New Delhi, July 11, 2024 – The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is poised for a significant boost as Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and BCCI president, steps into the world of motorsports. Ganguly has become the proud owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team, just ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 season. This strategic partnership is set to invigorate the Indian motorsport scene, marking a new era for the sport’s expansion and popularity across the nation.
The Indian Racing Festival, an initiative by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd., is a premier motorsport event meticulously crafted to engage and thrill India’s burgeoning motorsport fan base. The festival features two main championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC).
This year, eight city-based teams—representing Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad—will compete from August to November, promising a season of high-octane action. With Kolkata entering the fray for the first time, the excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high.
Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as the ‘Prince of Calcutta’ and ‘Dada,’ brings his iconic stature and leadership prowess to the Kolkata Royal Tigers. His involvement is expected to not only elevate the team’s performance but also significantly enhance the popularity and prestige of motorsports in West Bengal and beyond. Fans are eagerly anticipating the dynamic transformation that Ganguly’s influence is set to bring to the Kolkata Royal Tigers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sourav Ganguly as the owner of the Kolkata franchise,” announced Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL. “His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, honed by years of cricketing success, inject unparalleled dynamism into the Indian Racing Festival. Ganguly’s influence will inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts across India, igniting passion and driving young athletes towards greatness. Moreover, his association is poised to significantly enhance the Indian Racing Festival’s awareness among a broader audience, solidifying its status as a premier motorsport event in India.”
Ganguly expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “I am truly excited to embark on this journey with the Kolkata team in the Indian Racing Festival. Motorsports has always been a passion of mine, and this opportunity allows me to contribute to the growth of motorsport in Kolkata. It aligns perfectly with my belief in fostering a culture of excellence and sportsmanship. Together with the Kolkata Royal Tigers, we aim to build a strong legacy in the Indian Racing Festival and inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts, making the Kolkata Royal Tigers a formidable force in the Festival.”
Sourav Ganguly, who has had a distinguished cricketing career with over 113 Tests and 311 ODIs for India, is renowned for his ability to nurture young talent and lead teams to victory. His involvement in the Indian Racing Festival, coupled with his ownership of the Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan, underscores his dedication to promoting sports in India. Ganguly has called on fans to support the races in large numbers, promising an exhilarating experience for all.
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is a carefully curated motorsport event aimed at captivating India’s growing motorsport fan base. Under its banner, the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) take center stage. The Indian Racing League is notable as 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, an open-wheel, single-seater racing category, is designed for junior drivers and serves as the first step for aspiring racers transitioning from karting to single-seater racing. The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship attracts young and ambitious drivers from around the globe, providing them an opportunity to gain Super License points with minimal investment, all while racing on home soil.
As the 2024 season of the Indian Racing Festival approaches, the motorsport community in India is buzzing with anticipation. With Sourav Ganguly’s involvement, the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team is set to capture the hearts of fans and inspire a new era of motorsport excellence in India.
