Chennai, India, August 13, 2026: The Madras International Circuit (MIC) is set to roar into action this weekend as the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W 2026 gets underway from August 14 to 16. The opening round has attracted 116 entries from across India, including the North-East, as well as Nepal, with leading riders and 15 teams preparing to battle across multiple categories.

Promoted by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), the new-look national two-wheeler racing championship will feature five rounds over five months. The opening weekend will see 19 races, apart from free practice and qualifying sessions.

MMSC President Ajit Thomas said the club had worked extensively with competitors and teams to develop a more competitive and accessible national-level racing platform.

“After months of preparations that included a couple of rounds of discussions with the competitors and their teams, we have put together a new-look event which will enjoy as much significance and status as any other National-level competition,” Thomas said.

The MMSC has also enhanced safety features at the Madras International Circuit, which was recently inspected and approved by the FIA.

Prize Money and Lower Entry Fees

The 2026 edition introduces several changes aimed at making national-level motorcycle racing more accessible to competitors.

For the first time, prize money will be awarded at every round, in addition to trophies for individual podium finishers and teams. The organisers have also substantially reduced entry fees.

“There are a couple of new classes designed to encourage first-time entrants to racing. Overall, it is a new-look event as we strive to evolve with the times,” said Manoj Dalal, Chairman of the Event.

The championship also introduces Superstock, a limited-modification format designed to reduce racing costs. Superstock will feature in the 165cc Intermediate and Girls categories, as well as the 301-400cc Open class.

The SuperSport 301-400cc Open category is expected to be one of the premier classes of the championship, while three Novice categories have been retained, including the popular 301-400cc class.

Kabiliesh Rajini Krishnan Among Riders to Watch

One of the riders attracting attention ahead of the opening round is 16-year-old Kabiliesh Rajini Krishnan, son of 11-time National champion Rajini Krishnan.

Kabiliesh recently became the youngest participant in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, receiving a wildcard entry for the opening round at Sepang, Malaysia.

With several Indian riders having competed in international events across Asia and Europe during the extended break between domestic seasons, the organisers are expecting close and competitive racing at MIC.

PETRONAS TVS Racing One-Make Championship

Alongside the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W, PETRONAS TVS Racing will continue its long-standing commitment to motorcycle racing.

TVS Racing, which entered two-wheeler racing in 1982, will conduct its own One-Make Championship featuring Expert, Rookie, Girls, Electric RTE and Media categories. The Media category will be conducted across three rounds.

The championship will add another layer of competition to an action-packed weekend at the Madras International Circuit.

TVS Apache RR 200 Mini to Support Young Racers

In another significant development, TVS Motor Company recently handed over 10 TVS Apache RR 200 Mini motorcycles to the Madras Motor Sports Club.

The purpose-built motorcycles will form the foundation of a structured rider development programme for children aged 10 to 14 years.

The programme is designed to introduce aspiring racers to professional motorcycle racing through structured training and mentorship from experienced instructors and TVS Racing champions.

Training will take place at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA), located within the Madras International Circuit premises.

The initiative is aimed at creating a structured pathway for young riders to develop professional racing skills from an early age.

With a strong entry list, new racing categories, prize money, reduced entry fees and enhanced safety measures, the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge 2W 2026 is set for a significant new chapter when the opening round gets underway at the Madras International Circuit on August 14.