Indian Racing Festival Gears Up for High-Octane Round 3 at Madras International Circuit

The 2024 Indian Racing Festival returns to the Madras International Circuit for Round 3, promising exhilarating races. Following a successful opening and a thrilling night street race in Chennai, fans can expect top-tier performances on September 14-15. The event supports burgeoning talent and intensifies motorsport excitement nationwide.

The 2024 Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is set to make a thrilling return to the Madras International Circuit (MIC) for Round 3 of the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), building on the triumph of the inaugural night street race in Chennai. According to an IRF press release, the MIC, which hosted Round 1 of the event, will welcome drivers, teams, and fans on September 14 and 15, promising even more high-octane action.

Located in Irungattukottai, Chennai, the 3.7-kilometer Madras International Circuit features rapid stretches and sharp turns. The track hosted the opening weekend of IRF 2024 on August 24 and 25, where Jon Lancaster and Alister Yoong gave their teams a head-start in the IRL by securing victories in race one and race two, respectively. In the Formula 4 Indian Championship, young Indian racer Jaden Pariat took the opening race, while Hugh Barter claimed Races 2 and 3. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to MIC for Round 3, highlighting the circuit's exceptional hosting of Round 1 and the excitement surrounding the competition.

Just two weeks after the exhilarating debut of the Chennai night street race, the IRF returns to MIC with fresh anticipation. Goa Aces JA Racing's Gabriela Jilkova made history as the first female pole-sitter in the Indian Racing League. In F4IC, Hugh Barter continued his winning streak in Race 1, narrowly defeating India's Ruhaan Alva, while Aqil Alibhai clinched victory in Race 2. Meanwhile, in IRL Race 1, Jilkova secured P2 behind Raoul Hyman. Speed Demons Delhi made a spectacular comeback in Race 2, led by Alvaro Parente, who achieved a clean sweep with pole position, the fastest lap, and a P1 finish. Despite their efforts, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers maintained their lead in the Teams' Championship, occupying the top spots in the Car Championship.

Promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the IRF aims to engage India's rapidly growing motorsports fanbase through the Indian Racing League and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship. These events are crafted to support emerging talent and enhance the motorsport experience for enthusiasts across the nation. The recent Round 2 of the 29th JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit marked the first domestic motor racing competition to feature a night street race.

Over two races and 24 competitors in the Formula LGB4 Class, Dark Don Racing continued their strong start to the season, with Diljith TS winning Race 1 and finishing P2 in Race 2 behind Tijil Rao. Rao's twin victories placed him at the top of the Drivers' Standings with 31 points. Dark Don Racing extended their lead in the Teams' Standings to 65 points, almost double that of their closest competitor, MSport. Neythan McPherson's consecutive P1 finishes in the LGB4 Rookie segment tied him with Abhay M, both accumulating 34 points so far.

(With inputs from agencies.)