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Sourav Ganguly poses as the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing Team

Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian Racing Festival, a premier motorsport event in India, is gearing up for its third season with a major boost as former India cricket captain and BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, joins as the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team. This exciting partnership aims to expand the motorsport ecosystem across India and enhance the festival's prestige.

Conceptualized by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Racing Festival is a meticulously curated event designed to captivate 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).

Set to run from August to November this year, the festival will see eight city-based teams—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad—compete for the top honors. Kolkata’s entry into the competition adds a new layer of excitement to this season’s high-speed action.

Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as the ‘Prince of Calcutta’ and ‘Dada,’ joins the Kolkata Royal Tigers as an owner. His legendary presence promises to ignite a new era of excitement and prestige for motor racing in West Bengal and eastern India. With Ganguly at the helm, fans can expect a thrilling surge in the sport's popularity and a dynamic transformation for the Kolkata Royal Tigers.

“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, bring 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," stated Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new association, Sourav Ganguly said, "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, and 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 career representing India in over 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, is known for his ability to nurture young talent and lead teams to victory. His involvement in the Indian Racing Festival, alongside 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.

About Indian Racing Festival

The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is a meticulously curated motorsport event designed to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India. The Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) are the two championships under the Indian Racing Festival banner. Notably, the Indian Racing League is FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) approved, adding a level of prestige and official recognition to the competition.

The Indian Racing League (IRL) is India’s only 4-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. IRL features six city-based teams competing in a dynamic franchise-based competition.

Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category intended for junior drivers. It is the first step of the ladder for an aspiring racing driver from karting to single-seater racing. The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship has begun to attract young and aspiring drivers from around the world and the country. It creates an opportunity for young drivers in their single-seater journey with minimal investment from their end. The drivers gain Super License points, and Indian talent gets to do this at home instead of going abroad.

About Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd.

Racing Promotions Private Ltd., 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. The franchise model, a first in Indian motorsports, emphasizes creating lasting engagement opportunities for teams, drivers, fans, and sponsors while promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit. RPPL is dedicated to forging 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. Committed to revolutionizing motorsport, RPPL also aims to bolster motorsport education and awareness across the nation.