The reigning F4 Indian champion took P3 in front of the home crowd as the Indian Racing Festival returned to Chennai on 22–23 October 2026. It gives Chennai Turbo Riders points on the board from the very first race of the new season.

The race

The 2026/27 IRL season runs on the Wolf GB08 Thunder, a single-seater with a 215 bhp Aprilia engine. Six city franchises lined up in Chennai, each fielding a mixed grid of Indian and international drivers, men and women alike.

About Shane

Shane is a Kenyan driver of Indian heritage, nicknamed "Baby Samurai". He started karting at five, was Rookie of the Year in the Kenya National Karting Championship in 2021 and won that title in 2022. In 2024 he moved to the UK for the British Karting Championship, then stepped into single-seaters through the Formula Global Shootout Program.

His rookie 2025 F4 Indian Championship season with Chennai Turbo Riders set several records:

  • First Kenyan driver to win an FIA Formula 4 race, at Round 2 in Chennai

  • Youngest-ever F4 India race winner and polesitter

  • Champion at 15 on 14 December 2025 at the Madras International Circuit — the youngest in the series' history — with 186 points to Sachel Rotgé's 168

  • Part of the Chennai Turbo Riders squad that also won the 2025 teams' title

Sources: Sportzpower, Autocar India, Formula Scout.

What's next

The IRL heads to the Buddh International Circuit next, on 31 October–1 November 2026. Goa Aces JA Racing start as defending champions.

Dates

Venue

22–23 October

Madras International Circuit, Chennai

31 October–1 November

Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida

28–29 November

[PLACEHOLDER: venue to confirm]

5–6 December

Navi Mumbai Street Circuit (finale)

Calendar: Racers Behind the Helmet, The News Mill.

Follow the Chennai Turbo Riders all season at www.ctrsports.in.

Social post caption

P3 TO START THE SEASON! 🏆

Shane Chandaria puts Chennai Turbo Riders on the podium in Race 1 of the Indian Racing League 2026 season opener at the Madras International Circuit. Home soil, home crowd, first points of the year. 💛💙

Next stop: Buddh International Circuit, 31 Oct – 1 Nov.

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