The MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 enters a crucial stage with the third and penultimate round scheduled to be held on January 4 and 5 at the Madras International Circuit, promising high-intensity racing as championship battles reach a decisive phase.
The third round was originally slated for December 6 and 7, but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions following Cyclone Ditwah. With just one round remaining after this, drivers across all categories will be fighting hard for vital points.
A total of 61 entries have been received for the round, which will feature 12 races over the weekend. The spotlight will be on the MRF Formula 2000 and Formula 1600 single-seater categories, which will run concurrently and feature grids packed with young and emerging talent.
In the MRF Formula 2000 category, Bengaluru teenager Ishaan Madesh, fresh from winning the National Karting Championship, will renew his rivalry with Pune’s 17-year-old Arjun Chheda, the current championship leader. The duo is separated by just two points. In the MRF Formula 1600 class, Pune’s Sai Shiva Shankaran leads the standings, holding a slim four-point advantage over Bengaluru’s Arjun S Nair.
The Touring Car categories, comprising Indian Touring Cars, ITC 1625, Indian Junior Touring Cars and Super Stock, are also expected to deliver close contests. Former national champion Arjun Balu of Coimbatore leads the premier ITC category, but faces strong challenges from Ritesh Rai of Chennai, Dhruv Chavan of Lonavla and defending champion Biren Pithawalla of Mumbai.
Veteran racer Vidyaprakash Damodaran, aged 80, from Coimbatore continues to dominate the ITC 1625 category. Bengaluru’s Rithwik Thomas and Sri Lankan driver Kesara Godage top the Indian Junior Touring Cars and Super Stock categories respectively, while Coimbatore’s Akshay Muralidharan leads the MRF Saloons class. Pune’s Nethan McPherson heads the Formula LGB 1300 category.
Event Chairman Vicky Chandhok said the weekend promises thrilling racing, with young drivers showing immense potential and several titles still up for grabs.
