Bengaluru boy Tijil Rao becomes the National Champion in the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship 2024

Bengaluru: Tijil Rao, a 21-year-old professional racer from Bengaluru capped off an electrifying season at the 27th JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2024, securing 9 podium finishes across 12 races and is the 2024 National Champion of JK LGB Formula 4. Competing with Darkdon Racing, Tijil showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and determination throughout the season, cementing his position as one of India’s brightest young racing talents.

The JK Tyre National Racing Championship which is in its 27th consecutive year has been the breeding ground for motorsport icons including Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim, Arjun Maini, Kush Maini and others.

This year, Tijil delivered a stellar performance across all five rounds of the championship:

Season Highlights

Tijil Rao showcased exceptional skill and consistency throughout the racing season, beginning with a strong start at the Madras International Circuit, including a P1 finish in Race 2 despite a minor qualifying setback. His brilliance shone under the lights at Chennai’s first street circuit. Starting from P10 in Race 1, he charged through the field to secure a well-earned P3 finish, setting the fastest lap of the race. In Race 2, Tijil displayed exceptional skill and determination, surging from P3 to clinch victory in a dramatic final sector of the last lap, marking a spectacular highlight of his season.

In Round 3, Tijil’s consistency led to top-5 finishes and a thrilling win in Race 3. At Round 4 at Kari Motor Speedway, he secured podiums in both races, racing in front of his grandparents for the first time. Tijil concluded the season with a double podium, including a dominant Race 1 victory, overcoming challenges to finish the championship on a high note.

Tijil concluded the season with 88 points, dominating the championship standings and contributing significantly to Darkdon Racing success as the top team.

“It’s been an incredible year for me and my team. Racing with Darkdon Racing has been an absolute pleasure, and I’m thrilled with the progress we’ve made,” Tijil said. “A huge thank you to JK Tyre Motorsport, RPPL, and all my supporters for making this season unforgettable.”

Tijil Rao competed against strong rivals throughout the season, including Saran Vikram, Diljith TS, Raghul Rangasamy, Bala Prasath, Mehul Agarwal, and Vishwas Vijayraj. Despite facing such formidable opponents, Tijil consistently delivered outstanding performances, securing multiple victories and podium finishes, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and determined racer.

Tijil’s journey into motorsport began in 2017 with the Rotax National Karting Championship. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess, earning the Vice Champion title in the inaugural JK Novice Cup Championship in 2018 and again in the JK LGB Formula 4 Championship in 2023.