The Madras International Circuit witnessed a spectacular display of speed and strategy during the second round of the Indian Racing Festival, with Kolkata Royal Tigers’ Sohil Shah delivering a masterclass in the final Indian Racing League (IRL) race. Starting from pole position, Shah drove a flawless race to secure a commanding victory, fending off strong challenges from Akshay Bohra, who finished second, and Jon Lancaster, who completed the podium in third.
The weekend was packed with thrilling action across multiple categories, including the Indian Racing League and Formula 4 Indian Championship. Shah’s win was a highlight, but he wasn’t the only star for Saurav Ganguly’s Kolkata Royal Tigers. Earlier in the day, teammate Ishaan Madesh stormed to victory in a hard-fought Race 2, with Ghazi Motlekar and Sachel Rotge taking second and third, respectively.
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The Chennai Turbo Riders also had reason to celebrate. Shane Chandaria put in a dominant performance in Race 3, converting his pole into a lights-to-flag victory. Saishiva Sankaran and Ishaan Madesh joined him on the podium, rounding out a highly competitive race.
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In the Formula 4 category, French driver Sachel Rotge was in a class of his own. After winning the first F4 race on Day 1, Rotge continued his fine form by clinching victory in Race 4 as well, with Luviwe Sambudla and Saishiva Sankaran finishing second and third. Rotge’s pace and consistency made him one of the standout performers of the weekend.
Day 1 had already set a high bar, with Shahan Ali Mohsin winning the first IRL race ahead of Aqil Alibhai and Alister Yoong, while Rotge took the top spot in the opening F4 race ahead of Ghazi Motlekar and Annabel Kennedy.
The event solidified Chennai’s reputation as a hub for motorsport talent and excitement, with young drivers showcasing skill, determination, and racecraft. The Kolkata Royal Tigers emerged as the team to beat, with multiple wins across the weekend, while the fierce battles in both IRL and F4 categories kept fans on the edge of their seats.
As the championship moves forward, the performances in Round 2 have set the stage for an even more intense and unpredictable contest in the rounds to come.
