Arjun Chheda and Ishaan Madesh share top honours in MRF F2000; Bengalureans dominate F1600 as young racers light up Kari Motor Speedway.
What happens when raw teenage talent meets roaring engines and slick racetracks? You get a weekend of adrenaline, drama, and dreams taking flight. That’s exactly what unfolded at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, as the curtain lifted on the 2025 season of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship. From seasoned racers to enthusiastic rookies, every corner echoed with ambition.
And leading the charge? A group of teenagers who weren’t just racing for trophies—they were racing to announce themselves to the world.
1. Arjun and Ishaan Steal the F2000 Spotlight
The MRF F2000 class is no joke. With its blazing speed and razor-sharp handling, it’s built for those with nerves of steel and a hunger for the podium. And at just 16, Arjun Chheda from Pune and Bengaluru’s Ishaan Madesh proved they had both in abundance.
Their intense rivalry across two days gave fans a glimpse into what could become one of the defining battles of the season.
2. A Double Delight for Arjun Chheda
Winning one race in a championship is impressive. Winning two back-to-back, including Saturday’s opener and Sunday’s finale, is a statement. Arjun Chheda drove with the calm precision of a veteran, showcasing incredible racecraft as he managed tyres, timed overtakes, and defended his lead with poise.
He’s not just racing to win—he’s racing to inspire.
3. Ishaan Madesh’s Bold Bounce Back
But let’s not forget the fighter’s heart of Ishaan Madesh. After narrowly missing out on Saturday, he roared back with a stunning victory on Sunday, leaving spectators cheering. It wasn’t just a race—it was redemption. His comeback proved that Arjun won’t have it easy this season.
Expect fireworks as these two teens lock horns again in future rounds.
4. F1600: Bengalureans Take Center Stage
Meanwhile, in the MRF Formula 1600 category, the Bengalureans made sure the spotlight stayed firmly on their city. Arjun Nair and Nigel Abraham Thomas, aged 20 and 19 respectively, split the victories, making it an all-Bangalore affair on the top step of the podium.
The intensity was as high as in F2000, with thrilling overtakes and close finishes throughout.
5. Arjun Nair’s Masterclass in Control
In his winning run, Arjun Nair showed maturity far beyond his years. Smooth under pressure and clinical in execution, his drive reflected hours of dedication on and off the track. He controlled the race like a puppeteer pulling strings—gracefully yet with undeniable authority.
6. Nigel Abraham Thomas Strikes Back
Nigel, on the other hand, wasn’t one to sit in the shadows. He responded in kind, clinching a race of his own in style. His strategy? Patience and precision. Much like a chess player, he waited for his rivals to make the first move—and then pounced.
7. Bhuvan Bonu’s Breakthrough in LGB 1300
At just 15 years old, Bengaluru’s Bhuvan Bonu (MSPORT) stole hearts with a commanding win in the Formula LGB 1300 category. Leading both the Open and Junior classes, he looked set for a clean sweep before rain washed out his afternoon run.
Still, what a coming-of-age moment for the young prodigy!
8. Biren Pithawalla Upsets Touring Cars Script
In the Indian Touring Cars category, veteran racer Biren Pithawalla pulled off a dramatic twist. His win in Race-3 wasn’t just about speed—it was about seizing the moment. When race leader Arjun Balu slowed due to technical issues, Biren pounced and zipped past in his VW Polo despite his own turbo struggles.
Talk about experience meeting opportunity!
9. Arjun Balu’s Heartbreak and Heroics
Arjun Balu had dominated the first two races and seemed poised for a weekend sweep. But motorsport is unpredictable. A misfiring engine dashed his hopes in Race-3, but his class was never in doubt. He’s still the man to beat in this category.
10. Rithwik Thomas Dominates Junior Touring Cars
Another standout was Rithwik Thomas of Bengaluru, who made the Indian Junior Touring Cars class his playground, clinching three consecutive wins. Consistent, aggressive, and razor-sharp—he left nothing to chance.
11. Sri Lanka’s Kesara Godage Shines Bright
Representing Sri Lanka, Kesara Godage bagged a superb double in the Super Stock category, proving that talent knows no borders. He battled tough weather, a competitive grid, and still emerged victorious twice out of three races.
12. Volkswagen Polo Cup: A Mumbai-Delhi Duel
The Volkswagen Polo Cup turned into a thrilling face-off between Mumbai’s Aditya Patnaik and Noida’s Aman Nagdev. Each grabbed a win, pushing their cars to the limit in pursuit of glory.
13. Aditya, Aman, and Pratik Light Up the Grid
Not to be left behind, Pratik Sonawane, also from Mumbai, stood on the podium in both Sunday races. The trio made for a spectacular spectacle, like a Bollywood drama with race suits instead of film scripts.
14. Youth, Speed, and Rain: A Weekend to Remember
From teenagers conquering senior categories to veterans being humbled by rising stars, this was no ordinary race weekend. Add a sprinkle of Coimbatore rain and what you had was an emotional, high-octane blockbuster.
15. Conclusion
Motorsport isn’t just about fast cars—it’s about stories, dreams, and heart. The 2025 season’s opening round proved just that. From Arjun and Ishaan’s F2000 fight to Bhuvan’s LGB breakthrough, it was a weekend that gave us more than just results—it gave us hope for Indian racing’s future.
FAQs
1. Who were the standout performers in the MRF F2000 category?
Arjun Chheda and Ishaan Madesh, both 16, stood out by winning a race each in the F2000 class.
2. Which drivers won in the MRF F1600 races?
Bengaluru’s Arjun Nair and Nigel Abraham Thomas split the wins in a closely contested F1600 category.
3. What made Bhuvan Bonu’s performance in LGB 1300 special?
At just 15, Bhuvan dominated both the Open and Junior classes in LGB 1300, showcasing immense potential.
4. Who upset the Indian Touring Cars result?
Mumbai’s Biren Pithawalla stunned fans by overtaking Arjun Balu in Race-3 after the latter faced mechanical issues.
5. How did the Volkswagen Polo Cup unfold?
It turned into an exciting battle between Aditya Patnaik, Aman Nagdev, and Pratik Sonawane—each delivering thrilling performances.
