Overview
On August 20, 2026 in Chennai, the CTR‑JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2026 was officially launched. The ceremony was attended by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister S. Rinath as chief guest, FIA World Motor Sports Council member and International Karting Commission President Akbar Ebrahim, FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh, CTR Director Dr Shwetha Sundeep Anand, and JK Tyre Director‑Sales & Marketing Srinivasu Allaphan, along with FMSCI councillors, championship teams and media representatives.
Partnership and Vision
JK Tyre, which has supported the championship for nearly three decades, reaffirmed its partnership with Chennai Turbo Riders (CTR) and FMSCI to expand opportunities for emerging talent, raise competition standards and grow India’s motorsport ecosystem. Dr Shwetha Anand emphasized that the 29th season will reach a larger audience, receive greater media coverage and be remembered by more fans than any previous season. Srinivasu Allaphan highlighted JK Tyre’s long‑standing commitment to nurturing drivers and its intent to build on the strong foundation together with CTR and FMSCI.
Championship Calendar
The 2026 season comprises four rounds:
| Round | Dates | Venue |
| 1 | 11‑13 September 2026 | Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | 23‑25 October 2026 | Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu |
| 3 | 13‑15 November 2026 | BREN Raceway, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 4 (Grand Finale) | 11‑13 December 2026 | Madras International Circuit, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
All sessions will be broadcast live.
Historical Context
Since its inception in 1997, the Indian National Car Racing Championship has become the premier circuit racing platform in India, serving as a launchpad for drivers such as Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim, Aditya Patel and Kush Maini. JK Tyre’s involvement spans almost three decades, contributing to the evolution of racing categories, machinery and competition formats. CTR, founded by Bharath University, entered the Indian Racing League in 2022 and won the 2023 F4 Indian Championship in its debut season, further strengthening its role in driver development and grassroots racing.
Organizational Profiles
- JK Tyre & Industries Ltd – A long‑time motorsport partner that creates racing platforms, supports talent development and promotes women’s participation through initiatives such as the JK Tyre WIAA Women’s Rally and all‑women teams.
- Chennai Turbo Riders (CTR) – A professional motorsport team and ecosystem builder registered with FMSCI, operating the CTR Unified platform that integrates multiple racing disciplines.
- Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) – The national motorsport authority affiliated with the FIA, responsible for sanctioning events and representing India internationally.
Media Access
The launch event was streamed live on YouTube (link provided). The press release notes that the information is supplied under an arrangement with NRDPL, and PTI disclaims editorial responsibility.