Now Reading: Chiranth takes pole as Indian two-wheeler racing starts
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Chiranth takes pole as Indian two-wheeler racing starts
Petronas TVS Racing’s Chiranth Vishwanath topped qualifying in the premier Super Sport 301-400cc Open class at the Madras International Circuit on Friday, kicking off the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W, 2026.…
The Story in Brief
Petronas TVS Racing’s Chiranth Vishwanath topped qualifying in the premier Super Sport 301-400cc Open class at the Madras International Circuit on Friday, kicking off the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W, 2026. The five-round championship has attracted 116 entries from India and Nepal, with 15 teams fielding elite riders.
New this season is prize money for every round, in addition to trophies, for both individual finishers and teams. To reduce costs, the Superstock (limited modifications) class has been introduced in the 165cc and 301-400cc Open categories. The first round also includes the Petronas TVS Racing One-Make Championship with multiple categories. MMSC president Ajit Thomas said safety at the circuit had been enhanced after FIA inspection.
The Indian Opinion
Motorsport in India is often called an elite preserve, but the new Superstock classes and prize money at every round show organisers are serious about broadening the base. The hype around 116 entries is real, yet the real test is whether these changes keep riders coming back after the novelty fades. Will the five-round format sustain viewer interest without a TV deal?
Sources (2): thehindu.com, thehindu.com (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
