July - August 2025

INDIAN

INDIA’S FIRST AND ONLY MOTORSPORTS & OFF‑ROAD MAGAZINE

AGUE ACING LE R S S O R SUPERC

JULY / AUGU

ST 2025 | R

SALMAN KHAN L AUNCHES SEASON 2 OF ISRL 2025

s. 99/‑

JK TYRE LEVITAS CUP

KARTING

BOLD STEP towards inclusive motorsports

NARAIN’S son Shiv Neel, in his father’s footsteps꞉ bags a double

APRC

2W RACING

KARNA ‑ MUSA Triumphant comeback

RAHIL PILLARISETTY notches first win in four years Double for ANN JENNIFER

ABDUL WAHID

INAC

PHILIPPOS MATTHAI tops R2 with 4 wins

clinches first win of the season

+INDIAN RACING LEAGUE 2025

‑ first ever drivers draft

ARRC

Double delight for SARTHAK CHAVAN in TVS Asia One Make Championship

+

BLUEBAND INRC 2025 TARUSHI VIKRAM clinches Women INRC win on debut

FEATURE

The comeback story of Sangeet & Sachin Grassroots grit꞉ VM team show

KARTING

Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru to debut in Indian Racing Festival

PEREGRINE RACING꞉ Breed‑ ing ground for brillance

DRIVE

MG WINDSOR EV PRO drive

SEASON STARTS 16 AUG

EDITORIAL / IMPRINT

Hi,

Our New Look.

AUTO TRACK is on a new track...

Revved‑up꞉ New season fawns with Star Power and fresh momentum

T

he three‑month off‑season ends as motorsport embraces the financial year calendar, from April to March, retiring the January‑December schedule.

Bollywood is accelerating its investment, highlighted by two major events꞉ the returning Indian Super Cross League, now backed by mega‑star Salman Khan as Brand Ambassador, and the franchise‑based Indian Racing League (part of the Indian Racing Festival). Simultaneously, Kannada icon Kichcha Sudeep launched his team, Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, becoming the fourth film star to own an IRL franchise. This star power promises to broaden the sport's appeal nationwide, particularly impacting Southern markets.

The season faced a bumpy start in the 4‑Wheeler category. A late decision on the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) promoters' renewal forced a rushed opener, hampering upgrades and the Hyundai i20's introduction. Just three cars will contest Round 2 after a three‑month gap. JA Motorsports, having debuted and tested the i20 last season, holds an early advantage. Snap Racing fields the other two entries.

Adding fresh energy, the new Levitas Cup single‑make championship, promoted by Shravanthika, joins the JK Tyre Racing Championship roster.

Under new FMSCI President Arindham Ghosh, the federation signals ambitious plans. Ghosh has already appointed promoters for TSD (Tourism and Safari) and Autocross (4‑Wheelers), plus introduced promoters for two entirely new national championships꞉ Hill Climb and Motocross.

He also replaced himself with famed Vicky Chandhok, for the Rally Commission chairmanship, to avoid conflict of interest, which augurs well.

Expect a packed, dynamic calendar nationwide.

S. ASHOK KUMAR TIWARI Editor M꞉ +91‑9845296190 autotrack.editor@gmail.com

O1 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

IMPRINT

Editor S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari Concept and Design꞉ S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari

Staff Photographers꞉ Noorulla, Keshava Murthy Managing Editor꞉ Roopa A. Tiwari Sr. Correspondent꞉ S. Nithyanand

Correspondent꞉ K. Manjunath Ghanshyam A Tiwari Gokul

Spl. Correspondent꞉ David Bodapati Western Region꞉ autotrack.west@gmail.com Mob꞉ 09757176958

Editorial Office꞉

Auto Track 7/3‑1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore‑40 autotrack.editor@gmail.com www.autotrack.ind.in For Subscription, contact꞉ 9845296190

For Advertisement, E꞉ ashok.autotrack@gmail.com The Publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are accurate. However, he accepts no responsibility of any effects arising therefrom. Printed at Raj Hans Enterprises, Rajajinagar Industrial Town, Bangalore‑560044.

