The much-anticipated Indian Superbike League (ISBL) has been officially launched, marking the dawn of an exciting new chapter for Indian motorsports.
The league, sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), would offer professional motorcycle racing to Indian viewers, with the goal of transforming motorsports in India and ‘Get India Racing’.
The first season will start by this year’s end, subject to operational readiness, in three rounds throughout Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune-Mumbai. The Dhuleva Group, led by Mr. Avi Jain, is a prominent investor in the Indian Superbike League. Ducati will be among the motorbike manufacturers whose products will be used in the league.
The launch event was attended by notable people in the motorsport industry, such as Mr. Arindam Ghosh, President of FMSCI; Mr. Vicky Chandhok, Council Member and Former President of FMSCI; Mr. M.R. Dastur, Chairman of the FMSCI 2-Wheeler Racing Commission; Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India; and Mr. Sirish Vissa, Director of ISBL.
The ISBL, a franchise-based league, will feature various motorcycle classes as well as exceptional racing infrastructure, with the goal of fostering domestic talent and elevating the country’s motorsports environment. The ISBL intends to create a systematic pathway for riders to display their abilities on the national stage. The league will include each franchise participating in all categories, including Pro Categories (Two Classes), Amateur Class, Female Riders Class, and Rookie Class.
Mr. Pranav Bakre, Director, Indian Superbike League, said, “The Indian Superbike League is designed to be a transformative force in Indian motorsports. It is aimed at establishing a dynamic ecosystem constructed to empower riders, technicians, and support staff with a robust and sustainable platform to develop their skills, push boundaries, and form lasting careers. Simultaneously, ISBL is committed to producing a world-class sporting spectacle, uplifting the stature of Indian motorsports on the global stage while harnessing a culture of excellence, innovation, high-octane entertainment and world-class content creation.”
Mr. Sirish Vissa, Director, Indian Superbike League, added, “The Indian Superbike League is designed not just to expedite a racing revolution, but about positively revamping India’s motorcycle culture. There is palpable interest in two-wheelers across the country, especially in tier-II, tier-III cities. The Indian Superbike League will be a sustainable career path not just for racers but for the whole ecosystem of motorcycle racing. We wish to create a framework that can take their interest, professionalise their ambitions, and lay out a pathway for them to move up the ladder and compete both nationally and internationally.
“We intend to promote not just local but also marginalised talent in all aspects of racing. Our vision is to cultivate a cultural change in the ecosystem by supporting riders, improving technical knowhow, and elevating standards of Indian motorsports.”
Mr. Arindam Ghosh, President, FMSCI, said, “India has long needed an organised platform to develop motorcycle racing talent, and ISBL looks set to be that game-changer. By offering a professionally managed, well-constructed racing environment, ISBL is setting the foundation for a flourishing ecosystem that supports riders and also advances technical expertise, safety standards, and career pathways within the sport. We are excited for this initiative as it takes Indian motorsports onto the global stage.”
Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, commented, “As a supplier of motorcycles for ISBL, we see this as an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of motorcycle racing in India. ISBL’s focus on performance, technology, safety and rider development aligns seamlessly with our philosophy and we look forward to supporting the league in its mission to build a strong foundation for Indian motorsports.”
Over 400 riders have already registered for ISBL, demonstrating a significant desire for a high-quality racing series.
The four-wheeler motorsport ecosystem in India provides a structured pathway for drivers to get the required experience and exposure to compete in the world arena, but such chances in motorcycle racing are rare. The ISBL wants to fill a glaring need in order to expand prospects in this field. By bridging this gap, the ISBL will provide a professional platform for Indian riders to hone their talents, compete at a high level, and eventually advance to prominent international championships such as MotoGP and World Superbike.
As a long-term goal, the ISBL hopes to compete alongside premier racing series like as the British Superbike and Japanese Superbike, which have been built on the foundation of great home-grown talent. Primarily, the ISBL aims to develop Indian riders, technicians, and crew members, therefore creating a holistic ecosystem that provides long-term employment prospects in the sport.
For the first few years, the focus would be on cultivating Indian talent, opening the path for the country to generate its own motorsport legends. Beyond competitive racing, the ISBL remains competitive in fostering a safe riding culture. The ISBL aims to transform the culture of motorcycling in India from the streets to a more regulated, professional racecourse setting, therefore increasing Indian riders’ skill levels and instilling a feeling of better discipline and safety among motorcyclists across the country.
