Chennai, July 29, 2024: A new chapter in Indian motorsports is set to unfold with the Indian Racing Festival’s (IRF) inaugural night race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit. Scheduled from August 30 to September 1, 2024, this landmark event will be the first night street race in India, showcasing a thrilling three-day spectacle featuring eight teams and high-speed action.
Promoted by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd (RPPL), the IRF aims to captivate India’s growing motorsports fanbase with two premier championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). This event, backed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, promises an unparalleled experience for racing enthusiasts.
The race was announced at Chennai’s Taj Coromandel on July 29, with notable attendees including J. Meghanatha Reddy IAS, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of RPPL, former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan, Dr. Atulya Mishra IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, SDAT, and FMSCI President Akbar Ebrahim. Rising stars, Formula 4 drivers Mohammed Ryan and Sandeep Kumar, also graced the event.
Chennai, often dubbed the “Detroit of Southern Asia,” is renowned for its motorsports legacy. The upcoming night race will enhance this reputation, featuring a 3.5-kilometer circuit through the heart of the city, including iconic landmarks and the scenic Marina Beach. With nineteen turns, multiple chicanes, and challenging elevations, the circuit promises an electrifying experience for both drivers and fans.
Akhilesh Reddy expressed his gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government for their crucial support, stating, “This groundbreaking event will offer fans a thrilling new perspective and present drivers with unique challenges in a stunning setting. We are confident it will further establish Chennai as the premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts across the country.”
The IRF is the first event in the motorsports world to offer a gender-neutral racing championship, sanctioned by FMSCI. The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship is attracting young and talented drivers from around the world.
Prominent figures such as Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor have supported the IRF as Team Owners. The latest season kicks off with pre-season testing on August 22-23, followed by the opening round at the Madras International Circuit on August 24-25. The much-anticipated night race begins on August 30, featuring teams from Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Chennai is set to shine as the epicenter of Indian motorsports, offering an unforgettable high-octane experience that positions India as a premier destination for global motorsports events.