Published by S. Ashok Kumar Tiwari At # 7/3‑1, Lalitha Engineering Building, Subbanna Garden Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore ‑ 560040

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 5

CONTENTS

10

34

NEW DELHI

July / August 2025

20

NEWS꞉ 03

INDIAN SUPER CROSS LEAGUE꞉ 04

INDIAN RACING LEAGUE꞉ 06

KICHCHA’S KINGS BENGALURU꞉ 08

K1000 2W RALLY꞉ 11

BLUEBAND SOUTH INDIA RALLY꞉ 20 APRC 4W ꞉ 27

508

NATIONAL KARTING, R1 ꞉ 36

28꞉ Peregrine Racing

NATIONAL RACING 2W꞉ 46

38꞉ VM Sports Foundation 42꞉ ATMA 44꞉ MG Windsor drive 04 20

46 46

11 48

O2 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

22 64

68 06 68 24꞉ Sangeet Samuel

36 16

44 44

Kush Maini makes history with Sprint Race victory

U

Philippos Matthai tops INAC Round 2 with four wins

N

ew Delhi's Philippos Matthai brought into play all his vast experience and undoubted driving skills to win outright in four categories in the Vamcy Merla Chennai Gravel Fest which doubled up as the second round of Octane Pits FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship 2025 at the Madras International Circuit recently.

Matthai, driving his INRC 2 Polo car, blitzed quality fields in the premier INAC 1 and INAC 2 categories in both of which he won the Open and 2000 classes to stamp his authority on the event as he also put in the fastest time of one minute, 38.880 seconds over the 1.8 Kms track which was a mix of dirt, gravel and tarmac.

The Delhi ace was in a league of his own as he held off his arch‑ rivals who included top guns Syed Salman of Mysuru, Arnav Pratap Singh of Gurugram, former National Rally champion Chetan Shivram of Bengaluru and Ponda's (Goa) Vaibhav Marathe all of whom finished on

podium in the four classes.

Matthai said꞉ “I am very happy to have won in four classes. We achieved what we had set out to do. The track was a bit tricky in the early part with water puddles in some of the corners after overnight rains. However, the track dried up and became a bit rough in the latter half of the day.

I didn't participate in the first round in Chikkamagaluru last month. So, it was a good result here. I now look forward to the next round in Coimbatore.”

Meanwhile, Syed Salman also enjoyed a fruitful outing as he topped the INAC 2 Up to 1650cc and Up to 1450cc classes for a fine double.

nder the shimmering skies of the Côte d'Azur, Kush Maini etched his name into racing history, taking a spectacular win in the Formula 2 Sprint Race on the hallowed streets of Monaco in May 2025.

With precision, nerve, and unshakable focus, he claimed his first F2 victory of the season and his first podium with Dams Lucas Oil in the most iconic setting in motorsport, making him the first Indian to win at the most prestigious track on the calendar.

Having started from pole, the BWT Alpine F1 team reserve driver showed masterful control and strategic precision throughout the race, capitalising on a strong start and managing pressure with veteran‑like maturity. The victory makes him the only Indian driver ever to stand on the top step in Monaco.

Maini qualified P10 for the feature race on Sunday, which made him pole sitter for

NEWS

Saturday's Sprint Race with the reverse grid system. Having had a solid start at lights out, The Dams driver enjoyed all 30 laps of the race as the race leader.

“P1 and first Indian to win at Monaco. It's a great honour and dream come true really. I want to thank DAMS and everyone who's supported me. We keep believing,” said an emotional Kush, after the podium celebration in Monaco.

For what had been a tough start to the 2025 season for the young Indian driver, the Monaco win came at a great time to boost his confidence and his performance at a pivotal time of the season.

In what was truly a special moment for Kush and the entire nation, he sang the national anthem with pride at the podium celebrations. Indian business tycoon Gautam Singhania was also seen in the pit lane embracing Kush after this monumental win.

Davangere's Shivani Pruthvi won in the Ladies class ahead of Chennai's Nivetha Jessica and Anusha NS from Bengaluru, while Gowtham CP (Chikmagaluru) topped the INAC 3 Open category.

Hyderabad's Sundeep K, who finished eighth in the INAC 1 Unrestricted Open category, was adjudged “Best Novice” driver.

6,000 riders keep the Classic spirit alive

O

ver 6,000 motorcycle enthusiasts participated in International Jawa‑ Yezdi Day celebrations across India on the 16th of July 2025 at Pune. The event, held annually on the second Sunday of July, brought together riders from 12 states, 20 cities, and 18 riding communities, with support from 120 Jawa‑

Yezdi dealerships.

