Engines Roar in Coimbatore: Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 Kicks Off
The FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 kicks off in Coimbatore with 17 races across six thrilling categories.
The adrenaline-fueled world of Indian circuit racing is back. The Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 is set to ignite the tracks of the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, with the season opener scheduled for October 24–25. Now entering its 29th season, this prestigious event promises a high-octane weekend featuring 17 races across six diverse categories, bringing together a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry new talent.
This season marks a strategic leap for the sport in India, highlighted by a new partnership between JK Tyre and CTR (Chennai Turbo Riders). This collaboration aims to bolster the national racing ecosystem, providing a more robust and competitive platform for drivers to hone their skills and climb the motorsport ladder.
The Grid: What to Expect on the Track
The opening weekend is designed to test every facet of a driver's ability—from raw speed and precision to the mental fortitude required to handle pressure across multiple sessions. The event will feature a wide array of competitions, including:
- LGB Formula 4
- Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup
- Novice F1300
- Super Saloon
- IJTC (Indian Junior Touring Cars)
- ITC (Indian Touring Car)
- ISTC (Indian Super Touring Car)
- JK Tyre Levitas Cup
LGB Formula 4: The Single-Seater Gateway
Celebrating its 29th year, the LGB Formula 4 remains one of the most accessible entry points into single-seater racing. These machines are built on a chrome-molybdenum tubing frame, powered by a 1,298cc carburetted Suzuki Swift engine and paired with an Esteem five-speed gearbox. With three races scheduled for the weekend, keep an eye on top contenders like Dhruv Goshwani, Monith Srinivasan, Sandeep Kumar, and Saran Vikram.
Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup: New Rules, Higher Stakes
Now in its sixth edition, this category has introduced a significant change: Amateurs and Professionals will now race on separate grids using different platforms. The Amateurs will compete on the GT-R650, while the Professionals will battle it out on the GT-R750. With 20 amateurs and 15 professionals on the grid, each category will hold three races. Key drivers to watch include Kabir Sahoch and Saurav Dey in the Amateur class, and Senthil Kumar, Anish D Shetty, and Allwin Xavier in the Professional tier.
The Path to Pro: Novice Cup and Touring Cars
For those transitioning from the world of go-karting, the JK Tyre Novice Cup serves as the essential bridge to open-wheel formula racing. This category will feature two races where composure and strong starts will be the keys to victory.
Meanwhile, the touring car sections offer a spectrum of competition:
- Super Stock & IJTC: These classes focus on car control and overtaking. While Super Stock relies on tight technical regulations to ensure close competition, the IJTC serves as a progression pathway for developing drivers.
- ITC & ISTC: These feature production-based cars modified for the circuit. The ISTC represents the pinnacle of modification, demanding extreme precision and racecraft. Both will compete in two races this weekend.
The Single-Make Challenge
The weekend also features the JK Tyre Levitas Cup, which holds the distinction of being India’s only single-make racing championship, ensuring that driver skill is the primary deciding factor in who takes the checkered flag.