Tijil Rao capped off an exceptional season by securing the drivers’ championship in the Formula LGB4 category at the 27th edition of the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship on Sunday.
The 22-year-old from Bengaluru, racing for Dark Don Racing, had already opened up a commanding lead ahead of the final round at the Kari Motor Speedway, and despite strong competition, he finished the season in style.
Even though seasoned racer Saran Vikram delivered an impressive performance, winning the first two races of the day, Tijil was assured of the title, allowing him to focus on securing the overall championship without taking any unnecessary risks. He finished the final race of the day comfortably, securing the title with 87 points, well ahead of his closest competitors.
“This has been a brilliant season for me, and I am happy with how everything unfolded. I have to thank my team, Dark Don Racing, and JK Tyre for providing such a fantastic platform,” said an elated Tijil after the race. “Last year, I finished as the runner-up, and I went back home, worked hard, and focused on improving my fitness. That has made a huge difference this season.”
Vikram wins 1st and 2nd races of the day
Vikram, who has been a veteran of the domestic racing scene for over 19 years, surprised everyone by clinching both the first and second races of the day. He showed his experience by holding off strong challengers like Mehul Agarwal and Tijil during the morning races. Despite the victories, Vikram was quick to praise the younger talent coming through in the championship, emphasizing the importance of such platforms for the growth of motorsport in India.
“I am really happy with my performance, and it’s great to see so many young drivers making a mark in this championship. It’s a great platform, and the opportunities are only growing,” said Vikram, who ultimately finished the day by winning the final race in a dominant display.
Tijil, however, was content with securing his place at the top of the leaderboard. He finished third in the final race, behind Vikram and Mehul Agarwal. His time of 21:25.545 minutes in the final race ensured his title, while second-place finisher Bala Prasath ended the season with 45 points, and Mehul Agarwal took third with 44 points.
The day also saw some thrilling action in the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, where Raoul Hyman and Gabriela Jilkova led Goa Aces JA Racing to a 1-2 finish, helping them secure the Indian Racing League Championship. Meanwhile, Navaneeth Kumar claimed the championship in a nail-biting final race, narrowly edging out Anish Shetty and Manvith Reddy for the top honours.
In the Formula 4 Indian Championship, South African teenager Aqil Alibhai held off strong competition from Bengaluru’s Ruhaan Alva to clinch the title with six wins over the course of the season. Alibhai, despite not winning the final race, secured enough points to take the crown.
Tijil’s triumph in the LGB Formula 4 category is a testament to his consistent performance throughout the season and marks a significant milestone in his racing career. With his hard work and determination, he now sets his sights on even greater achievements in the future.
Results – Formula LGB4 (27th JK Tyre National Racing Championship):
Tijil Rao – Dark Don Racing (87 points)
Bala Prasath (45 points)
Mehul Agarwal (44 points)
The season concludes with Tijil Rao firmly establishing himself as one of India’s top racing talents, with an eye on the future as he continues to rise in the world of motorsports.
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