- I am excited to see that one of the founders hails from Gujarat and has brought laurels in the past, now spearheading efforts to elevate Gujarat and motorsports on a global level: CM
- The inaugural ceremony will commence at 6 pm and the race at 7 pm, promising an adrenaline-fueled spectacle of Supercross racing
- The league’s final contest will be held in New Delhi on February 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
- The owner of the winning finalist team will get Rs 41 lakh and there will be second and third prizes too.
- The ticket is priced at Rs 250 and will be available online at BookMyShow
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, FEB 8
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel will inaugurate the second race of Season One of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), the world’s first franchise-based supercross league, in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 11.
The inaugural ceremony will commence at 6 pm and the race at 7 pm, promising an adrenaline-fueled spectacle of Supercross racing at the state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium, EKA Arena (formerly The Arena/Transstadia Arena) in , Kankaria, announced Veer Patel, Managing Director Lilleria Group and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, said, “We are overwhelmed as CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, has chosen Gujarat as one of its key venue, it is a testament of our progressive approach. Gujarat has a rich legacy of producing top sports personalities who have excelled at both the national and international levels, and this league further elevates our state’s reputation in the realm of motorsports. I am excited to see that one of the founders hails from Gujarat and has brought laurels in the past, now spearheading efforts to elevate Gujarat and motorsports on a global level. Gujarat has implemented a dedicated sports policy aimed at nurturing talents in various fields of sports, and initiatives like the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League align perfectly with our vision to promote sportsmanship and excellence.”
A two-time national SX Champion Veer Patel, Managing Director Lilleria Group and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL, expressed his excitement, stating, “Gujarat has given me the first platform to find my passion and today I am grateful for the support, love and guidance the state has provided me. The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League is not just about racing; it’s a journey to redefine the very fabric of motorsports in India.”
Patel added, “We conceptualized it in 2015, documented in 2017, registered in 2019, and the first race took almost a decade to transition from paper to stadium. With Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel as our Chief Guest, we are honoured to have his support as we usher in a new era of motorsports excellence. This season, features 48 riders competing for the podium, with almost 80% international representation, showcases the global appeal of CEAT ISRL. This franchise-based Supercross race is a first-of-its-kind, and we aim to turn India into the center stage of the Supercross world. ISRL has enlisted CEAT as the title sponsor, Toyota Hilux as the vehicle partner, Axor and Kawasaki India as the industry partner in significant deals.”
Replying to a query, Veer Patel said that out of the 48 riders 14 are domestic racers but none of them are from Gujarat. Since one of the franchisee teams is from Gujarat, they will identify and nurture the young talents from Vibrant Gujarat. Further, Vadodara has the necessary infrastructure of world class to train the adventure lovers, he added.
Aashwin Lokhande, Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL and another racer, said, “We are expecting over 12,000 spectators to cheer the remarkable assembly of both international champions and rising Indian talents spanning four categories: 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the fiercely contested 85cc junior class. With elite riders from various corners of the globe gathering in India, the series promises to be the ultimate battleground for Supercross dominance on a global scale. The league remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring a secure and competitive platform for riders of diverse ages and expertise levels.”
The league has resonated globally, with over 100 riders from around the world registering for the recently concluded rider auction out of which 48 riders found homes in the 6 franchise teams of the CEAT ISRL, making it a fiercely competitive event. Accredited by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), CEAT ISRL promises to be a game-changer in the world of Supercross.
With the eyes of the motorsports world on India, the CEAT ISRL is set to usher in a new era of motorsports, combining high-octane racing excitement with star-studded music extravaganzas. The league’s commitment extends beyond the racetrack, emphasizing community engagement, talent development, and environmental sustainability, making it a cultural phenomenon.
The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a revolutionary franchise-based motorsport spectacle poised to become the fastest-growing league in India focusing beyond cricket. With an objective to reach the maximum audience and elevating the stature of the sport, the broadcast rights have been granted to Viacome18 via Jio Cinema and Sports 18.
The league’s final contest will be held in New Delhi on February 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
The owner of the winning finalist team will get Rs 41 lakh and there will be second and third prizes too.
The ticket is priced at Rs 250 and will be available online at BookMyShow.
