Sourav Ganguly Joins Indian Racing Festival as Kolkata Royal Tigers Owner, Boosting Motorsports in India
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/12th July 2024
The Indian Racing Festival, a premier motorsport event in India, is gearing up for its third season with a significant boost from former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, has become the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team ahead of the 2024 season. This partnership is set to elevate the profile of motorsports in India and expand the sport’s ecosystem across the country.
The Indian Racing Festival, organized by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), is a carefully curated event aimed at captivating the growing motorsport fan base in India. The festival features two main championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC).
Eight city-based teams—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad—will compete from August to November this year, promising an exhilarating season of high-speed action. Kolkata’s participation for the first time adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Known as the ‘Prince of Calcutta’ and ‘Dada,’ Ganguly’s involvement with the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team is expected to bring a new era of excitement and prestige to motor racing in West Bengal and eastern India. His legendary status promises to ignite a surge in the sport’s popularity and transform the Kolkata Royal Tigers into a formidable force.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL, expressed his enthusiasm for Ganguly’s involvement. “We are thrilled to announce Sourav Ganguly as the owner of the Kolkata franchise. His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, shaped by years of legendary cricketing success, brings unparalleled dynamism to the Indian Racing Festival. Ganguly’s influence is set to inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts across India, igniting passion and driving young athletes towards greatness. Additionally, his association is expected to significantly enhance awareness of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) among a broader audience, further solidifying its position as a premier motorsport event in India.”
Ganguly also shared his excitement about the new venture. “I am truly excited to embark on this journey with the Kolkata team in the Indian Racing Festival. Motorsports has always been a passion of mine. This opportunity not only allows me to contribute to the growth of motorsport in Kolkata but also aligns with my belief in fostering a culture of excellence and sportsmanship. Together with the Kolkata Royal Tigers, we aim to build a strong legacy in the Indian Racing Festival and inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts, making the Kolkata Royal Tigers a formidable force in the Festival.”
Ganguly, who has an illustrious cricket career with over 113 Tests and 311 ODIs for India, is known for nurturing young talent and leading teams to victory. His involvement in the Indian Racing Festival, along with his ownership of Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan, underscores his commitment to fostering sports in India. He also urged fans to come out in large numbers to watch the races and support the drivers, promising an exhilarating experience.
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is designed to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India, featuring the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The IRL is India’s only four-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category for junior drivers, serving as the first step from karting to single-seater racing.
The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship attracts young and aspiring drivers from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to gain Super License points and pursue their single-seater journey with minimal investment. Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), co-founded by Akhilesh Reddy and professional race drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel in 2019, aims to bridge the gap between racing talent and opportunities, promoting a holistic motorsport ecosystem in India.
With the mission to host FIA-caliber events and create pathways for aspiring individuals to pursue careers as drivers, engineers, and mechanics, RPPL is committed to revolutionizing motorsport in India.
