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In this Interview, Nitish Rampal asked Akhilesh Reddy, MD & Chairman, RPPL & spokesperson, Indian Racing Festival about key figure driving the future of Indian motorsport through the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) and Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL). From the growing influence of celebrity owners and international sponsors to the launch of India’s first Motorsport Academy, Akhilesh shares how India is rapidly positioning itself as a serious player on the global motorsport map. He also discusses how sim racing, grassroots leagues, and sustainability-driven fan engagement are reshaping the sport for India’s next generation.
IRF has announced exciting new sponsors and celebrity team owners. How do you envision their involvement reshaping the appeal and commercial potential of Indian motorsport on both domestic and global stages?
Akhilesh Reddy: The arrival of high-profile sponsors and celebrity team owners last year marked a pivotal moment. Their involvement transforms motorsport from a niche passion into a mainstream lifestyle narrative. Domestically, it raises the festival’s entertainment value, expands viewership, and amplifies engagement beyond traditional motorsport fans. Globally, it is a signal that India can host events with star-studded appeal, commercial weight, and a polished, entertainment-led format. Our sponsors bring marketing muscle and international relationships, which opens the door for cross-border activations and broadcast partnerships – thus boosting India’s motorsport ambitions from “aspiring” to “emerging force.”
The launch of the Indian Motorsport Academy is a landmark move. Could you elaborate on how this academy will nurture future racing talent and offer hands-on learning with professional teams and technology partners?
Akhilesh Reddy: The Academy is a game-changer in talent development. It’s not merely theoretical. It’s geared for immersive, hands-on training in real environments. We’ve crafted structured programs in vehicle dynamics, racecraft, engineering, telemetry, and strategy, facilitated by our in-house teams and global tech partners. Faculty will be drawn from seasoned drivers, engineers, and data analysts. Students will rotate through IRF teams, pit operations, and event management, effectively working as junior members of real race squads. This grassroots-to-pro pipeline is a first for India: learning, not in a classroom, but on tracks, in garages, and in command centers.
With India increasingly attracting FIA-backed street races and global motorsport attention, what are the critical elements that make the country a viable long-term hub for such prestigious events?
Akhilesh Reddy: Well, several factors align in India’s favour.
1.Demographics & market scale: We have a young, tech-connected populace eager for global sports.
2.Urban fabric: Many cities are eager to host revitalising, globally-visible events.
3.Government momentum: States increasingly welcome motorsport’s economic and tourism value.
4.Local infrastructure: With projects like Chennai, Hyderabad, we’re accelerating world-class readiness.
5.Commercial credibility: With IRF’s polished broadcast production and digital storytelling, India is now proving it can deliver global-standard motorsport entertainment year-round.
RPPL has been vocal about democratising motorsport access through regional, city-based racing leagues. How are you engaging Tier 2/3 markets, and what role does grassroots participation play in this vision?
Akhilesh Reddy: RPPL targets to actively work towards the development of grassroots motorsport programs, with a strategic goal to launch dedicated driver academies within the next 2 to 3 years. The vision is to start with an academy in one city, focusing on talent identification, skill-building, and accessibility. Based on its success, the initiative will expand to other Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
With the rise of sim racing and esports in motorsport, how do you see these digital formats complementing traditional track racing, especially for attracting India's tech-savvy youth?
Akhilesh Reddy: Sim racing is bridging the gap between virtual passion and real-world performance. It offers a playground where one can learn racecraft, compete globally, and build an audience – all from home or from academy-equipped hubs. For youth comfortable in both real and virtual arenas, it’s a seamless entry‑point — and a powerful engagement tool for storytelling and brand reach.
Fan engagement and building a strong community is key in global motorsport. What are some innovative strategies IRF is planning to build a deeper connect with fans, especially with the younger, sustainability-conscious audience?
Akhilesh Reddy: We’re blending experience with purpose. Initiatives include:
- Fan zones with eMobility exhibits, trackside Q&As with drivers, and backstage paddock tours.
- Digital storytelling through behind-the-scenes content, driver diaries, and data-driven insights aimed at younger demographics.
- Show runs
India’s racing ecosystem is at a fascinating crossroads with infrastructure development, talent grooming, and international interest all peaking. What is your long-term vision for seeing India host globally recognised events like Formula E or other high-profile electric racing formats?
Akhilesh Reddy: Our vision is ambitious yet grounded. We see India hosting Formula E-style championship weekends within a few years, once city circuits meet strict technical and safety benchmarks, and when EV infrastructure i.e. charging grids, battery swaps, logistics meet commercial-grade readiness. We’re already laying the groundwork with street‑circuit development and academy training. IRF plans to align seamlessly as ready hosts and strategic partners.
Conclusion:
As India accelerates towards becoming a global motorsport hub, Akhilesh Reddy vision offers a powerful roadmap for the future — one where talent, technology, and fan engagement seamlessly converge. With ambitious plans for international racing events, city-based leagues, and a strong push towards democratizing motorsport, the country is well on its way to carving a permanent spot on the world stage.
