(June 27, 2025) Like his idol — the legendary Michael Schumacher, kart racing champ Shiv Tummala believes in pushing the limits on the tracks. He is fully aware of the dangers that come with it, having experienced two close calls in his short but eventful journey as a kart racer.
The nine-year-old once crashed out at high speed during the Meco Meritus Cup 2024 after hitting a wet patch on a rainy day. Luckily, he wasn’t hurt. The second time, a driver in front of him applied sudden brakes forcing Shiv to swerve quickly to avoid collision.
Shaken, but not the one to bow out, Shiv worked on himself, improvised his skill set and got back behind the wheel. Now, he is unstoppable. “Every close call teaches me something new — about safety, awareness, and decision-making under pressure,” smiles kart racing champ Shiv Tummala, in a chat with Global Indian.
Shiv Tummula
Shiv recently won the Micromax category championship at the 2025 Meco Meritus Cup, one of the most prestigious national karting championships in India. While the win has certainly boosted his morale, it is Shiv’s debut race in Dubai that holds a special place in his heart.
Debut at the challenging Dubai Kartdrome
The Dubai Kartdrome Bambino Cup was his very first race, and a special experience. The 1.2km International Circuit at the Dubai Kartdrome features 17 corners to test a driver’s skills, as well as a tunnel and bridge to add to the excitement. The challenging configuration tests drivers to the maximum.
“I applied for the race in late February 2024. The goal was to understand what happens in a race,” says Shiv, who underwent a one-month training at Peregrine Racing, a title-winning organisation, in Bangalore.
First International Race, First Top Finish
Shiv felt both nervous and excited as he geared up for the race. “I had to adapt quickly because the kart and tyres were different from what I was used to,” says the grade four student from Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad.
Despite competing alongside kids from the UAE, UK, and several other countries – many of whom had far more experience- Shiv stayed focused. “I didn’t let that affect me.”
The event spanned over multiple rounds, but Shiv participated in just one – and secured an impressive fourth-place finish. “It was a big moment for me. I learnt a lot — how to handle pressure, how to race cleanly and how to be disciplined,” says Shiv, who made many friends. “Meeting kids from different cultures, sharing the same passion for racing was a lot of fun,” he smiles.
Micromax Glory at Meco Meritus Cup 2025
In the Meco Meritus Cup 2025, Shiv participated in the Micromax category, designed for young racers aged 8 to 12. The championship consisted of three rounds. The first round took place at Meco Kartopia in Bengaluru, where Shiv made a strong start – qualifying in pole position and winning both Sprint Race 1 and Sprint Race 2. The second and third rounds were held in Coimbatore at the CoASTT High Performance Centre.
“In Round 2, I again won both races, keeping my lead in the championship. In Round 3, I tried few different strategies and ended up with a few penalties, but still performed strongly overall,” informs Shiv.
At the end of the championship, Shiv was crowned the 2025 Meco Meritus Cup Champion in the Micromax category. “It meant a lot because this was my first championship and I was competing against some very experienced drivers,” he says.
A Lockdown Hobby That Shifted Gears
Born in 2016 to an engineer father who runs his own company and a homemaker mother, Shiv’s love for racing began during the COVID-19 lockdown. “Like many kids, I was indoors and my father got me PS5 with Gran Turismo on a simulator. Over time, I got better and started racing on more realistic simulators,” he says.
Noticing Shiv’s focus and natural skill, his father decided to take him to a real karting track in Hyderabad – a moment that changed everything.
“The first time I sat in a kart, I remember my heart was beating really fast—not because I was scared, but because I was excited. It felt like flying just a few inches above the ground,” smiles the racing champ, who still remembers the sound of the engine, the smell of petrol, and the feeling of controlling the kart all by himself.
Shiv spun out in his first lap after making a turn too sharply. But rather than getting discouraged, he kept going — again and again. “I did about 20 laps that day. That’s when my parents realized this wasn’t just a hobby, it was a real passion.”
Close Calls and Crucial Lessons
Recalling the close calls, Shiv says kart racing can get scary sometimes, especially when one is pushing the limits. “They remind me how important it is to respect the weather conditions and always stay focused. Quick reflexes hold the key to avoid a crash,” he points out.
Training That Powers the Track
On weekends or holidays, Shiv trains at various tracks, including Meco Kartopia and Velocity International Circuit in Bangalore, Madras International Karting Arena in Chennai and CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore. “I fly out after school on Friday and return on Sunday after training , just in time to attend school on Monday,” he informs.
His training sessions lasts about eight hours at the track, including warm-up, kart setup, testing and data analysis. “We practice in 8-10 sessions which last about 15 minutes each,” says Shiv, who devotes one hour everyday for workouts, building strength, endurance and quick reflexes.
The kart racing champ relies on a Parolin chassis paired with a Rotax EVO Max 125cc engine, equipped with data loggers to analyse his lap performance. “I also work with coaches and mechanics who help me improve.”
Shiv counts consistency, cornering speed, and mental focus as his strengths. “One area I’m working on is race starts – I sometimes get too cautious. With guidance from my team at Peregrine Racing, I am improving,” he says.
Next Stop: Nationals, Then the World
Shiv’s next big focus is the Meco-FMSCI National karting championship Rotax Max Classes 2025 —an Indian national championship. “The winners get to compete at the Rotax max challenge world finals, which is like the Olympics of karting – held at Bahrain this year. I want to represent the India in the world finals,” says the determined racer.
Looking ahead, his long-term plan is moving into senior karting, advance to Formula 3, and ultimately make his way to Formula 1. “I know it will take years of training, discipline, and support — but I’m ready for that,” says Shiv, whose grandparents cheer for him in every race.
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Beyond the Track: Curiosity Fuels His Drive
When not racing or studying, Shiv loves watching old Formula 1 races. “I also enjoy reading books on space and science. I like colouring racing cars and swimming with my brother, it helps me relax,” says the youngster who equally enjoys school time. “I enjoy going to school—my favourite subjects are science and math because they help me understand how things work, especially in racing,” says the budding racer.
At just nine, Shiv Tummala is steadily carving a space for himself in the fast-evolving world of karting. His strong performances in national championships, exposure to international tracks, and willingness to learn — whether it’s from a race or a setback — reflect the mindset of a future champion. As India’s presence in the global karting scene continues to grow, young talents like Shiv are at the forefront. If he continues on this path with the same dedication and curiosity, Shiv could very well be one of the next big names to emerge from India’s motorsport circuit.
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