Chennai, the vibrant capital of Tamil Nadu, is gearing up to host India’s first-ever Formula 4 night street racing event from August 30th to September 1st. This groundbreaking spectacle will take place in the heart of the city, around the iconic Island Grounds, on a 3.5-kilometer stretch near the picturesque Marina Beach.
The event will feature two distinct categories: the Indian Racing League (IRL), an IPL-style franchise-based race, and Formula 4 (F4) racing, designed for junior drivers. The IRL will see teams from various cities compete for a prize pool of 1.5 crores, while F4 drivers will earn crucial Super Licence points, essential for their progression to Formula 1.
Among the team owners are renowned cricketer Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor. The racing will commence at 4:30 PM and continue for approximately five hours, with traffic being diverted during this period. Tickets are priced from Rs. 299 onwards, making it accessible to fans from all walks of life.
The Marina Beach stretch will be transformed into a challenging circuit with 19 turns, multiple chicanes, and tricky elevations, promising an adrenaline-pumping experience for both drivers and spectators. The Tamil Nadu government has invested around 30 crores to develop exclusive roads that meet racing standards.
Tamil Nadu has a rich history in motorsports, having produced India’s first Formula 1 racing driver, Narain Karthikeyan, and Karun Chandok. The state is also home to several car manufacturers, making it an ideal location for this prestigious event.
“This event will elevate Chennai’s global branding,” said Meghanath Reddy, CEO of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. “We will join the ranks of only 14 cities worldwide that host Formula 4 races and become one of the five to hold night street racing.”
Despite initial concerns about noise pollution, organizers have assured that noise levels will be within permissible limits and that evacuation points and ambulances will be strategically placed along the track.
“Ticket pricing is affordable, so ordinary fans can witness this thrilling spectacle,” said Abhinandan, Director of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), the event organizer.
The Indian Racing League championship carries a prize pool of 1.5 crores, while F4 racers will earn Super Licence points, crucial for their progression to F1. Akbar Ebrahim, President of the Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of India, expressed his excitement, saying, “This event brings motorsports to the doorstep of the general public. If successful, India and Tamil Nadu will be firmly placed on the global map.”
Revenue streams for the organizers include sponsorship, television and OTT rights, and advertisement boards along the track, with a portion of the proceeds going to the state government.
Politically, this event is the brainchild of Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has played a key role in hosting major sporting events such as the Chess Olympiad, Asian-level Hockey, and international surfing. The ruling party is expected to leverage this event to build a narrative around Stalin amid speculation of his elevation to Deputy Chief Minister.