From morning rides in Manipur's hills to coastal rides in Kochi and Konkan, riders celebrated the legacy of the classic motorcycle brands Jawa and Yezdi.

Participants included both long‑time owners of vintage models and new‑generation riders on modern versions of the bikes.

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 03

NEWS‑ ISRL LAUNCH

expected to contribute to the league's plans for scaling and mainstreaming Supercross racing in India.

The league reported 155 international athlete registra‑ tions for the upcoming season.

I knew this was something I wanted to be part of. With the launch of the 'ISRL Proving Grounds', we're giving India's youth the opportunity to access the support, tools, and coaching they need to chase big dreams.”

Veer Patel, Managing Director of ISRL, added꞉ “Salman Khan's evolution from brand ambassador to investor brings cultural capital and mainstream trust to our league.

His association sends a clear message that Supercross is ready to lead the future of motorsport.”

Salman Khan

ISRL expansion plans

League promises bigger fare with 155 international athlete registrations

“

motocross, supercross, ATVs, electric bikes, and trail riding.

The facility is aimed at providing year‑round practice opportunities for riders and testing platforms for vehicle manufacturers.

“

A

ctor Salman Khan launched Season 2 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) at a press conference in Mumbai on July 16. Khan, who is also the league's brand ambassador, announced that he plans to invest in the ISRL, expanding his role beyond endorsement.

Khan said the league intends to promote responsible riding and

“I've always been passionate about motorcycles and off‑roading, when I saw what ISRL is building bringing together world‑class talent and supporting home‑ grown athletes.”

As part of the league's expansion, ISRL introduced the 'ISRL Proving Grounds', a 7‑acre facility near Pune. This venue will include multiple tracks designed for different categories such as amateur riders, children, O4 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

provide young Indian riders with access to coaching and infrastructure to compete at higher levels.

The ISRL also announced the introduction of Fan Parks, which will combine racing events with

on‑ground activations for families and brands. The league positions itself as a platform for the automotive industry to engage directly with consumers through live‑action events.

According to ISRL Managing Director Veer Patel, Salman Khan's decision to invest is

The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) announced its five‑year roadmap. Plans include expanding to more cities, attracting global athletes, entering international collabora‑ tions, and increasing franchise value and sponsorship partnerships.

Following its debut season across Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru, ISRL aims to establish itself as India's leading motorsport league, blending racing with broader consumer engagement and entertainment.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Martins Sesks and Renars Francis win

T

eam MRF Tyres, claimed overall victory at the 81st Orlen Oil Rally Poland – Rajd Polski 2025, the fourth round of the FIA European Rally Championship recently. This was their second win in four events, returning to success with Latvian ace Mārtiņs Sesks.

Double podium delight for Sarthak Chavan

P

une's young racing sensation, Sarthak Chavan, delivered a standout performance over the weekend with back‑to‑ back second‑place finishes in the TVS Asia One Make Championship, a support event of the 2025 Asia Road Racing Championship. The races, held at Thailand's Chang International Circuit, marked the third round of the six‑ round championship, and Chavan made every lap count.

In the first race, Chavan started from third on the grid and quickly established himself in the front‑running pack.

Demonstrating maturity and precision beyond his years, he maintained pressure on the leaders throughout the eight‑lap sprint and crossed the line in second, just fractions of a second behind the winner.

The second race proved to be even more dramatic. A nail‑ biting battle unfolded right to the final lap, with Chavan once again showing nerves of steel to secure his second podium of the

weekend. His consistent performance has now elevated him to second place in the overall championship standings with 108 points, just 18 points adrift of Malaysia's Ramdan Rosli, who currently leads the title race.

With three rounds completed, the championship now moves to its second half, with upcoming races set to take place in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Chavan's form and momentum make him a strong contender for the overall title as the season progresses.

Driving the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, Sesks proved to be brilliantly effective delivering a standout, mature and fast performance that left no room for rivals. He won the Polish rally again two years after his last victory, also with Team MRF Ty r e s . H e c o n t r i b u t e d significantly to the team's bid for the Team title, which the Indian premium competition‑tyre brand is targeting this year.

