A brand-new racing series is revving up to join the 2025 JK Tyre National Racing Championship—and it’s bringing fresh energy, fierce competition, and one very feisty hatchback to the grid. Say hello to the Levitas Cup, a single-make championship where 16 identical, race-prepped Maruti Suzuki Ignis cars will go head-to-head in a battle of pure driver talent.
A New Ladder to the Top
Launched by 21-year-old racer Shravanthika Lakshmi, the Levitas Cup is designed to close the massive gap between entry-level karting and India’s top-tier racing categories. In a sport where budget can often outpace talent, the Levitas Cup offers a more accessible path to serious motorsport without cutting corners on quality.
Same Cars, Same Specs, Pure Skill
Every car on the grid is a heavily reworked Maruti Suzuki Ignis, keeping the original 1.2-litre NA petrol engine but cranking up the race DNA. We’re talking:
- Standalone ECU management
- Racing coilovers
- Wilwood 4-pot Big Brake kits
- Free-flow exhaust
- Cold air intake
- Lightened and stiffened chassis
- Alloy racing wheels
- FIA-spec roll cage, racing seats, 6-point harness, and fire extinguishers
Future upgrades, including forced induction kits for the Pro class, are in the pipeline. But for now, the focus is squarely on driver skill, not mechanical muscle. To keep things honest, all ECUs are encrypted, and the cars will be regularly inspected for compliance.
Technical operations are being handled by Coimbatore-based Speedsmiths, ensuring a level playing field across the board.
Two Classes. One Goal: Prove Yourself.
The Levitas Cup splits its grid into two categories:
- Rookie Class – For racers who haven’t stood on a national-level car racing podium yet.
- Pro Class – For more seasoned drivers. National title winners need not apply—this series stays grassroots on purpose.
Race Calendar & Format
The inaugural season features:
- 3 rounds
- 8 races
- All hosted at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore
- As part of the 2025 JK Tyre National Racing Championship, kicking off this August.
Want In? Here’s What You Need
Before you race, you’ve got to try out. The first driver testing programme will be held on July 14 at Kari Motor Speedway, and costs Rs 20,000 per entrant.
Think you’ve got what it takes? The full season entry fee is Rs 7.40 lakh, plus a Rs 1 lakh refundable damage deposit. This covers:
- A fully prepped race-spec Ignis
- Dedicated technical support
- Driver coaching
- Data analysis to help you go faster, smarter
And if you’ve got sponsors, great news: there’s space on the cars for sponsor logos, helping you bring partners along for the ride.
The Bottom Line:
The Levitas Cup is not just another race series, it’s a proving ground for India’s next generation of driving talent. It’s about grit, growth, and going flat-out in one of the country’s most underestimated cars. If you’re looking to climb the motorsport ladder without burning a hole through your wallet, this is your shot.
