The MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 enters a critical phase with the third and penultimate round, scheduled for January 4 to 5 at the Madras International Circuit. This round is likely to witness intense battles for points, as titles are up for grabs across all classes.
Originally set for December 6-7, the third round was postponed due to inclement weather following Cyclone Ditwah.
### Exciting Rivalries and Talented Fields
The two single-seater categories, Formula 2000 and Formula 1600, will run concurrently and feature grids full of young talent. They are expected to headline this weekend’s card of 12 races, with 61 entries in total. Bengaluru teenager Ishaan Madesh, fresh from winning the National Karting title, will renew his rivalry with Pune’s 17-year-old Arjun Chheda, the championship leader in the MRF F2000 category. The pair is separated by just two points. Similarly, 17-year-old Sai Shiva Shankaran from Pune leads the points table in the MRF F1600 class, just 4 points ahead of Bengalurean Arjun S Nair.
### Competitors in Other Classes
The frontrunners in other classes, including the Touring Cars—comprising four sub-classes: Indian Touring Cars (ITC), ITC 1625, Indian Junior Touring Cars, and Super Stock—as well as the MRF Saloons and Formula LGB 1300, will keep an eye on their respective rivals throughout the weekend.
The premier ITC category is set up for intriguing contests across three scheduled races. Former National champion from Coimbatore, Arjun Balu (Race Concepts) currently leads the championship with a 29-point advantage. However, he must keep an eye on local ace Ritesh Rai (Buzzing Hornet), who, after missing Round-1 in Coimbatore, made a sensational comeback with a triple crown in Round-2, placing him in contention for the title. Rai currently sits fourth in the championship behind Dhruv Chavan, a privateer from Lonavla, and defending champion Biren Pithawalla (Team N1 Racing) from Mumbai.
### Standout Performers
Among notable competitors is 80-year-old Vidyaprakash Damodaran (Performance Racing) from Coimbatore, who achieved three back-to-back wins and leads the ITC 1625 class, showcasing his competitive prowess even after six decades of racing.
Bengaluru’s Rithwik Thomas (Race Concepts), who began the season with three consecutive wins in Round 1, and Sri Lankan Kesara Godage lead the leaderboard in the IJTC and Super Stock categories, respectively. Coimbatore’s Akshay Muralidharan, with a double in the previous round, tops the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) class.
Nethan McPherson from Pune (Momentum Motorsports) leads the Formula LGB 1300 (Open and Junior) category with three podium finishes, though he is still seeking his first win in five starts.
### Official Statement
Chairman of the event, Vicky Chandhok, stated, “While we welcome the competitors back to the Madras International Circuit for the third round, the 12 races scheduled are likely to generate a lot of excitement as there is still plenty to fight for. The season so far has thrown up surprises and close racing, with some young drivers showing promise and potential, and this weekend should see more of them.”