IPL-style Indian Motorcycle League launched in Chennai

The TVS Apache, the bike that is proposed to be used for the league

The TVS Apache, the bike that is proposed to be used for the league

The Indian Motorcycle League (IML), a first of its kind motorbike racing league in India, was launched in Chennai on Friday.

The launch saw motorcyclists K Rajini, Sarath Kumar, K Jagan and Harry Sylvester in attendance along with IML chairman Rasheed Khan.

IML is set to adopt an endurance racing format with riders getting three rounds to display their talent. Eight franchise teams from across the country will pick 40 Indian riders before the inaugural round in February at Coimbatore. The second round will be held in Chennai and the final round will be held at the Formula 1 track in Noida.

The IML has been approved by the Federation of Motor Sports Club of India, the governing body for motorsports in India.

“It gives us immense pleasure to announce the arrival of the Indian Motorcycle League (IML), a trend-setter and the first of its kind in two-wheeler racing in Indian motorsports, with a new format,” Rasheed Khan said.

“We have many talented young riders in India, but unfortunately the opportunities for them to perform are very limited. Keeping this in mind, IML has drawn up a plan to provide an opportunity to all the potential riders in India.

“IML will be providing all the necessary riding equipment and the bikes to each of the franchise teams. Each team will also be provided its own and dedicated coach to train riders. All that the riders have to do is to come to the track and IML will make sure that everything is arranged for them to take part in the race, that they are, ‘Ready to Race’.”

IML has been supported by TVS Racing who are providing Apache RTR180 bikes to the riders. In its first year the IML will include Indian riders, while riders from other parts of Asia are expected to be a part of the league in the second year. International riders from all over the world will be added in the third year.

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Edited by Staff Editor