India’s next generation of karting stars delivered a spectacular display of speed, skill and determination as the opening round of the MECO-FMSCI National Karting Championship RMC India 2026, presented by SIDVIN Energy Engineering and supported by MRF Tyres, concluded at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore on Sunday.
With over 75 entries competing across four categories, Round 1 produced thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing and established the early championship contenders for the 2026 season.
Bengaluru’s Rohaan Madesh of Peregrine Racing claimed top honours in the Senior Max category after a dramatic conclusion to the final race. Although Arjun Chheda crossed the finish line first, a post-race penalty elevated Madesh to victory, while Chennai’s Eshanth Vengatesan finished second and Mumbai’s Krish Gupta completed the podium.
In the Junior Max category, reigning national champion Rivaan Dev Preetham of Chennai continued his remarkable form with a commanding double victory. The MSPORT driver dominated proceedings throughout the weekend, securing pole position, winning both heats, the Pre-Final and the Final to begin his title defence in perfect fashion. Mumbai’s Hamza Murtuza Balasinorwala and Chennai’s Rehan Khan Rasheed completed the podium positions.
The Mini Max category produced one of the most exciting races of the weekend as Bengaluru’s Jishnu Seralathan executed a sensational last-lap overtaking move to snatch victory from Gurugram’s Rudrapratap Singh Shekhawat. The pair, along with defending champion Arshi Gupta, engaged in a breathtaking three-way battle before Jishnu crossed the finish line first, while Hyderabad’s Shiv Tummala secured the final podium position.
Despite narrowly missing out on Mini Max victory, Rudrapratap Singh Shekhawat delivered a stellar performance in the Micro Max category, dominating both the Pre-Final and Final races. The Leapfrog Racing driver showcased exceptional pace and racecraft throughout the weekend to secure a well-deserved victory. Kolhapur’s Ayansh Patil finished second, while Mumbai’s Aarav Sureka completed the podium.
RMC India 2026 Round 1 Winners
Senior Max
- Rohaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing, Bengaluru)
- Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT, Chennai)
- Krish Gupta (Leapfrog Racing, Mumbai)
Junior Max
- Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSPORT, Chennai)
- Hamza Murtuza Balasinorwala (Crest Motorsport, Mumbai)
- Rehan Khan Rasheed (Momentum Motorsports, Chennai)
Mini Max
- Jishnu Seralathan (Peregrine Racing, Bengaluru)
- Rudrapratap Singh Shekhawat (Leapfrog Racing, Gurugram)
- Shiv Tummala (Peregrine Racing, Hyderabad)
Micro Max
- Rudrapratap Singh Shekhawat (Leapfrog Racing, Gurugram)
- Ayansh Patil (MSPORT, Kolhapur)
- Aarav Sureka (Rayo Racing, Mumbai)
The six-round championship will continue later this season, with the eventual national champions in Senior Max, Junior Max, Mini Max and Micro Max earning the honour of representing India at the prestigious Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals 2026, scheduled to be held in Portimão, Portugal, from November 7 to 14, 2026.
The opening round in Coimbatore once again highlighted the tremendous depth of young motorsport talent emerging from India and provided an exciting glimpse into the future of Indian karting.
