Actor and team owner of Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru, Kichcha Sudeep says street racing is the ultimate test of instinct, courage and composure. He believes these values define the core of his team.
“On a permanent circuit, everything is controlled. A street race changes the mindset completely,” says Sudeep. “Here, it’s no longer about perfection; it’s about resilience. Idhu kevala race alla, idhu manobhava mattu dhairya test. The city comes alive around you, and the team has to rise with it.”
For Sudeep, street racing brings motorsport closer to people, turning it into a shared urban experience. “Street racing brings the sport out of closed circuits and into the heart of the city,” he explains. “It becomes a spectacle – loud, intense, and unforgiving. Janara energy ne team-na jagrute mattu sharp-aagi ittirutte. That energy keeps everyone switched on every second.”
The streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) on February 14 and 15.
Preparation for the Goa Street Race has demanded adaptability from the Bengaluru-based outfit, with the circuit offering no historical data to fall back on. “Goa is about mastering the unknown,” Sudeep says. “We’re trusting our drivers’ instincts, experience, and discipline. Precision and control will matter more than outright speed. Ellavu control mattu clarity mele depend aagide.” he adds
Leading the charge is French racer Sachel Rotge, a rising European single-seater talent and the 2025 F4 India Vice Champion, who earned a full scholarship through RPPL’s F4 Shootout program. “When a young European racer chooses India as his proving ground, it shows the confidence global talent has in our racing ecosystem,” says Sudeep.
Carrying Bengaluru and India’s hopes is Ruhaan Alva, the youngest race winner in Indian Racing League history and the 2024 F4 India Vice Champion, already turning heads with podium finishes in Britain. “Ruhaan represents the future; young, fearless, and global in his outlook,” Sudeep adds. “Bengaluruina janaru avana journey nodi hemme padbeku. The city can be proud of what he’s building.”
Adding further depth is Kyle Kumaran, a Vice World Champion in karting across the Middle East, whose race craft has been shaped by intense international competition. “Kyle’s exposure at the world level brings maturity and calm; qualities street racing demands,” Sudeep notes.
Completing the squad is British racer and female driver of the team Jem Hepworth, a Rafa Racing driver and podium finisher in the McLaren Trophy. “Jem brings experience from some of the toughest grids in the world,” says Sudeep. “That kind of exposure raises the standard inside the garage and pushes everyone to be better.”
For Sudeep, the unforgiving nature of street circuits raises the emotional stakes like nothing else. “On a street circuit, one small mistake can cost you everything,” he says. “The drivers must respect the walls but never fear them. A balance-u illa andre race-u illa. That balance is where races are won.” He adds
As Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru head into the Goa weekend, Sudeep believes the team carries the spirit of the city with them. “Bengaluru is a city that thrives on resilience, innovation, and ambition,” he signs off. “Ee oorina spirit-na naavu track-mele tandiddeve. That’s exactly the mindset we’re taking into this race.”