Sesks won 9 of the 14 special stages and crossed the finish line in Mikołajki with a 1min, 6.3sec lead over the nearest rival. He capped it with a commanding win in the final Power Stage. “It is always a pleasure to be back in Poland. I'm super happy. MRF Tyres have been superb, and it is a great package. Being back on the top step of the podium is an amazing feeling. The work they had in developing these gravel tyres is good, and I enjoy driving on these stages a lot. Thanks to everyone involved,” said Sesks.

S i m o n e Te m p e s t i n i a n d Sergiu Itu produced a strong drive in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. After a tricky Saturday

morning, they regrouped and fought their way to sixth overall.

Despite a tyre coming off the rim on SS11, Tempestini rebounded to record the third‑fastest time in the Power Stage, earning crucial championship points for both drivers and team champion‑ ships. Team MRF Tyres leads the Team standings with 150 points after Rally Poland. “It was a really nice event; I enjoyed it even though Saturday was tough. The team did great, and today I felt stronger. I knew I could push—and in the end, we left with good results,” Tempestini said.

A potential one‑two finish slipped away when Roope Korhonen and Anssi Viinikka, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, the only crew matching Sesks, slid off on SS10, the second day's longest stage. In second place at the ti m e , th e y c l i p p e d a tr e e ; fortunately unhurt, but forced to retire. Their pace, however, was another confirmation of MRF Tyres' competitiveness, as the brand claimed 10 out of 14 stage wins over the weekend.

“We're okay. We pushed a bit too hard in that left‑hand corner, went wide and hit a tree on the other side of the road—it's a shame. The championship situation is tight, but in these three gravel rounds we've taken a win and a second place, so there's plenty to be proud of,” Korhonen reflected.

At just 18 years of age, Sarthak Chavan is quickly becoming one of India's brightest hopes in international motorcycle racing.

His double podium in Thailand adds to an already impressive resume and reaffirms his growing stature in the Asian racing scene. As he heads into the next rounds, the spotlight will remain firmly on this young Indian star who continues to break new ground for the country in two‑wheeled motorsport.

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T

he 2025 season of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) began with the first‑ ever Driver Draft for the Indian Racing League (IRL), held at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai on July 20. The event marked a new step for Indian motorsport, introducing a structured team‑building process aimed at creating competitive balance and promoting inclusivity.

A total of 24 drivers were selected across six city‑based franchises. Each team picked four drivers to form a diverse roster comprising an experien‑ ced international driver, an emerging international or Indian‑origin talent, a domestic Indian driver, and a female racer.

This approach aims to broaden participation while maintaining competitive standards.

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The draft featured established names like Neel Jani, a former Formula 1 test driver and Le Mans winner; Jon Lancaster, with experience in GP2 and endu‑ rance racing; and Raoul Hyman, a two‑time IRL champion of Indian origin. Indian drivers selected include Ruhaan Alva, Sohil Shah, Sai Sanjay, and Akshay Bohra.

The grid also includes female racers such as Fabienne Wohlwend, Gabriela Jilkova, and Caitlin Wood, all of whom have international racing experience in W Series, F3, and GT. Franchise owners and key representatives, including personalities from Indian cinema and sport, took part in the draft.

Team owners worked closely with technical staff to build their line‑ups based on driving style, track experience, and data‑backed performance

evaluations.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), the promoter of IRF, said, “With this driver draft, we are building a new foundation for motorsport in India – one that is inclusive, structured, and competitive. This is about creating a sport for India, by India, with the world

watching.”

The six franchises, including Speed Demons Delhi and the newly introduced Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, now have finalised rosters as they prepare for the 2025 season. Races are scheduled to begin in August and will take place on permanent circuits and urban street tracks in multiple cities.

IRL‑ DRIVER DRAFT

IRL 2025 Team Line‑Ups Speed Demons Delhi (Owner꞉ Arjun Kapoor) Alister Yoong (Malaysia) – Regular in Asian single‑seaters, son of former F1 driver Alex Yoong; Sai Sanjay (India) – Consistent domestic performer across Indian circuit championships; Shahan Ali Mohsin (India) – Former F4 SEA champion and one of India's top karting graduates; Caitlin Wood (Australia) – Experienced in W Series and GT World Challenge.

Hyderabad Blackbirds (Owner꞉ Naga Chaitanya) Jon Lancaster (UK) – Former GP2 winner and Le Mans podium finisher; Akshay Bohra (India) – Promising Indian‑origin driver with F4 experience in Europe and UAE; Mohamed Ryan (India) – Young talent with strong sim‑racing and F4 credentials; Gabriela Jilkova (Czech Republic) – Sim and GT racing expert with international recognition.

