High-Octane Excitement Builds as Indian Racing League Unveils Star-Studded Line-Up
New Delhi, August 17, 2024 — The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is set to roar back onto the motorsport scene, promising an electrifying season with its most ambitious lineup to date. Racing enthusiasts across the nation are buzzing with anticipation as the Indian Racing League (IRL), a cornerstone of the festival, prepares to welcome an impressive array of talent from India and beyond, including Indian stars Akhil Rabindra and Nikhil Bohra, alongside Swiss racing legend Neel Jani.
This year’s IRL, the world’s first gender-neutral franchise-based league, is breaking new ground with a diverse roster of 24 drivers, evenly split between six city-based teams. For the first time ever, the league will feature a night race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, adding an extra layer of drama to the five-round competition. Male and female racers will compete side by side, showcasing the inclusive spirit of the league.
Akhil Rabindra, a trailblazer in Indian motorsports, will once again take to the track after making history as the first Asian selected for Aston Martin’s Racing Academy and clinching the inaugural IRL title in 2022. Joining him is Neel Jani, whose storied career includes victories in the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their presence, along with other top-tier drivers, sets the stage for a season filled with intense rivalries and high-speed action.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL, expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome both returning champions and new faces to what promises to be the most exhilarating season of the Indian Racing Festival yet. With fresh teams, the introduction of a night race, and our unique franchise format featuring both men and women racers, this year is set to redefine motorsport in India.”
Among the returning competitors are British-South African driver Raoul Hyman and his teammate Sohil Shah, who secured the 2023 Car Championship title with their stellar performance. Shah, representing the growing talent pool in Indian motorsports, spoke highly of the league’s competitive environment: “The Indian Racing League is a testament to the passion and excitement for motorsports in our country. Competing here pushes us all to our limits, showcasing the immense talent we have.”
The six teams, each featuring two Indian and two foreign racers—including one female—will be battling it out in the high-speed Wolf Thunder GB08s, capable of reaching speeds up to 240 kmph. Among the female racers returning to the IRL are Fabienne Wohlwend and Gabriel Jilkova, both eager to match the historic win of Sarah Moore, who became the first female race winner in IRL history last year.
Wohlwend, reflecting on her experience in the league, said, “Participating in the Indian Racing League has been an incredible journey. Being part of the world’s first gender-inclusive franchise racing league is something special, and the growing support from Indian fans only drives us to perform better.”
The IRL also serves as a proving ground for young talents like Ruhaan Alva, who became the youngest race winner last year, and newcomers such as Shahan Ali Mohsin, Rishon Rajeev, and Danish prodigy Julius Dinesen, all eager to make their mark in the league.
The 2024 season kicks off at the Madras International Circuit on August 24-25, followed by the historic night race in Chennai on August 31-September 1. Competing teams include the Kolkata Royal Tigers, Speed Demons Delhi, Goa Aces JA Racing, Hyderabad Blackbirds, Chennai Turbo Riders, and the former champions Bangalore Speedsters, all poised for what promises to be a season full of adrenaline, skill, and fierce competition.
