Indian Racing Festival 2026: Exciting Calendar Unveiled with Night Race Finale
2026 Indian Racing Festival Schedule Announced
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) has revealed its full calendar for 2026, featuring the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida hosting Rounds 4 and 5 on October 31-November 1 and November 28-29. The season will conclude with a thrilling night race at the Navi Mumbai Street Circuit on December 5-6.
These two venues will offer distinct experiences, transitioning the Festival from a well-known permanent racing track to an urban street racing atmosphere. Rounds 4 and 5 will mark the return of India's premier racing league to the iconic Buddh International Circuit, which has not seen FIA-level racing for 13 years, according to a press release.
Previously the site of the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix, the circuit will once again host top-tier single-seater racing, adding significant prestige to the championship's key events.
In addition, the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai Street Circuit will serve as the grand finale for the 2026 Indian Racing Festival, featuring a night race along Palm Beach Road. This dedicated 3.69 km street circuit will introduce high-speed racing in an urban environment, enhancing the racing experience for city audiences. This will be the Festival's second night race, following its inaugural night event in Chennai in 2024.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), commented on the announcement, stating, “The 2026 Indian Racing Festival calendar showcases our goal to elevate Indian motorsport while enhancing the quality of racing and fan experiences. The developments at Buddh International Circuit and Navi Mumbai have been long envisioned, and we are thrilled to share them with our supporters. Motorsport is rapidly gaining traction in India, and we are grateful for our dedicated fanbase. Bringing the Festival to BIC and concluding the season in Navi Mumbai is a significant step in broadening the appeal of motorsport in our country. We aim to establish India as a true motorsport hub.”
As the IRF transitions into the next phase of its 2026 season, the F4 Indian Championship has already completed its first two rounds at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, with the Indian Racing League set to join the competition later this month.
In Round 1, Aris Kyriakou achieved two second-place finishes and a victory in Race 3, leading a weekend that featured seven different podium finishers across three races. Round 2 saw Luviwe Sambudla from Goa Aces JA Racing secure two wins, while Bhuvan Bonu from Hyderabad Blackbirds claimed the remaining race. Kyriakou's consistent podium finishes have kept him at the top of the standings, leading Sambudla 93 points to 88 after two rounds.
The championship will next head to the Madras International Circuit (MIC) in Chennai on October 22-23, marking another key stop on the 2026 calendar. This round will also see the debut of the Indian Racing League for the season, combining the IRL and F4 Indian Championship as the IRF progresses.
The F4 Indian Championship, recognized by the FIA, serves as a platform for emerging racing talent, while the Indian Racing League features both Indian and international drivers in a gender-neutral racing format.
With the inclusion of Buddh International Circuit and Navi Mumbai, the Indian Racing Festival continues to focus on expanding motorsport's reach in India, creating opportunities for drivers, teams, partners, and fans. The events at BIC and Navi Mumbai will be streamed live on JioHotstar and Star Sports, bringing fans closer to the exhilarating motorsport action.