Goa Aces (Owner꞉ John Abraham) Raoul Hyman (UK/SA) – Two‑ time IRL champion and F3 veteran; Akash Gowda (India) – Versatile Indian racer with multiple podiums in national series; Chetan Surineni (India) – Emerging domestic competitor known for pace and consistency; Fabienne Wohlwend

(Liechtenstein) – W Series and Ferrari Challenge star.

Kolkata Royal Tigers (Owner꞉ Sourav Ganguly) Tom Canning (UK) – British GT Champion with endurance racing experience; Sohil Shah (India) – F4 India podium finisher and consistent IRL performer; Sandeep Kumar (India) – Returning driver with national championship wins; Alexandra Hervé (France) – F4 and Eurocup contender with strong racecraft.

Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru (Owner꞉ Sudeep Kichcha) Neel Jani (Switzerland) – Le Mans winner and former F1 test driver; Ruhaan Alva (India) – Bengaluru's young prodigy and F4 India front‑runner; Kyle Kumaran (India) – National karting and F4 talent; Jem Hepworth (UK) – British endurance and GT racing driver.

Chennai Turbo Riders ( Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand ) Aqil Alibhai (Kenya) – Formula 4 UAE race winner with strong international pedigree; Shibin Yousaf (India) – Consist‑ ent performer in Indian circuit racing; Tijil Rao (India) – Part of India's new wave of single‑seater talent; Laura Camps Torras (Spain) – Ferrari Driver Academy alumna and standout karting graduate.

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Superstar Sudeepa acquires Bengaluru franchise

Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru to debut in Indian Racing League

A

ctor and filmmaker Kichcha Sudeepa has officially entered the world of motorsports by acquiring the Bengaluru franchise in the upcoming Indian Racing Festival.

The team will compete under the name Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru (KKB) in the city‑based racing league set to begin this August, said the team in Bengaluru in an official announcement .

The move marks Sudeep's first foray into professional motorsport ownership, aligning him with a growing list of Indian celebrities investing in franchise‑ based sports. Known for his work in Kannada cinema and pan‑ India appeal, Sudeep brings significant visibility to the Bengaluru team and the league at large. A domestic National 08 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

KKB‑ LAUNCH

representing major Indian cities, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Goa. The format blends traditional circuit racing with an entertainment‑ centric presentation, aiming to attract a wider audience to motorsport in India.

racing championship, the JK Tyre Nationals, and some promotional events are bunched with the IRL and were named together as Indian Racing

Festival. The name festival may be misleading but it is pure hard‑ core, competitive racing on offer.

The IRL features teams

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the league's promoter, said the addition of a high‑ profile figure like Sudeepa would help broaden the sport's appeal.

“The entry of a superstar like Kichcha into IRF is a game‑ changer. With KKB, we now

have a team that represents the spirit of the South, grounded and ambitious,” he said.

The 2025 season will include street circuits and permanent tracks, with teams fielding gender‑balanced driver line‑ups.

Organisers hope the combina‑ tion of competitive racing, city rivalries, and celebrity involve‑ ment will help build a new fan‑ base for motorsport in the country.

Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru is expected to unveil its driver roster and team branding in the lead‑up to the opening race .

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NEWS

Chandan Manchegowda and Musa Sherif Levitas Cup꞉ finish 2nd in their class India's bold step towards inclusive motorsport Leg. Day 2 had us running close rally tested both man and

T

he Levitas Cup is a groundbreaking new racing series founded by 21‑year‑ old racing driver Shravanthika Lakshmi from Coimbatore. As part of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship, the series brings a fresh and inclusive approach to touring car racing in India. It has been conceptualised with the aim of nurturing new talent and creating an accessible, professional platform that breaks traditional barriers within Indian motorsport.

Driven by a strong vision, the Levitas Cup was created to open new pathways for aspiring racers, especially young rookies and women. It promotes gender diversity not only among drivers but also in roles such as race officials and support staff. The series aims to combine professional racing standards with meaningful development opportunities, positioning itself as a transformative force in the Indian motorsport scene.

