Will the National 4W Racing Championship Impress with 75 Entries?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 75 entries across various categories highlight the championship's popularity.
- The event will feature both single-seaters and saloon cars.
- Notable drivers include veterans and young talents.
- Rain could increase the unpredictability of the races.
- The championship reflects the growing interest in motorsport among youth.
Coimbatore, July 18 (NationPress) With great anticipation, the inaugural round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 is all set to kick off at the upgraded Kari Motor Speedway on Saturday, featuring an impressive 75 entries spanning multiple categories.
The tight 2.3 Km circuit, which includes 16 challenging turns, will showcase both single-seaters such as the MRF F2000 and F1600, Formula LGB 1300, as well as saloon cars like the popular Indian Touring Cars (ITC), the new ITC1625, Super Stock, and the Indian Junior Touring Cars (IJTC), along with the Volkswagen Polo Cup.
Forecasts of rain over the weekend may add an exhilarating twist to the event, which encompasses 15 races along with official practice and qualifying sessions spread over two days.
Among the participants in the MRF Formula categories are well-known figures. Veteran Chetan Korada from Chennai is set to compete again in the MRF F2000 alongside several young talents, including 16-year-old Ishaan Madesh from Bengaluru, who has been making waves in the karting world.
The MRF F1600 grid will feature promising teenager Saishiva Sankaran from Pune, who made his debut last season with three podium finishes in six races after joining the championship for the final two rounds. Also competing is Zahan Commissariat from Mumbai, last year’s championship runner-up, and the only female driver, Priyanka Vijay from Bengaluru, who is advancing from the Formula LGB 1300 category.
The Formula LGB 1300 section, known for its thrilling and entertaining races, has drawn 38 entries across Open and Junior classes, featuring a blend of seasoned drivers and newcomers.
A major highlight of the weekend will undoubtedly be the touring cars, led by local star and multiple National champion in the ITC class, Arjun Balu, returning after a year’s hiatus, driving the high-speed Race Concepts-prepared Honda City IVTEC. He will face competition from last year’s champion Biren Pithawalla (Team N1) from Mumbai, who will be in a VW Polo.
The ITC1625 class will showcase the championship's oldest competitor, Vidyaprakash Damodaran from Coimbatore, who will turn 80 in August, alongside fellow local racer Suprej Venkat.
The other touring car categories, Super Stock and IJTC, known for their competitive grids, also feature many well-known drivers, including the only woman driver, Deepa John from Thiruvananthapuram.
MMSC president Ajit Thomas welcomed the participants, stating, "We have plenty to anticipate this season, especially with the noticeable increase in young participants, many of whom are still in their teens, indicating the championship's growing popularity."