceed speeds of 200 kmph, the street track is set to push
drivers to their limits as they strive to master the circuit configurations and maneuver
for maximum speed and impact and on the grid which rums amidst multiple
landmarks such as the centuries-old Fort St. George and the renowned Marina
Beach in the whole stretch.
“We have done the hard yards to ensure that spectators enjoy the races in comfort
and safety, and we are hopeful that India will be able to witness a grand success.
We are indeed grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu, the SDAT team, and every
other department that helped us to put this landmark race together,” said Akhilesh
Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited
(RPPL), promoters of IRF.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Racing League event, some of the
participating racers shared their thoughts on what this moment means to them. Their
words reflect not only their passion for the sport but also the significance of the event
in the broader context of Indian motorsport.
The six city-based franchise teams of Indian Racing League (IRL)– Chennai Turbo
Chargers, Goa Aces JA Racing, Speed Demons Delhi, Bangalore Speedsters,
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Hyderabad Blackbirds along with eight teams
(includes six teams of IRL and two more teams. Ahmedabad Apex Racers and
Godspeed Kochi) will be speeding as part of the FIA Formula 4 India
Championships, are all charged up for this historic weekend.
Chethan Korada, the first Asian racer ever to win a race using prosthetic
feet expressed his excitement on getting an opportunity to drive at the night
circuit said, “It’s a great honor to be part of this event, and I’m deeply grateful to the
government for this incredible opportunity. Racing has been my passion for the last
18 years, and I’ve competed in nearly every motorsport during that time. Reaching
this point hasn’t been easy, and I want to thank Arman Ibrahim for the scholarship
that made this possible. Racing on roads I’ve known since childhood is truly a dream
come true, and I’m looking forward to the race.”
With experience of driving as part of European Formula 4 teams, India origin
driver, Nikhil Bohra who is representing Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers said, “It is
such a glamorous event that is not only a statement for Indian motorsport, but it’s just
a statement around the world. I mean, to do this in a country with over one billion
people is next level. I just have a huge respect for everyone who put this together.
So, thank you for inviting me back, and I’m looking forward to this weekend.
The Goa Aces woman driver, Gabriela Jikova who had a podium finish in
Round 1 said, “Motorsport, much like on the men’s side, has traditionally been male-
dominated, but we’re seeing a significant change. Today, more women are getting
involved, and this is evident in the Indian Racing League, where we have a growing
number of female participants. Comparing it to my early days in karting, there were
far fewer girls back then. It’s exciting to see women’s motorsport growing, and I’m
thrilled to be a part of it. We’re doing our best on the track, and I believe we’re doing
a great job. Thank you.”
In the first round at Madras International Circuit on August 24-25, the Bengal Tigers
excelled, with all drivers scoring points. Alister Yoong won Race-2, and Ruhaan Alva
secured P3 in Race-1. In the Formula 4 segment, Australia’s Hugh Barter rebounded
from a last-lap retirement in Race-1 to win the next two races, including a remarkable
victory from P15 on the grid.
The event kicks off at 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, offering spectators plenty
of entertainment, including car stunts and “hot laps” by bike riders.
JK TYRE-FMSCI INDIAN NATIONAL RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Round-2 of the 29th JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship,
made up of Formula LGB4 class with a 24-car grid, will run concurrently, and thus, it
will set another landmark by becoming the first domestic motor racing competition to
have night races.
Last weekend’s double-header witnessed some of the closest racing in recent
memory, with the low-cost, entry-level Formula cars going wheel-to-wheel at
tremendous pace. Dark Don team-mates, Bala Prasath (Coimbatore) and Tijil Rao
(Bengaluru) survived the hectic competition to win a race apiece.
KEY INFORMATIONS FOR SPECTATOR MOVEMENT
To be a part of the first ever night race in Chennai, attendees are directed to
specific gates and box offices based on their seating and ticket categories:
● Box Office 1 – Gate No. 2: Serves Grandstand 1, with entry from Muthuswamy
Road/Bridge.
● Box Office 3 – Gate No. 4: Serves Grandstands 2, 3, 4 & 5, with parking at
Kalavaram Ground and entry from Wallajah Road to Press Club Road.
● Box Office 4 – Gate No. 5: For the Media Stand, meeting at Tamil Nadu State
Guesthouse, with entry from Wallajah Road to Press Club Road.
● Box Office 5 – Gate No. 6: Caters to Gold, Platinum, and Premium Lounges,
with parking at Madras University and entry from Kamarajar Road.
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) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) are the two
championships under the Indian Racing Festival banner. Notably, the Indian Racing
League 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.
● Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category intended for junior
drivers. It is the first step of the ladder for an aspiring racing driver from karting to
single-seater racing.
The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship has begun to attract young and
aspiring drivers from around the world and the country. It creates an opportunity for
young drivers in their single-seater journey with minimal investment from their end.
The drivers gain Super License points and the Indian talent gets to do this at home
instead of going abroad.
About Sports Development Authority of Tamil Naidu
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) is dedicated to promoting
sports and physical fitness across Tamil Nadu. Leveraging resources from
government, sports associations, philanthropists, institutions, and sports enthusiasts,
SDAT aims to foster a thriving sports culture and enhance physical well-being
throughout the State.