A brand-new single-make racing series, the Levitas Cup, is set to debut this year, featuring identically prepared Maruti Suzuki Ignis race cars aimed at making professional motorsport more accessible.
Get Ready for the Levitas Cup!
Motorsport enthusiasts have something new to look forward to this year. The Levitas Cup is an exciting new racing series, designed as a stepping stone for aspiring racers.
It aims to bridge the gap between entry-level karting and top-tier professional racing, all while keeping costs more affordable. This new series will be an integral part of the 2025 JK Tyre National Racing Championship.
Founded by 21-year-old racer Shravanthika Lakshmi, the inaugural season will host three rounds and a total of eight races. All the action will unfold at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, with the championship kicking off in early August.
The Maruti Ignis: Race-Ready Transformation
The Levitas Cup will feature a grid of 16 custom-built Maruti Suzuki Ignis race cars. While these cars retain their 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, they’ve undergone significant race-specific modifications.
These upgrades include a standalone ECU management system, high-performance racing coilovers, and robust four-pot Wilwood Big Brake systems for superior stopping power. They also boast a free-flow exhaust system and cold air intake to boost performance.
Future plans even include introducing forced induction upgrades for the Pro class, promising even more speed. Beyond performance, the race-spec Ignis cars are lighter and feature a stiffer chassis, complemented by alloy racing wheels.
Safety is paramount, with each vehicle equipped with an FIA-spec roll cage, racing seats, a six-point harness, and fire extinguishers. Coimbatore-based Speedsmiths will serve as the technical partner, ensuring all cars are evenly matched with encrypted ECUs and regular inspections to emphasize driver skill over mechanical advantage.
Rookies vs. Pros: Who Can Compete?
To cater to different skill levels, the Levitas Cup grid will be divided into two distinct classes. The Rookie class is perfect for emerging talents who haven’t yet achieved a podium finish in a national car championship.
Meanwhile, the Pro class is designed for more experienced and accomplished racers. However, national title winners are not permitted to ensure the series remains focused on grassroots talent and provides opportunities for a wider range of drivers.
How to Join the Race: Testing and Fees
Interested drivers can take part in a special testing program for the Levitas Cup, scheduled for July 14 at the Kari Motor Speedway. Registration for this test costs Rs 20,000 per driver.
For those looking to compete in the full season, the participation fee is Rs 7.40 lakh, plus a refundable deposit of Rs 1 lakh for any potential damages. This comprehensive fee covers the cost of the fully prepared race-spec Ignis, dedicated technical support, expert driver coaching, and crucial data analysis to help improve performance.
Drivers are also encouraged to bring their own sponsors, with designated areas on the race cars available to display sponsor logos, further helping to make the dream of racing a reality.
- The Levitas Cup is a new single-make racing series featuring Maruti Suzuki Ignis cars.
- It aims to provide affordable and accessible professional motorsport.
- The series will run within the 2025 JK Tyre National Racing Championship.
- There are two driver categories: Rookie and Pro, to ensure fair competition.
- The race-spec Ignis cars are heavily modified for performance and safety.
This new series promises an exciting platform for aspiring Indian racers to showcase their talent on the track.
