The CTR-JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 has officially been unveiled, setting the stage for another season of competitive circuit racing in India.
The championship curtain raiser brought together motorsport officials, government representatives, racing teams, drivers and media ahead of the new season. The event highlighted the continued efforts of Chennai Turbo Riders (CTR), JK Tyre & Industries and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to develop Indian motorsport and create opportunities for emerging racing talent.
The launch was attended by Thiru. A Srinath, Minister of Fisheries & Fisherman Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, as Chief Guest. Also present were Akbar Ebrahim, Member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and President of the FIA International Karting Commission; Arindam Ghosh, President of FMSCI; Dr Shwetha Sundeep Anand, Director of CTR; and Srinivasu Allaphan, Director of Sales & Marketing at JK Tyre & Industries.
Indian National Car Racing Championship Enters Its 29th Season
The Indian National Car Racing Championship has been an important part of India’s motorsport landscape since its launch in 1997.
Over nearly three decades, the championship has evolved through new racing categories, improved racing machinery and competition formats aligned with international standards. It has also provided a platform for several Indian drivers who went on to achieve recognition in national and international motorsport.
Drivers associated with the championship’s talent pipeline include Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim, Aditya Patel and Kush Maini.
JK Tyre has played a long-standing role in supporting the championship and the wider development of Indian circuit racing.
CTR has also expanded its motorsport presence through racing properties including the Indian Racing League and the Formula 4 Indian Championship.
The collaboration between CTR and JK Tyre is aimed at strengthening the competitive ecosystem while creating more opportunities for young Indian drivers.
Motorsport Leaders Highlight Growth and Road Safety
Speaking at the launch, Tamil Nadu Minister A Srinath thanked CTR and JK Tyre for their contribution to Indian motorsport and their support for road safety awareness.
Srinivasu Allaphan of JK Tyre said the championship has remained central to the company’s commitment to developing motorsport talent in India. He added that the 2026 partnership with CTR and FMSCI would focus on raising competition standards and creating additional opportunities for emerging drivers.
Dr Shwetha Sundeep Anand of CTR said the organisation intends to build on the championship’s legacy rather than simply preserve it. She described the 2026 season as an opportunity to expand the championship’s audience, media presence and fan engagement.
Akbar Ebrahim also highlighted India’s growing relevance in international motorsport, noting the importance of continued investment and promotion of racing in the country.
2026 Indian National Car Racing Championship Calendar
The 2026 season will feature four rounds, taking competitors to three major racing venues in southern India.
| Round | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 11–13, 2026 | Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore |
| Round 2 | October 23–25, 2026 | Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore |
| Round 3 | November 13–15, 2026 | BREN Raceway, Bengaluru |
| Grand Finale | December 11–13, 2026 | Madras International Circuit, Chennai |
All championship sessions are scheduled to be broadcast live, giving fans greater access to the racing action.
Focus on Developing India’s Next Generation of Drivers
The 2026 championship will feature Indian drivers, teams and manufacturers competing across multiple racing categories.
Beyond competition, the series is designed to support India’s motorsport talent pipeline by giving young drivers opportunities to gain race experience and progress within the sport.
With CTR bringing its experience across multiple racing platforms and JK Tyre continuing its long-term association with Indian motorsport, the 29th season is positioned around three key priorities: competition, talent development and the growth of circuit racing in India.
As the 2026 season approaches, the championship is set to provide another platform for Indian racing talent while strengthening the country’s connection with the global motorsport ecosystem.
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