An all-new single-make racing series is joining the JK Tyre National Racing Championship this year. Called the Levitas Cup, the series will feature identically prepared Maruti Suzuki Ignis race cars and aims to bridge the gap between entry-level karting and top-level professional motorsport categories for a more affordable price.
- Inaugural season to feature eight races
- Driver testing programme on July 14 at Kari Motor Speedway
Levitas Cup launching this year
16 identically prepared Maruti Ignis race cars
Founded and run by 21-year-old racer Shravanthika Lakshmi, the inaugural season of the Levitas Cup will feature three rounds and eight races, all of which will be held at Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway. It will run as part of the 2025 JK Tyre National Racing Championship, which kicks off in early August.
The grid will be divided into two classes. First is the Rookie class for racers who haven’t secured a podium finish in a national car championship. The Pro class is reserved for the more experienced and accomplished racers; however, national title winners are not allowed to keep the championship more grassroots.
Though completely privateer-backed, the Levitas Cup does want to highlight “domestic automotive capability”, which is why the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has been chosen. While these cars will continue being powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, several changes have been made to ensure they are race-ready. This includes standalone ECU management, performance racing coilovers, 4-pot Wilwood Big Brake systems, a free-flow exhaust system and cold air intake. There are also plans to introduce forced induction upgrades for the Pro class, but this will be in the future.
The race-spec Ignis will also get a lighter and stiffer chassis, along with alloy racing wheels. On the safety front, it will be equipped with an FIA-spec roll cage, racing seats, a 6-point harness and fire extinguishers.
Coimbatore-based Speedsmiths will serve as the technical partner. The series wants the focus to be on driver skill rather than any technical advantages. So, to ensure an even playing field, all the cars will be equipped with encrypted ECUs and undergo regular technical inspections.
Levitas Cup entry fees
Driver testing programme on July 14
A driver testing programme for the Levitas Cup will take place on July 14 at the Kari Motor Speedway. Those interested can click here to register; the registration fee is Rs 20,000 per driver.
The participation fee is Rs 7.40 lakh for a full season, plus a Rs 1 lakh refundable deposit for damages. This includes the cost of the full-prepared race-spec Ignis, dedicated technical support, driver coaching and data analysis for performance insights.
Drivers are also encouraged to bring their own sponsors, with dedicated areas on the car to showcase sponsor logos.
Dipan Sur
