Sohil Shah dominates for Kolkata Royal Tigers, and Shane Chandaria secures a lights-to-flag win for Chennai Turbo Riders in the Indian Racing Festival Round 2.
Introduction
The Madras International Circuit roared back to life for Round 2 of the Indian Racing Festival 2025, delivering drama, action, and sheer brilliance from some of the country’s most talented drivers. With Day 1 giving us a cloudy spectacle, Day 2 turned up the heat—literally and figuratively. Clear skies, blazing sunshine, and sizzling track temperatures set the stage for breathtaking battles.
Among the stars of the weekend were Sohil Shah, representing Kolkata Royal Tigers, and Shane Chandaria, who carried the flag for Chennai Turbo Riders with an emphatic lights-to-flag victory. Fans witnessed a weekend that showcased the growing excitement and competitive spirit of Indian motorsport.
Sohil Shah’s Pole-to-Win Masterclass
When you start on pole, expectations are sky-high. For Sohil Shah, racing for Kolkata Royal Tigers, those expectations became reality in emphatic style. From the moment the lights went out, Shah showed why he’s regarded as one of the finest talents in Indian motorsport.
The start was clean, but Akshay Bohra of Hyderabad Black Birds was lurking right behind, hoping to snatch the lead early on. Shah, however, kept his composure, defended smartly, and never let Bohra find an inch of breathing space. His confidence in braking zones and the way he carried speed through the high-speed corners of the Madras International Circuit spoke volumes about his control and racecraft.
A Chaotic Start with Safety Cars and a Red Flag
Races rarely go without drama, and this one was no different. Early in the race, a multi-car incident triggered the first safety car. Just as the field started to settle, a red flag brought everything to a halt. These interruptions could have rattled Shah, but he took them in stride, managing his tyres and staying mentally sharp during the stoppages.
Once the race resumed, he picked up right where he left off, quickly pulling away and dictating the pace until the chequered flag. This calm under pressure was what truly defined his win.
Hyderabad Black Birds Fight Back
While Shah was cruising to victory, Hyderabad Black Birds weren’t going down without a fight. Akshay Bohrafinished a solid second, giving Shah a good fight in the opening laps. Behind him, Jon Lancaster made headlines by grabbing third, marking a strong recovery after a challenging opening round in Coimbatore.
A 2-3 finish for Hyderabad sets up an exciting rivalry with Kolkata Royal Tigers as the season progresses.
Shane Chandaria’s Commanding Formula 4 Win
If there was ever a definition of lights-to-flag dominance, Shane Chandaria delivered it in Race 3 of the Formula 4 Indian Championship. Driving for Chennai Turbo Riders, Shane converted pole position into a flawless victory, never once giving his rivals a sniff at the lead.
Behind him, Saishiva Sankaran (Speed Demons Delhi) and Ishaan Madesh (Kolkata Royal Tigers) engaged in a nail-biting scrap for second place. Saishiva ultimately held his ground, but Ishaan’s persistence earned him a hard-fought podium finish.
Ishaan Madesh’s Heroic Charge in Race 2
One of the biggest stories from the weekend was Ishaan Madesh’s jaw-dropping performance in Race 2. Starting from P8, Ishaan launched like a bullet, storming up to P2 by the end of Lap 1. His aggressive overtakes and raw pace left everyone stunned.
He soon seized the lead and held it until the chequered flag, marking his second win of the season. Ishaan is proving to be one of the brightest prospects of this championship, and his battle with Sachel Rotge is shaping up to be a season-defining rivalry.
Sachel Rotge’s Redemption Run in Race 4
After a tough outing in Coimbatore, Sachel Rotge came back with vengeance in Chennai. Race 4 was his playground—starting P3, he wasted no time slicing through the field to claim the top spot. Behind him, Luviwe Sambudla gave it everything but had to settle for second, while Saishiva Sankaran took another well-earned podium.
Track Conditions: Heat, Grip, and Tyre Strategy
Unlike Day 1’s cloudy conditions, Day 2 was all sunshine and scorching heat. This made tyre management critical. Overheating was the biggest enemy, especially during the safety car and red flag periods in the IRL race. Teams had to strike a delicate balance between aggression and conservation—a challenge that separated the good from the great.
Day 1 Recap – How It All Started
Day 1 had its share of thrillers, with Shahan Ali Mohsin winning IRL Race 1 and Sachel Rotge taking victory in F4 Race 1. These results set the tone for a fiercely competitive weekend.
Team Standings After Round 2
Kolkata Royal Tigers have emerged as early contenders, thanks to Sohil Shah’s IRL win and Ishaan Madesh’s heroicsin F4. Hyderabad Black Birds and Chennai Turbo Riders aren’t far behind, keeping the championship fight wide open.
Drivers to Watch for Round 3
If Round 2 taught us anything, it’s that Ishaan Madesh and Sachel Rotge are going to keep us on the edge of our seats. Both have wins under their belts, and their rivalry promises fireworks in Coimbatore.
Fans and Atmosphere – Chennai’s Racing Fever
From waving flags to roaring cheers, the Chennai crowd turned the Madras International Circuit into a carnival of motorsport. Families, college groups, and hardcore fans all came together to witness a historic weekend for Indian racing.
What’s Next? Round 3 at Kari Motor Speedway
The circus now moves to Coimbatore for Round 3 at Kari Motor Speedway. Will Kolkata Royal Tigers maintain their momentum? Can Chennai Turbo Riders ride the home advantage wave? Or will Speed Demons Delhi spring a surprise? Buckle up—this season is just getting started!
Conclusion
The Indian Racing Festival Round 2 in Chennai was everything fans hoped for—and more. From Sohil Shah’s controlled brilliance to Shane Chandaria’s flawless execution, and the never-ending drama in Formula 4, it was a weekend of pure racing adrenaline. The championship battle is heating up, and the road to glory promises more twists and turns.
Stay tuned as the Indian Racing Festival heads to Kari Motor Speedway, where rivalries will intensify, and champions will rise!
