Indian Motorsports
Sourav Ganguly becomes owner of Kolkata Royal Tigers
The Indian Racing Festival has announced a major partnership with Sourav Ganguly, who joins the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team as an owner ahead of the 2024 season.

The Indian Racing Festival has received a massive boost with Sourav Ganguly joining the grid as a team owner. The former Indian Cricket team Captain and current BCCI President will own the newly announced Kolkata Royal Tigers. Indian Racing Festival comprises the Indian Racing League and Indian Formula 4 Championship. Indian Racing League is the world’s first franchise-based racing league. The league has 8 city-based teams—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Out of these, Kolkata and Ahmedabad are new entrants.
Sourav Ganguly expressed his excitement about the association, he said:
“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 while this opportunity not only allows me to contribute to the growth of motorsport in Kolkata but also aligns 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”

“We are thrilled to announce Sourav Ganguly as the owner of the Kolkata franchise. His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, shaped by years of legendary cricketing success, brings unparalleled dynamism to the Indian Racing Festival. Ganguly’s influence is set to inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts across India, igniting passion and driving young athletes towards greatness. Additionally, his association is expected to significantly enhance awareness of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) among a broader audience, further solidifying its position as a premier motorsport event in India”
stated Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL.
Motorsports: A Sport on the Rise in India
Motorsports is currently on the rise in India. Sourav Ganguly, often known as the ‘Prince of Calcutta’ and ‘Dada,’ will surely boost the popularity of the sport in this country. The sport has seen exponential growth in the number of fans. Currently, fans rank motorsports as the 10th most-watched sport in the country. With a figure like Ganguly involving himself in the sport, this number can surely change.
About the Indian Racing Festival
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) aims to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India. Indian Racing League (IRL) and Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) are the two championships under the Indian Racing Festival banner. Indian Racing League is an FMSCI-approved championship, which adds a level of prestige and official recognition.
The Indian Racing League (IRL) is India’s only 4-wheel racing league. With at least 1 female driver in every team, it becomes the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series. IRL features six city-based teams competing in a dynamic franchise-based competition.

Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category intended for junior drivers. It is the first step of the ladder for an aspiring racing driver from karting to single-seater racing. The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship is attracting young and aspiring drivers from around the world and the country. It creates an opportunity for young drivers in their single-seater journey with minimal investment from their end. The drivers gain Super License points and the Indian talent gets to do this at home instead of going abroad.
The IRF has already announced its calendar with pre-season testing starting on 21st August. Madras International Circuit will host pre-season testing and Round 1. The championship is yet to announce the venues for the full season.
Indian Motorsports
Mumbai Street Circuit Announced; Set to A Host Night Race in 2025
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has officially announced the Mumbai Street Circuit, set to host a night race. With this, Mumbai becomes the fourth city to feature a street race and only the second to stage a night street race.

“This is a step in the direction to make Maharashtra the motorsports capital of Asia. We will be hosting the F4 race as a street circuit in Navi Mumbai as our 1st initiative in this direction.” – Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The Mumbai Street Circuit will host Round 5 of the Indian Racing League and Indian Formula 4 on November 29–30, 2025. With this, Mumbai joins Hyderabad, Chennai, and Goa as a street circuit host city, becoming only the second venue to stage a night street race after the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, which held its race in August 2024.

Neither Racing Promotions Private Limited nor the Government of Maharashtra have confirmed details of the track or location yet. It is understood that more details, including the track layout, will be revealed closer to the round in November.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Goa Street Circuit Officially Announced, Set to Host First Race in 2025
The Goa Street Circuit has been officially announced and will host its first race in 2025 as part of the Indian Racing Festival. Goa becomes the third Indian city with a street circuit following Hyderabad and Chennai.

The Goa Street Circuit has been approved by the Goa cabinet and is set to host Round 4 of the Indian Racing Festival in late October this year. Earlier in the year, Goa Tourism gave Principal approval to the Goa Street Circuit.

Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, today announced the “Goa Street
Race 2025” — a 3.2 km oceanfront circuit at Headland Sada, Bogda, as the official venue
for Round 4 of the 2025 Indian Racing Festival (IRF). Announced at a prestigious ceremony
at Auditorium 1, Maquinez Palace, ESG, Panjim, Goa, this landmark initiative reflects Dr.
Sawant’s visionary leadership in positioning Goa as a premier global destination for high-
Octane International Sporting Events. Scheduled from 1 to 2 November 2025, the race
promises to deliver a world-class motorsport spectacle against the state’s iconic coastline
while driving economic growth, tourism, and global recognition for the state of Goa.

The landmark announcement was graced by the presence of Asvin Chandru, IAS, CM
Secretary and CEO of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG); Shri Sankalp Amonkar, MLA –
Mormugao; Shri. Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Secretary – Information & Publicity, Government
of Goa; and Mr. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt.
Ltd. (RPPL).

The Goa Street Race 2025 promises to be a star-studded affair with an impressive line-up of
Celebrity team owners bringing their charisma and passion for motorsport to the track.
Leading the charge is John Abraham with the home team, Goa Aces JA Racing, joined by
Arjun Kapoor is steering the Speed Demons Delhi, and cricketing legend Sourav Gangulyis
powering the Kolkata Royal Tigers. Adding to the excitement, Sudeep Kichcha leads
Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru, Naga Chaitanya backs the Hyderabad Blackbirds, and Dr. Swetha
Sundeep Anand drives the spirit of Chennai Turbo Riders. Their presence is set to amplify
the thrill and glamour of this high-octane event.
“Goa’s rich heritage, dynamic culture, and stunning coastline provide an iconic stage for a motorsport property of global significance,” said Mr. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman &
Managing Director, RPPL.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Indian Motorsports
Akshay Bohra Makes History with Dominant Victory at Imola in FRECA 2025
Akshay Bohra made history as the first Indian driver to take a race victory in the Formula Regional European Championship.

Akshay Bohra delivered a commanding lights-to-flag performance at the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, claiming a well-earned victory in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). The win marks a major milestone in the young Indian-American driver’s career and further cements his reputation as one of the brightest emerging talents in junior single-seaters.

The 18-year-old, who became the first Indian to win a European single-seater title with his Euro 4 Championship triumph last year, made the step up to Formula Regional cars in 2024. Earlier this year, he also tasted victory in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship—signalling his smooth transition into more powerful machinery.
Arriving at Imola off the back of a podium finish at Paul Ricard, Bohra came into the weekend with strong momentum. He was consistently quick during pre-event testing on Thursday and Friday, frequently appearing at the sharp end of the timing sheets.

In Qualifying 1 on Saturday, Bohra narrowly missed out on topping his group, qualifying second by just 0.186 seconds behind his more experienced teammate. Starting P3 on the grid, he briefly slipped to fourth at the end of Lap 1 but quickly regained the position with what was arguably one of the best overtakes of the season. He went on to finish third, scoring his third podium of the season—the most ever by an Indian driver in the championship’s history.

Sunday, however, was a landmark day. Bohra claimed his first-ever pole position in FRECA—also a first for any Indian driver in the series. He then converted that pole into a dominant race victory, showcasing maturity, composure, and masterful control around one of the most technically demanding tracks on the calendar.

“Winning at Imola feels incredible. It’s a track with so much history, and to stand on the top step here is really special,” said Bohra. “The team gave me a fantastic car, and everything came together today. I’m proud of the progress we’re making this season.”
– Akshay Bohra
With this result, Bohra has climbed to 5th in the overall championship standings as the season crosses its halfway point. The victory is a testament to his relentless work ethic and rapid development in one of the most competitive junior categories in the world.
Akshay Bohra’s breakthrough at Imola not only highlights his undeniable talent but also stands as a proud moment for Indian motorsport, as he continues to inspire the next generation and represent India on the global racing stage.
About Akshay Bohra
Akshay Bohra was born in New York City and lived most of his childhood in Bangalore, India, where he began his racing career at age six in go karts. The 18-year-old Indian-American racing driver currently competes in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and is managed by driver management company ADD, which also manages reigning F1 vice world champion Lando Norris of McLaren Racing. He is the only Indian driver to have won a European single-seater championship, with a title-winning campaign in the 2024 Euro 4 Championship. With a background in international karting and consistent success in the junior formula scene, Bohra is regarded as one of the most promising talents in global motorsport and the best Indian prospect in recent history.
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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