Sports

Indian Racing Festival Makes Goa Debut with High-Octane Formula Street Race Weekend


The Indian Racing Festival is set to break new ground this February with its first-ever Goa edition, transforming the state into a motorsport hub for a high-octane Formula Street Race Weekend. Scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026, the event will see Round 4 of the Indian Racing League unfold at Manohar International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the festival’s rapid rise. The races will be broadcast on Star Sports Select 2 and streamed live on JioHotstar, ensuring nationwide visibility.

At the centre of the spectacle is a specially designed FIA-grade street circuit measuring 2.064 kilometres. Carved into the expansive airport layout, the track features 12 challenging turns designed to promote close racing, late braking, and constant position battles, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable weekend.

The Goa Street Race comes at a crucial point in the championship, with only narrow margins separating the leading teams. Every lap around the Goa circuit is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the title fight. All teams will compete in identical Ligier JS F422 cars powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged Alpine engine, ensuring that driver skill, strategy, and consistency take precedence over raw speed.

A defining feature of the Indian Racing League is its inclusive team structure. Each team fields four drivers comprising an experienced international racer, an emerging global talent, an Indian driver, and a female competitor. This format is aimed at raising competitive standards while nurturing Indian talent and promoting gender representation at the highest level of circuit racing in the country.

Among the drivers to watch in Goa is Divy Nandan of Hyderabad Black Birds, who arrives with experience in British F4 and GB3, along with a pole position at the Chennai Street Race during the 2024 F4 India Championship. Chennai Turbo Riders will rely on reigning Formula 4 India champion Aqil Alibhai, who brings African representation to the grid, reflecting the series’ growing international footprint. Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru will look to Ruhaan Alva, the youngest race winner in IRL history and one of India’s most promising racing prospects.

European experience is led by Tom Canning of Kolkata Royal Tigers, a British GT champion and Aston Martin Academy graduate, alongside Jemma Moore, who brings GT4 and endurance racing pedigree. Adding star power off the track is an impressive roster of team owners from sport and cinema, including John Abraham with Goa Aces JA Racing, Arjun Kapoor with Speed Demons Delhi, Sourav Ganguly with Kolkata Royal Tigers, Naga Chaitanya with Hyderabad Black Birds, and Kichcha Sudeep with Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru.

Beyond championship points and podium finishes, the Goa Street Race represents a statement of intent for the Indian Racing Festival. By bringing street racing to one of India’s most recognisable destinations, the festival signals its ambition to blend elite motorsport with spectacle and accessibility, positioning racing as both a sporting and cultural experience.

Tickets for the historic Goa Street Race are available on the District by Zomato app and website. Promoted by Racing Promotions Private Limited, the Indian Racing Festival continues to expand the reach of motorsport in India, following successful street races in Chennai and Hyderabad, while maintaining high standards of safety, operations, and fan engagement.

Automobiles

Arshi Gupta Makes History: 7-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Racer to Earn Licence, Enters India Book of Records


In an extraordinary milestone for Indian motorsports, Arshi Gupta has created history by becoming the youngest driver to obtain a racing licence, earning her a place in the India Book of Records at the age of seven years, five months and 18 days.

According to her family, Arshi’s passion for speed began very early. “We noticed that when she was 3 or 4 years old, she liked speed and had decent control over it,” they shared, highlighting how her natural instinct and confidence behind the wheel became evident at a young age.

Her achievement is not just about breaking records — it represents discipline, training and a supportive environment that nurtured her talent. Motorsport experts believe that early exposure to structured racing education can help young talents develop strong reflexes, focus and responsibility, provided it is done safely and under professional guidance.

Arshi’s journey reflects a growing trend of young Indians exploring competitive motorsports, traditionally considered an elite and demanding field. Her story is now inspiring many parents and young enthusiasts to look at racing not just as a sport, but as a platform for confidence building and skill development.

While the title of youngest licensed racer is a remarkable achievement, her journey is only just beginning. With continued training, mentorship and dedication, Arshi Gupta could become one of the future faces of Indian racing — proving that passion, when supported with discipline, can break age barriers.

Automobiles

TVS Apache Racing Experience Makes International Debut in Nepal


Kathmandu, 19 January 2026: TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two- and three-wheeler manufacturing, announced the launch of the TVS Apache Racing Experience International (ARE GP) in Nepal. Held at the Vehicle Academy and Research Center, Satungal, the event marked a major milestone as TVS celebrates 20 years of the Apache series.

The Apache Racing Experience is a purpose-built platform where TVS Apache owners can unleash the true racing capabilities of their motorcycles in a safe, fun, and professionally curated environment. Participants learn race craft and advanced riding techniques from TVS Racing champions.

The first selection round saw over 55 participants and 300 visitors, competing wheel-to-wheel on a professionally engineered circuit with 10 technically demanding corners. Championships were contested across three classes—TVS Apache 160cc, 200cc, and 310cc—allowing riders from all segments to push the limits of both man and machine.

