The Indian Racing League (IRL), under the banner of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) 2025, flagged off its new season with a first-of-its-kind driver draft at Taj Lands End, Mumbai—marking a pivotal commercial and sporting milestone for Indian motorsport. With 24 drivers drafted across six franchise teams, the event introduced a structured, performance-oriented, and inclusive approach to team formation, signaling a deeper commitment from stakeholders and investors alike.
Each team selected four drivers, including an international ace, an Indian talent, an emerging name, and a female racer. The grid features renowned names like Neel Jani, Jon Lancaster, Raoul Hyman, and Fabienne Wohlwend. The format aligns with global motorsport standards and is aimed at boosting league credibility, fan engagement, and sponsor confidence.
Franchise owners, including major figures from sports and entertainment, unveiled their lineups amid heightened media buzz. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of RPPL, said, “We are building a sport for India, by India, with the world watching.” In Kolkata, market anticipation is high with local franchise Kolkata Royal Tigers led by Sourav Ganguly. Featuring British GT champion Tom Canning and domestic ace Sohil Shah, the team is expected to attract strong regional sponsorships and growing fan interest, boosting motorsport’s footprint in eastern India. The 2025 season begins this August.
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