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Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya applauds ISRL for promoting India as the global hub for motorsports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 6:34 GMT by mykhel
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India’s Motorsport Ambitions Gain Momentum with Union Minister’s Praise for ISRL

On a recent visit to the Indian Speed Racing League (ISRL), Union Minister for Civil Aviation and the Air and Space portfolio, Mansukh Mandaviya, lauded the organisation’s pivotal role in positioning India as a global hub for motorsports. The minister’s commendation underscores a broader national strategy that seeks to harness the sport’s burgeoning popularity, tap into its economic potential, and showcase India on the world racing stage.

ISRL: A Catalyst for India’s Racing Revolution

The ISRL, founded in 2022, has quickly become the linchpin of India’s domestic racing ecosystem. Its flagship “ISRL Super Series” features a mix of open-wheel and GT categories, attracting top-tier Indian drivers as well as international talent. Beyond competition, the league runs a comprehensive driver development programme, which includes:

• Training academies in Mumbai and Bengaluru, where aspiring racers undergo rigorous technical and physical conditioning.
• Technology exchange workshops with European and Asian partners to bring cutting‑edge simulation and engineering practices to Indian circuits.
• Sponsorship facilitation that connects drivers with automotive and tech brands, creating career pathways within motorsports.

According to the ISRL website, the league has already hosted over 30 races across major circuits—Buddh International Circuit, Mallik Road, and the newly upgraded Madras Motor Sports Club—thereby stimulating local economies and boosting tourism in host regions.

The Minister’s Key Messages

During a press conference held at ISRL’s flagship venue, Minister Mandaviya highlighted three core themes:

1. Infrastructure Development
   “India’s commitment to building world‑class racing circuits is evident,” he said. The minister cited the recent expansion of the Buddh International Circuit’s facilities, including a new pit lane and hospitality suites, as a testament to the government’s investment in motorsports infrastructure.

2. Skill Development and Employment
   He emphasized the league’s role in nurturing talent. “By creating pathways for young drivers and technical staff, we are laying the groundwork for an ecosystem that can produce world‑class racers and engineers,” he noted. The minister also pointed to collaborations with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and National Institute of Technology (NIT) to develop automotive and racing engineering programmes.

3. India as a Global Motorsport Hub
   “Our vision is to make India a destination for international racing events, technology fairs, and motorsport tourism,” Mandaviya declared. He stressed that ISRL’s inclusive format—combining grassroots racing with elite competition—provides the blueprint for a future where India regularly hosts world‑series events such as Formula 1, IndyCar, and the World Endurance Championship.

A Broader Ecosystem in Motion

The minister’s comments fit within a larger context of India’s strategic push to diversify its sports portfolio. While cricket remains the dominant sport, motorsports have steadily gained traction:

• Indian Grand Prix: Held at Buddh International Circuit since 2011, the F1 race has attracted global attention and spurred infrastructural upgrades.
• Rallying and Endurance: The Indian National Rally Championship and the Deccan Trophy showcase India’s potential in off‑road disciplines.
• Youth Engagement: Programs like “Racing for Youth” and “Junior Karting League” are cultivating the next generation of drivers and engineers.

In addition, India’s automotive industry—home to major players such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra—has begun exploring motorsport‑derived technologies. For example, Tata Motors’ participation in the International GT Open and Maruti’s involvement in karting championships demonstrate how racing can serve as a testbed for performance enhancements.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The growth of motorsports in India carries significant economic implications. According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the motorsport sector could contribute up to ₹15,000 crore to the GDP over the next decade. Key revenue streams include:

• Event Hosting Fees: International series generate substantial income through licensing and broadcast rights.
• Tourism: Races attract fans from across the globe, boosting hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.
• Skill Development: Training programmes produce a workforce skilled in high‑precision engineering, data analytics, and sports management.

Culturally, motorsports are forging new narratives around technology, speed, and innovation. They provide an alternative platform for India’s tech‑savvy youth to engage with engineering disciplines, fostering interest in STEM fields.

Looking Ahead

Minister Mandaviya’s endorsement of ISRL serves as a clarion call to both public and private stakeholders. The ISRL’s track record—comprising successful race series, driver development programmes, and technology collaborations—illustrates how a well‑structured domestic platform can propel India onto the global motorsport map.

Moving forward, several strategic priorities will shape the trajectory of Indian motorsports:

• Circuit Upgrades: Expanding the number of FIA‑certified tracks across the country to meet international standards.
• Talent Exchange Programs: Bilateral agreements with racing academies in Europe and the United States to expose Indian talent to global best practices.
• Government Incentives: Tax breaks and subsidies for companies investing in motorsport infrastructure and training.
• Digital Integration: Leveraging e‑sports and virtual racing to broaden fan engagement and scouting capabilities.

As India continues to cultivate a vibrant motorsport ecosystem, the combined efforts of ISRL, government bodies, industry partners, and academia will be essential to realize the minister’s vision: a world‑class motorsport hub that propels India onto the global stage, while simultaneously enriching its economy and cultural landscape.