Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 Kicks Off at Kari Motor Speedway
Exciting Start to Indian Circuit Racing
The FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 is set to launch at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore on October 24-25. Now entering its 29th season, this championship will showcase both new talent and seasoned racers across six distinct categories, featuring a total of 17 races throughout the weekend, as stated in a recent press release.
A New Era for Indian Motorsport
This season signifies a pivotal moment for motorsport in India, with JK Tyre collaborating with Chennai Turbo Riders (CTR) to enhance the racing ecosystem and offer a competitive environment for drivers to hone their skills. The opening weekend will present a variety of racing formats, including single-seater and touring car competitions, allowing participants to gain early traction in their respective categories.
Racing Categories Overview
The event will feature several categories, including LGB Formula 4, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, Novice F1300, Super Saloon, IJTC, ITC, ISTC, and the JK Tyre Levitas Cup. Races will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, challenging drivers on speed, consistency, race strategy, and their ability to handle pressure.
Detailed Breakdown of Championship Categories
LGB Formula 4
This category serves as an entry point into single-seater racing and is recognized for being cost-effective. The cars are equipped with a carburetted 1,298cc Suzuki Swift engine and a five-speed gearbox, all built on a robust chrome-molybdenum frame. With three races scheduled, seasoned drivers like Dhruv Goshwani and Monith Srinivasan will compete, providing insights into the competitive landscape.
Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup
In its sixth edition, this cup introduces a new structure where amateurs and professionals race on separate grids using different platforms: the GT-R650 for amateurs and the GT-R750 for professionals. With 20 amateurs and 15 professionals participating, the excitement is guaranteed, with notable drivers like Kabir Sahoch and Senthil Kumar expected to shine.
JK Tyre Novice Cup
This category acts as a crucial transition from go-karting to full-scale open-wheel racing, featuring two races over the weekend. It rewards drivers who can combine strong starts with consistent performance.
Touring and Saloon Car Action
The Super Saloon category includes a mix of production-based racing cars, from tightly regulated classes to heavily modified touring vehicles. The Super Stock/IJTC classes will host two races, allowing drivers to showcase their skills in car control and overtaking.
The Indian Touring Car (ITC) and Indian Super Touring Car (ISTC) classes will also run two races, focusing on production-based cars prepared for circuit racing, with ISTC featuring more extensive modifications.
JK Tyre Levitas Cup
This is India's only single-make racing championship, featuring Maruti Suzuki Ignis cars. The category emphasizes precision and control, with a 1.2-litre K-Series engine. Two races will be held, divided into Rookie and Pro/Gentlemen's categories, allowing drivers to establish their standings early in the championship.
A Weekend of Talent and Competition
With six categories and 17 races scheduled over two days, the CTR-JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 promises an exhilarating weekend at Kari Motor Speedway. The event will feature a talented grid, including top national drivers, international competitors from Malaysia and Sri Lanka, and pioneering female racers from across India.