Sidharth Balasundaram and Mira Erda complete the Gentleman Class podium, while Ajay Sankar and Vikram A B finish among the Rookie Class top three
Pratik Sonawane and Aadam Junaid emerged victorious in the Gentleman and Rookie classes respectively in Round 1 – Race 1 of the JK Tyre Levitas Cup 2026 at Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, as part of the CTR–JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship.
The single-make circuit racing series, which brings together professional drivers and newcomers in identical race-prepared cars, kicked off its 2026 season with competitive action at Kari Motor Speedway, showcasing the pace, racecraft and determination of the participating drivers.
PRATIK SONAWANE LEADS GENTLEMAN CLASS
Pratik Sonawane secured victory in the Gentleman Class, finishing ahead of Sidharth Balasundaram, who claimed second place, while Mira Erda completed the podium in third.
Sonawane delivered a strong performance to take the top step of the podium, with Balasundaram finishing 8.574 seconds behind the winner. Erda produced an impressive recovery from eighth on the grid to secure third place, making it a memorable podium finish in Race 1.
AADAM JUNAID TAKES ROOKIE CLASS HONOURS
In the Rookie Class, Aadam Junaid emerged victorious, demonstrating strong pace and composure to claim the Race 1 win.
Ajay Sankar finished second, while Vikram A B secured third place to complete the Rookie Class podium.
The Rookie category provides an important platform for emerging racers to gain experience in circuit racing and develop their skills in a competitive environment.
BUILDING A PATHWAY INTO CIRCUIT RACING
The JK Tyre Levitas Cup is a single-make circuit racing series designed for both experienced competitors and newcomers to motorsport. The championship provides drivers with an opportunity to compete in identical cars, allowing driving ability, consistency and racecraft to play a decisive role.
With professional support and a structured racing environment, the series aims to make circuit racing more accessible while creating opportunities for aspiring racers to progress in Indian motorsport.
The opening race of the 2026 season delivered an exciting start to the championship, with the Race 1 winners setting the early benchmark in their respective classes.
ROUND 1 – RACE 1 RESULTS
Gentleman Class
- 1st – Pratik Sonawane
- 2nd – Sidharth Balasundaram
- 3rd – Mira Erda
Rookie Class
- 1st – Aadam Junaid
- 2nd – Ajay Sankar
- 3rd – Vikram A B
The JK Tyre Levitas Cup 2026 continues at Kari Motor Speedway, with drivers preparing for the next race of the opening round.
