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India is poised to make history as the Indian Racing Festival presented by Kingfisher Soda gears up for its second round on the streets of Chennai. This groundbreaking spectacle will witness formula cars roaring through the iconic Island Grounds, setting a new benchmark for motorsport in the country.The street night circuit, spanning 3.5 kilometers, will host over 40 drivers competing in a thrilling display of speed and skill. The unique layout, featuring technical bends and high-speed straights, promises an unforgettable finale.Drivers took a "track walk" on Saturday, familiarizing themselves with the challenges ahead. They praised the track's design, highlighting its technicality and excitement."We are grateful to the Tamil Nadu Government for their support in ensuring the safety and security of the circuit," said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited. "We are ready to make history on the streets of Chennai this Sunday."For many drivers, this will be their first night race, adding an extra layer of challenge. However, the practice session on Saturday provided them with valuable experience.Ruhaan Alva, a teenager from Bengaluru representing Sharchi Rarh Bengal Tigers, said, "The track looks super challenging, with high speed and chicanes. The night race is new for me, but I'm excited. We need to manage tire degradation and low grip."Jon Lancaster, the winner of Race-1 last week, believes his street racing experience will be an advantage. "The track is technical and challenging, but it looks great fun," he said. "The high-quality lighting will help, but we need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions."Gabriela Jilkova of Goa Aces by JA Racing, who finished on the podium last weekend, is also excited about the street circuit. "This is my second street track ever," she said. "The varying characteristics will make it challenging. The night race will be an extra challenge, but I think our car will look beautiful under the lights."JK Tyre, a key performance sponsor of the festival, has played a crucial role in enhancing the competitive edge across all categories. Their involvement, along with other sponsors like Kingfisher Soda and Mobil 1, has contributed to the thrilling races that have captivated fans throughout the event.

Sourav Ganguly Joins Indian Racing Festival as Kolkata Royal Tigers OwnerFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has become the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers, a new racing team set to compete in the Indian Racing Festival 2024. The festival, scheduled for August-September, will feature eight teams from major Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.Ganguly, who is also a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his excitement about the venture. "Motorsports has always been a passion of mine," he said. "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."The Indian Racing Festival encompasses two main championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The IRL is a team-based championship featuring identical race cars, while the F4IC is a single-seater championship for young drivers.Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), welcomed Ganguly to the racing fold. "His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence bring unparalleled dynamism to the Indian Racing Festival," he said.Ganguly's involvement in the Indian Racing Festival follows a trend of sports stars investing in motorsport. Recently, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin acquired stakes in American Gambits, a team competing in the Global Chess League.The Indian Racing Festival aims to promote motorsport in India and provide a platform for young drivers to showcase their skills. The festival is expected to attract a large audience and generate significant interest in the sport.