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Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night

The Chennai Formula Racing Circuit (CFRC) hosted the first night-time street race in India for round 2 of the Indian Racing Festival.

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Indian Racing Festival and Indian F4 race on the streets of Chennai.
credits: Indian Racing Festival

The Indian Racing Festival raced on the streets for the first time for the second round in the championship. The Chennai Formula Racing Circuit (CFRC) hosted the first ever night-time street race in South Asia. Join us as DRC review the second round of the Indian Racing Festival. Read the weekend preview here.


Indian F4: Barter and Alibhai shine under the lights

While there was a hefty delay due to issues with FIA grading on Saturday resulting in last minute scheduling changes, Sunday was top notch entertainment. After a lot of delay regarding technical details around turns 10 and 19, the Chennai City Circuit, as its now officially called was awarded a Grade 3 rating by the FIA.

Hugh Barter dominated the first qualifying session, taking pole by an impressive margin of 1.5 seconds. Divy Nandan then narrowly beat Jaiden Pariat for the pole in second qualifying by half a tenth. Hugh Barter, who was the favorite, crashed on his hot lap in Q2 and had to start from the last grid slot.

Aqil Alibhai had a problem with his car and hence couldn’t start the first race. Zakariya Mohammed also could not finish the race and hence was not classified. But the star of race 1 was Hugh Barter, who managed to win with a 7 second gap to Ruhaan Alva followed by Abhay Mohan.

Alibhai didn’t let his problems stop him though. He raced brilliantly after starting third and overtook Divy and Jaden ahead. Divy was leading the race up until the very final moments, where a lock up caused Alibhai to catch up and then pass him with a brilliant overtake. Hugh Barter recorvered to an impressive fifth place after starting the second race from back in the last row.

Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night
The podium for race 2 for Indian F4. Credits: Indian Racing Festival.

Another positive thing was the track itself. The track proved to be wide enough to allow for very close racing. This was prove by the fact that we were able to see cars go three wide into turn 1 for the formula four practice sessions. The track was also loved by the drivers who praised the variety of corners the track threw at them.

With two rounds done and dusted, the bigger picture, i.e the championship battles are starting to fold out. The favorite is Hugh Barter, with Ruhaan Alva, Divy Nandan and Jaden Pariat emerging as his main challengers.


Indian Racing League: Goa Aces show resurgence while Parente rolls back the years to win

After a dismal showing last time out at the Madras International Circuit, Goa Aces seem to have sorted out their problems. Gabriela Jilkova took pole in the driver A pool qualifying session ahead of Raoul Hyman to lock out the front row for Goa. Meanwhile Sohail Shah would finish fourth in the pool B qualifying. Jilkova made history as she became the first ever female pole sitter in the history of the Indian Racing Festival.

Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night
Gabriela Jilkova became the first ever female pole sitter in the IRF. Credits: Indian Racing Festival.

Goa Aces would dominated in the drivers A race. They would finish 1-2, but swap positions as the defending champion Raoul Hyman took his first victory for the season and Jilkova would finish second to complete a Goa Aces 1-2. Alister Yoong, after his victory at the MIC, rounded out the podium as he finished third.

Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night
Team owner John Abraham celebrates a 1-2 along with the drivers. Credits: Indian Racing Festival.

Sohail Shah would then race through to second on the pool B race, finishing only a second adrift of Alvaro Parente. Parente, the second oldest driver in the Indian Racing Festival behind Neel Jani impressed as he rolled back the years to his GP2 days to take the chequered flag first. Sohail Shah was the closest rival to him as Rishon Rajeev took the final place on the podium nearly eight seconds off the lead.

Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night
Podium for the driver B race. Cerdits: Indian Racing Festival.

Speed Demons Delhi and Goa Aces look to have sorted out the problems that worried them at the MIC. Sohail Shah and Raoul Hyman, who finished 1-2 in their car, also walk away with 43 points as they look to defend their title. Goa Aces, thanks to Jilkova’s P2, also walk away with a boat load of points and are back in the mix.


Future races

The next round of the 2024 Indian Racing Festival will take place at the Kari Motor speedway from the 13th to the 15th of September.

Indian Racing Festival 2024: Indian Motorsport shines in the beautiful night
The season calendar for the Indian Racing Festival.

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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.

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Mumbai Street Circuit Announced; Set to A Host Night Race in 2025

“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.

Mumbai Street Circuit Announced; Set to A Host Night Race in 2025
Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, 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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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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.

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Goa Street Circuit Officially Announced, Set to Host First Race in 2025
Image Credit - Indian Racing Festival

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.

Goa Street Circuit Officially Announced, Set to Host First Race in 2025
Track layout for 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.

Goa Street Circuit Officially Announced, Set to Host First Race in 2025

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).

Goa Street Circuit Officially Announced, Set to Host First Race in 2025

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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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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.

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Akshay Bohra Makes History with Dominant Victory at Imola in FRECA 2025

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.

Akshay Bohra
© Dutch Photo Agency.

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.

Akshay Bohra Makes History with Dominant Victory at Imola in FRECA 2025
© Dutch Photo Agency.

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.

Akshay Bohra Makes History with Dominant Victory at Imola in FRECA 2025
© Dutch Photo Agency.

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.

Akshay Bohra Makes History with Dominant Victory at Imola in FRECA 2025
© Dutch Photo Agency.

“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/XInstagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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