Indian Supercross Racing League Launched In India: What Does It Mean For Us?

Dirt racing, motocross bikes and opportunities across the country

There is a brand new sport in India and it will be getting its own league as well. That’s right, the Ceat Indian Supercross Racing League has been launched in India and it will be a franchise-based league. For those who aren’t aware, supercross is basically dirt racing on completely man-made dirt tracks, usually inside large stadiums. The launch of the league took place in Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on June 1, 2023, and the logo of the league was unveiled here too. However, what does the introduction of the league mean to the Indian audiences? We explain.

Arrival of Motocross Bikes In India

As of now, only Kawasaki sells motocross (MX) bikes in India. What the Supercross Racing League could do is popularise the sport, opening up prospects of two-wheeler manufacturers launching more MX bikes here. Additionally, with MX bikes available to purchase in India, especially smaller ones that cater to the youth, younger riders have a chance to start early and take an active interest in the sport.

Accessible Sport

Supercross is a sport that is more accessible to all audiences and can be very easily enjoyed. Due to it taking place in an arena, a larger set of audience can attend Supercross races and events, bringing a wholesome race viewing experience for the audience, and increase the races and racers’ relatability to the masses as well.

Revenue Generation

Now the most interesting bit is that Supercross is a much cheaper sport compared to other motorsports including MotoGP and even GoKarting. You don’t really require an elaborate race track, which opens up the opportunity to install a race arena in any city. This will bring about tourism and revenue across the country. The league also plans on getting a lot of international racers to come to India and participate in the races. This could also go a long way in putting India on the map for global dirt racing events.

Younger Talent

With the sport taking place in the country, experiential rides are set to take place for young (5 to 8-year old) kids. Introducing them to the dirt bikes and the sport at a younger age, potentially increasing their love for the sport and improving their prospects of becoming racers and representing the country in International Supercross events.

Following that is the fact that, again, Supercross is a more affordable sport. You buy a motocross bike and go out in the dirt to learn and adorn skill sets for the sport and that is it. It is even more cost efficient than go-karting, as a sport, to learn and get better at.

Format of the league

The league-based sport will comprise four categories - a 450cc international, 250cc international, 250cc Indian and Asian, and an 85cc Junior class meant for 11-14 year-old kids. Each of these classes features two riders, with a total of eight riders in a team. 

Summing up, the league is set to start off from October 2023 in Delhi, followed by races taking place in Ahmedabad and Pune later.