Backed by the Pune-headquartered Punit Balan Group, the new franchise will compete in ISRL Season 3 and is expected to deepen the city’s connection with professional motorsports. League officials believe the development will strengthen Maharashtra’s presence within the championship while attracting new fans and commercial partners.

The significance of the announcement extends beyond the launch of a racing team. It reflects how Pune has evolved into a city capable of supporting diverse sporting ecosystems. From grassroots initiatives to professional franchises, the region has become increasingly attractive for sports entrepreneurs and investors.

The Punit Balan Group has played a visible role in that transformation. Through investments across multiple disciplines, the organisation has supported athletes, leagues and sporting infrastructure. Its decision to enter motorsports therefore represents a natural extension of its broader commitment to sport.

Commenting on the move, Punit Balan said “Sport has always been a powerful platform for inspiring young talent and building strong communities, and that philosophy has guided every sporting investment we have made over the years. The Indian Supercross Racing League represents an exciting new chapter for racing in India. Maharashtra, and especially Pune, has steadily emerged as one of the country’s most vibrant motorsport hubs backed by passionate fans and a growing culture around racing. We are delighted to join ISRL for Season 3 and look forward to building a franchise that reflects passion, performance, and the spirit of Indian racing while also supporting the long-term growth of motorsport in the country.”

Industry observers note that motorsport is no longer viewed as a niche activity restricted to a small audience. Digital content, social media and live-event experiences have made racing more accessible, particularly among younger fans.

ISRL Co-Founder and Director Eeshan Lokhande believes the partnership will help accelerate that growth. He said “We are thrilled to welcome Punit Balan Group to the ISRL family for Season 3. Punit Balan’s commitment to Indian sport and athlete development across multiple disciplines speaks volumes about his long-term vision for building world-class sporting ecosystems. His entry into ISRL is another strong validation of the league’s growth and potential as we continue to elevate Supercross into a mainstream sporting and entertainment property in India.”

The Indian Supercross Racing League has worked to create a uniquely Indian motorsport product by blending racing action with entertainment and community engagement. That approach has helped the league attract growing interest from brands and investors.

For Pune, the franchise offers another opportunity to strengthen its sporting identity. The city has already developed a reputation for nurturing athletes across disciplines. A successful Supercross franchise could further expand that reputation and encourage greater participation in motorsports.

Season 3 is expected to be the league’s biggest yet, with stronger fan engagement initiatives and a more developed franchise structure. With PBG Racing joining the grid, Pune’s role in the future of Indian motorsports appears set to become even more prominent