Indian Oil will indeed open a new chapter in the Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Make in India.

New Delhi:  Indian Oil Corporations Ltd., in a glittering ceremony, at The Lalit in New Delhi on 6.3.2024, announced the partnership for two wheels racing, as the official partner for FIM ( Federation Internationale De Motorcyclisme, Asia Road Racing Championship (ARCC), for a span of three years.

The collaboration entails IndianOil for providing FIM category 2 Race Fuel “Storm – Ultimate Racing Fuel” across all ARCC rounds. STORM is produced at Gujarat Refinery and is poised to highlight IndianOil’s diverse and ambitious product range including AV Fas 100LL and reference fuels, reflecting India’s commitment to self reliance (Atma Nirbhar Bharat). The arrival of Storm, in the international arena marks a significant stride towards bolstering the ‘ Make in India’ initiative.
Mr. S.M. Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil speaking on the occasion, said IndianOil is proud to fuel the fast lanes of motorsport with cutting-edge – ‘Storm-Ultimate Racing Fuel’. He also mentioned that the fuel stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in developing specialized fuels that meet stringent international standards.

The function was attended by the who’s who of the racing fraternity, top IndianOil executives and the media. The function was a befitting finale to the relentless pursuit of Indian Oil in diversifying its fuel portfolio, import substitution efforts and tying up with a valued end user. The initiative taken by Indian Oil will indeed open a new chapter in the Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Make in India.’ Often development efforts for new fuels require end-user uptake; else such efforts do not become commercially viable, or even niche, brand-enhancing products.  It’s laudable that IndianOil, in a masterstroke, is able to tie up all ends and stride ahead of competitors.
Readers of NewsIP will recall that the Formula 1 racing in India, at Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, was announced with much pomp and show but could not flourish.

The first Indian Grand Prix was held at the circuit in 2011 but was discontinued after the 2013. Today there is talk of reviving it in 2025. Therefore, the introduction and collaboration of “Storm – Ultimate Racing Fuel” of IndianOil has a special and well times significance.

India has all the potential for becoming a significant racing circuit and must-attend event for Motorcycle & Car Racing enthusiasts. Certainly, Rajasthan can give a good run for money to the likes of the Dakar Rally for Motorcyclists or BIC to Bahrain International Circuit.

The Western Ghants or even Leh Ladakh can become sites for Le Mans-like rallies. What holds back India is possibly the infrastructure for racing. However just as India has taken so many steps under the ‘Atma Nirbhara Bharat’ such initiatives as taken by IndianOil is worthy of praise. NewsIP joins its readers and racing enthusiasts in India in looking forward to a very bright racing future.