By Kirti Patil
Pune: The much-Awaited Ceat- Indian Supercross League got a shot in the arm with the former Motocross racer and motorsport enthusiast Atul Chordia, Chairman of Panchshil Realty becoming the first franchise owner of the first of its kind motorsports league in the world. Chordia reaffirmed his commitment to the sport by acquiring the inaugural team and named it “Panchshil Racing”
Team Panchshil Racing will be contending for the ultimate recognition in the inaugural season of the League commencing in October at New Delhi’s the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, which was renovated for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Stadium hosted the vibrant Opening and Closing ceremonies besides track and field events of athletics discipline.
With the Indian Supercross League has bestowing Panchshil Racing the honour of being the league’s first team franchise for its inaugural season, Mr. Atul Chordia’s acquisition of this team meant Pune would be the team’s home base, Pune, nonetheless is renowned as the mecca of Supercross racing in India, producing and inspiring a string of riders over the years, including the current national Supercross champion Rugved Barguje , the 2013 Asia-Pacific car rally champion Sanjay Takale, who began his career in Pune as Supercross rider on the rough and dusty courses way back in 1980s before he shifted to cars.
Chordia’s success on national stage
Mr. Chordia himself has achieved remarkable success in various national races, earning numerous accolades along the way. His deep-rooted enthusiasm and unwavering support have propelled him to be an invaluable asset to the sport. Panchshil Realty, has established a formidable reputation in the real estate industry with a remarkable portfolio of pioneering projects. From introducing new branded residences to the country to developing the iconic Trump Towers Pune, Panchshil has partnered with global giants to elevate the lifestyle of the city. Panchshil also brought world-class hospitality to Pune through venerated properties such as The Ritz Carlton Pune, J.W. Marriott, Marriott Suites, Doubletree by Hilton, Oakwood Residences and has now forayed overseas to build Amari Raaya in the Maldives. Panchshil has also built Eon Free Zone, India’s first IT & IT-es SEZ, ICC Tech Park, MCCIA Trade Towers and World Trade Centre, Pune amongst others fostering an inclusive work environment that promotes work-life balance. Through its portfolio spanning residential to office parks, and retail to hospitality, Panchshil has been instrumental in reshaping Pune city’s landscape and has now ventured across the country.
Speaking about his acquisition of the franchisee, Mr. Atul Chordia, said “At Panchshil Racing, we are thrilled to be the pioneering team joining the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League. With my experience as an athlete and the deep-rooted passion for the sport, we recognize the immense potential of Supercross in India. The CEAT ISRL provides us with an exceptional platform to display our commitment to the sport’s development in the country.”
“Based in Pune, our full-fledged Supercross Racing team will be managed with utmost professionalism, adhering to the highest standards of the sport. We are determined to deliver thrilling and high-quality racing that will captivate Supercross enthusiasts nationwide. I extend my best wishes to ISRL as it sets a new benchmark in global Supercross events,” Mr. Chordia said.
At the momentous occasion, Eeshan Lokhande, Co-founder and Director of Supercross India Pvt. Ltd, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Chordia and Panchshil Realty as the first franchisee owner to the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League. A well-known and respected name in India, we are confident that they will be a great addition to the league. Furthermore, the association with Panchshil Racing and the league perfectly aligns with the shared vision and mission. Atul’s rich experience and acumen in the sport will surely help the team and the league reach new heights. We take great pride in having Mr. Atul Chordia as the inaugural team owner, given his unwavering passion and patronage for Supercross over the years.”
Mr. Sujith Kumar – Chairman of the Supercross Racing Commission of the FMSCI added, “I am confident that Panchshil Racing will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. Led by the remarkable Mr. Atul Chordia, their team is set to etch their names in the annals of Supercross history as true trailblazers in India. With Mr. Chordia’s extensive involvement in the sport, he has not only left an indelible mark but has also paved the way for other teams and riders to follow. It fills me with immense pride to witness their unwavering support for the sport, and I eagerly await the exhilarating feats they will accomplish in the days to come.”
The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, in collaboration with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), is a groundbreaking, World’s first-ever franchise-based Supercross Racing League, bringing together riders from all over the world to compete in various formats and categories. The league is all set to revolutionize the world of motorsports in the country, bringing together adrenaline-pumping action, entertainment, glamour, and fierce competition.
The inaugural season will commence at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital, New Delhi, in October 2023, followed by thrilling events in prominent metro cities. From October to December 2023, fans across these cities will witness the breathtaking displays of skills, daring maneuvers, and high-speed action that will redefine Supercross racing.