India's Top Car Racing Championship Comes to Chennai
The third round of the Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 is set to take place at the Madras International Circuit, near Chennai, on January 4-5. This penultimate round promises intense competition as titles are up for grabs across all classes.
Young Talent to Shine
Two MRF single-seater categories, Formula 2000 and Formula 1600, will be the highlight of the event. These categories boast grids full of young talent, with Bengaluru teenager Ishaan Madesh and Pune's Arjun Chheda set to renew their rivalry in the MRF F2000 category. Similarly, Sai Shiva Shankaran and Arjun S Nair will battle it out in the MRF F1600 class.
Close Contests Across Categories
The premier Indian Touring Cars (ITC) category is expected to witness some thrilling contests. Current leader Arjun Balu from Coimbatore needs to watch out for local ace Ritesh Rai, who returned with a triple crown in Round-2. Meanwhile, 80-year-old Vidyaprakash Damodaran heads the ITC 1625 class, demonstrating his competitive spirit after six decades of racing.
North East Connection: Aspiring Racers from the Region
While the event is taking place in Tamil Nadu, it is worth noting that several aspiring racers from the North East region are part of this championship. For instance, Manipur's Akshay Muralidharan is leading the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) class after a double win in the previous round.
Excitement Building Up
Chairman of the Event, Vicky Chandhok, expressed his anticipation, stating, "This weekend should see more surprises and close racing, with some young drivers showing promise and potential." The championship's unpredictability and the potential for close racing make it an exciting event for motorsport enthusiasts across India, including the North East.