Latest news with #Yuven
India Today
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Top 5 rising Indian stars redefining the world of international motor racing
The fast-paced world of motorsport is no longer the exclusive domain of seasoned professionals. A new generation of Indian racers is making its mark on national and international circuits by pushing the boundaries of speed, skill, and ambition. With grit, persistence, and dreams of podium finishes, these five emerging talents are redefining what it means to be an Indian on the global racing Yuven SundaramoorthyAt just 21, Yuven Sundaramoorthy is blazing a trail in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, racing for Abel Motorsports. Born in Wisconsin to a family originally from Madurai, India, Yuven has transitioned from a karting prodigy to an open-wheel racing standout. He became the first Indian American to win a race sanctioned by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with notable victories at Barber Motorsports Park and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Backed by two-time Formula One and INDY500 champion Alexander Rossi, Yuven combines raw speed with cultural pride. His journey is poised to inspire a new wave of Indian-origin racers aiming to compete at the very top - including the INDYCAR and INDY500.2. Shriya LohiaAt just 16, Shriya Lohia is making history in Indian motorsport as the nation's first-ever female Formula 4 driver. She began her journey in karting, where she racked up over 30 podium finishes. In 2022, her exceptional achievements earned her the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal the demands of a racing career, Shriya excels as a Class 11 science student, effortlessly balancing academics and her passion for speed. She's not only setting records on the track but also breaking barriers off it - emerging as a powerful role model for young women and proving that talent and determination can challenge long-standing gender stereotypes in motorsport.3. Humaira MushtaqHumaira Mushtaq, from Jammu & Kashmir, stands out as the region's first and only professional female racing driver. She began racing go-karts at four, advanced to Rotax karting by six, and later moved into Formula 2, Formula 3, single-seaters, and GT gained international attention as the first Indian woman to compete in the British Endurance Championship. With accolades such as the Mission Shakti Award and the FICCI FLO Trailblazer Award, Humaira is now proudly representing India in European and Middle Eastern racing circuits.4. Jehan DaruvalaJehan Daruvala is steadily becoming a household name in Indian motorsport. Competing in the fiercely competitive FIA Formula 2 Championship, he has already notched several podiums and race wins. Starting in karting, Jehan rose through elite racing ladders including Formula Renault, FIA European Formula 3, and Formula a former Red Bull Junior Team driver, he has proven himself not only quick but also composed under pressure. With his experience and racecraft, Daruvala is widely tipped as a strong candidate for a future Formula 1 Arjun MainiArjun Maini isn't just another name on the racing roster-he represents a new generation of Indian motorsport heroes making their mark on the international stage. Starting his career in karting, he quickly climbed the ranks through FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, consistently proving his skill behind the wheel. As the first Indian to compete in Formula 2 and with strong showings in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Maini has transitioned seamlessly into endurance racing. With growing experience, sharp adaptability, and relentless perseverance, he is fast becoming a name to watch in global Reel
India Today
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Tesla engineer-turned racing driver: Yuven Sundaramoorthy chasing dreams in Indy NXT
In the fast-paced world of motorsports, where hard work, precision engineering, and high speed come together, few stories are as inspiring as that of Yuven Sundaramoorthy. The Indian-American driver has steadily built a name for himself in a sport that has rarely seen someone from the Indian diaspora career didn't kick off in the familiar karting circuits of Europe or the legendary racetracks of Asia. Instead, it began in the classrooms and labs of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he not only pursued his studies but also carried the spirit of his heritage. Sporting a striking red and white helmet emblazoned with a bold 'W,' he returned to the Milwaukee Mile in 2024 as a hometown hero, eager to show just how far he had Indy NXT season in 2024 proved to be a breakthrough for him. Despite early challenges-technical issues that threatened to derail his momentum-Yuven remained focused and grounded. Believing in himself and his team, he turned setbacks into stepping stones, eventually clinching two podiums, four top-five finishes, and eight top-10 finishes in his final nine races. "It's always sweeter when you've had to overcome obstacles to achieve success," Yuven reveals in an exclusive conversation with Yuven's career hasn't been without setbacks off the track as well. Financial challenges and sponsor uncertainties, heightened by political turbulence in the U.S., forced him to sit out the 2025 season. He admitted, "That news hit us hard. But racing is expensive, and this happens more often than people realize." Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful and determined, staying in touch with sponsors as he looks forward to returning to the Indy NXT grid in 2026-with even the possibility of participating in a few races later this year. Yuven Sundaramoorthy (India Today Photo) advertisementWhat sets Yuven apart is his ability to balance two demanding worlds. While many racers spend their off-season tuning their cars or networking, Yuven also works full-time as a test engineer at Tesla Motors. He finds that his work at Tesla perfectly complements his passion for racing: "I get to drive high-speed Tesla models to test them and provide feedback to the design team. It's where my two worlds-racing and engineering-really come together."This dual identity-racer and engineer-has been a hallmark of his journey. In 2021, Yuven made history as the first Indian-American driver to win an IndyCar-sanctioned race, achieving victories at Barber Motorsports Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Mid-Ohio. With nine podium finishes that season, he secured third place in the championship-a significant achievement that broke new ground and continues to inspire for Yuven, the motivation extends beyond trophies and lap times. "Racing isn't popular in the Indian community," he explains frankly. "I hope my success-and the success of others-can inspire more Indian-origin kids to dream bigger." His success is not just a personal victory, but a beacon for a community often underrepresented in the it comes to Formula One-the dream of many aspiring racers-Yuven remains realistic. "It's always in the back of your mind," he admits. "But F1 has a different development ladder. We've had conversations with some teams, but right now, it doesn't seem like the most likely path." For now, his heart is set on IndyCar and his unfinished business in the NXT journey from a Formula SAE student engineer to an Indy NXT podium finisher in 2024 isn't just about natural talent-it's a story of determination, vision, and staying true to one's in the U.S. with deep Indian roots and early experiences in China, Yuven credits his multicultural upbringing with providing balance and resilience. "Racing is tough-physically, mentally, and financially. My background has given me both calm and intensity. It's made me an optimist. In this sport, you have to be forward-looking, always."Yuven Sundaramoorthy's journey is still unfolding, but it's already clear that he's so much more than a fast driver. He's a thoughtful, resilient individual with a deep sense of pride in his heritage and an unwavering commitment to his dreams. From the student garages of Formula SAE to the roaring engines of Indy NXT, Yuven shows that with passion, hard work, and a touch of hometown pride, every finish line is only the beginning of a new chapter.