The top three finishers in each category will get the opportunity to race at the Madras International Circuit (MIC), India, in April 2026, competing with champions from four countries. Winners will also receive:

  • An all-expenses-paid MotoGP experience
  • Entry to the TVS India One Make Championship (OMC)
  • Official Petronas TVS Racing team apparel
  • Exclusive visits to the TVS factory
  • Complimentary access to TVS marquee rides and TVS MotoSoul events

The day-long festival included Apache Pro Performance shows, gymkhana sessions, and music performances, creating a complete motorsport festival experience for riders and enthusiasts.

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said:
“As we celebrate 20 years of TVS Apache, the international expansion of ARE GP is a natural extension of our journey to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in motorsport. Nepal’s growing performance riding community makes it an ideal destination.”

Shahil Agrawal, Executive Director – Jagdamba Motors, added:
“The launch of TVS ARE GP in Nepal channels aspiration professionally, nurtures local talent, energizes dealerships, and brings riders and communities together. We are proud to create opportunities for Nepalese riders to compete internationally.”

With over 6.5 million Apache motorcycles delivered globally, TVS Racing has shaped India’s motorsports landscape since 1982. Through its “Track to Road” strategy, TVS Racing has helped the Apache series become synonymous with performance, innovation, and race-inspired technology.

Business

TVS MotoSoul 5.0 Returns to Goa With Its Biggest Celebration of Motorcycling Culture


Experience the Thrill of TVS MotoSoul 5.0: Goa’s Biggest Celebration of Motorcycling Culture

TVS MotoSoul 5.0 is revving back into Goa with more power, passion and performance than ever before. Set to take place on 5th & 6th December 2025 at the iconic Hilltop, Vagator, this edition promises to be the most immersive and electrifying celebration of motorcycling culture in India.

This year, the festival raises the bar with a thrilling mix of motorsport action, custom bike showcases, lifestyle experiences and a world-class music lineup that brings together the country’s top artists.

A Festival Where Speed Meets Sound

The highlight of MotoSoul 5.0 is its spectacular live artist lineup. Superstar rapper Badshah will headline with a high-energy performance, while Nucleya, DJ Akbar, and the fusion-rock band Lagori will bring pulsating rhythms to keep the crowd on its feet.

The music experience is crafted to sync with the spirit of the biking community — bold, loud, kinetic and unforgettable.

Motorsport Action Like Never Before

MotoSoul 5.0 offers two days of adrenaline-packed activities for riders, enthusiasts and thrill seekers:

  • Dirt track and flat track sessions led by pro riders
  • Live stunt showcases featuring top stunt performers
  • Custom motorcycle displays showcasing India’s best builders
  • Experiential zones for test rides and bike interactions

The festival celebrates every aspect of motorcycling culture, from craftsmanship to performance.

Lifestyle, Creativity & Community

Beyond racing, MotoSoul brings together creators, artists and innovators through:

  • Creator workshops & talks
  • Art and graffiti zones
  • Mixology corners & gourmet food stalls
  • Brand showcases, gear, merchandise and more

MotoSoul 5.0 is designed as a holistic experience where community, creativity and culture meet.


Event Details

📍 Location: Hilltop, Vagator, Goa
📅 Dates: 5th & 6th December 2025
Time: 1 PM onwards

With thousands of bikers, creators, travellers and music lovers expected to attend, TVS MotoSoul 5.0 is set to be one of Goa’s biggest events of the year — a celebration of speed, sound and spirit.

Sports

India’s First Formula Night Street Race Announced for Navi Mumbai This December


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, team Allycaral

India is gearing up for its first-ever Formula Night Street Race, and Navi Mumbai is the city chosen to make history. This December, the city will host the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival on a brand-new 3.753 km street circuit that winds through the scenic Palm Beach Road and alongside the serene Nerul Lake. This major announcement comes just weeks after the reveal of a Goa Street Circuit, further cementing India’s emergence in global motorsports.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has partnered with Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) to bring this ambitious project to life, marking Maharashtra’s debut in the elite tier of street racing. The F4 India finale will take place under lights, making it the first night street race of its kind in the country. With 14 technical turns, the track promises to deliver high-speed action and showcase the raw talent of India’s growing racing community.

This event is more than just motorsport—it is an effort to redefine Maharashtra’s global image and turn it into Asia’s motorsport hub. State leadership believes the event will inspire a new generation of racers, create jobs, boost tourism, and demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class racing events.

Adding glamour and nationwide buzz to the event are the celebrity team owners: John Abraham (Goa Aces), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders). These high-profile names bring not only star power but also a deep passion for the sport, helping motorsport reach new audiences.

Previously, the Indian Racing Festival has held races in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore, with Goa slated as the next destination. However, the Navi Mumbai finale represents the boldest leap yet toward building a sustainable motorsport ecosystem in India. More details, including the full driver lineup, event schedule, and fan experiences, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the engines prepare to roar under city lights, one thing is clear: Navi Mumbai is ready to shine on the global racing map.