The championship runs a 16‑car grid featuring equally prepared racing cars built to a strict technical framework. All vehicles are engineered and maintained

by SPEEDSMITHS, a professional technical team with international and national expertise. The focus is firmly on driver talent, with standardised regulations eliminating any mechanical advantage. Drivers receive expert coaching supported by data analysis, ensuring that each 10 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

race becomes a learning experience as well as a test of skill.

With its 'Race True' philosophy at its heart, the Levitas Cup sets out to become a platform for discovering and developing the next generation of Indian racing talent. The structure includes a seasonal format of three rounds and eight races, all hosted at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. The field is divided into Pro and Rookie classes, and the series offers an 'Arrive‑and‑ Drive' format. It removes the logistical and financial barriers typically associated with motorsport. This model ensures that racing remains purely driver‑centric, giving participants a rare opportunity to compete on equal footing.

The cars used in the Levitas Cup are based on the Maruti Ignis platform, but undergo significant performance upgrades. These include performance racing coilovers, standalone ECU management, Wilwood 4‑pot big brake systems, cold air intakes, free‑ flow exhausts, alloy racing wheels, and a lighter, stiffer chassis. All cars meet FIA safety standards and come equipped with roll cages, racing seats, six‑ point harnesses, and fire extinguishers. Encrypted ECUs and identical component specifications are strictly enforced through regular technical inspections.

A

machine considering the extreme and quick weather which changed from sunny, hot and humid to heavy rain in a short span of time. The ever‑ changing terrain in each stage also made it an interesting compromise in setup.

Day 1 started well with a brilliant opening stage but power steering failure made us drop pace and nurse the car to end of

behind the leaders in the category after fixing the steering overnight. However, a sudden downpour in the latter half of the day caused heavy degradation in some sections of the stage with deep slush where even 4WD vehicles struggled to make it out.

This unfortunate situation caused us to drop well behind the leaders. Still the pair picked up a podium in their class.

Jason Saldanha and PVS Murthy win RC 2.1 class

I

ndian rally driver Jason Saldanha and experienced co‑driver PVS Murthy dished out a commanding performance in the second round of the RAAT Rally of Thailand, to clinch an impressive overall 2nd place and a victory in the RC 2.1 category, to cement their status as the front‑runners in the 2025 international rally season at Lopburi, Thailand .

In 2023, Jason made history

becoming the first Indian to win a class title in the RAAT Rally of Thailand and has since continued his upward trajectory.

Behind the wheel of a 1.4‑litre turbocharged Suzuki Swift, a 2WD machine, Saldanha was up against a field packed with more powerful 4‑wheel drive (4WD) cars. Yet his strategic driving and relentless pace secured him a place on the overall podium with a timing of 1hr, 7min, 58sec. 20.

NATIONAL RALLY 2W, BENGALURU

Abdul Wahid clinches first win of the season MRF Mogrip K1000 Rally attract close to 100 entries PHOTO BY꞉ GHANSHYAM A TIWARI

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 11

18 seconds, while Shivamogga's Privateer Darpan Darshan came in fifth.

SuperSport 165 to 260cc Group B꞉

Imran Pasha of Petronas TVS Racing, fresh off his strong showing at Nashik, ruled this class. Hero Motorsports Team Rally's Karan Kumar secured second place, 30 seconds behind, while Sachin D of Petronas TVS Racing was third with a 26‑second margin.

Privateers Kathiroli Senthil Kumar and Stephen Roy finished fourth and fifth.

Nataraj R winner of Superbike Expert upto 500 GroupA

A

bdul Wahid claimed his first victory of the 2025 season at the MRF Mogrip K1000 Rally, becoming the third Petronas TVS Racing rider to secure a win this year. The third round of the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Rally Championship (2W) 2025 unfolded near Nittur, attracting a record 98 entries.

The GodSpeed‑promoted and KMSC‑organised event featured over 51 km of Special Stages, run thrice in the forward direction—putting both riders and machines to the test.

Overall꞉

Abdul Wahid led a commanding top‑three sweep for Petronas TVS Racing, while VM Motorsports riders rounded off the top five. Season opener winner Samuel Jacob kept the pressure on, finishing second, just 17 seconds behind Abdul.

Rajendra RE, winner of the previous round, completed the podium with a further 5‑second gap.

VM Motorsports' Nataraj R followed in fourth, trailing by 1 minute and 2 seconds, while teammate Sanjay Somashekar closed the top five, another 16

12 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

seconds adrift.

SuperBike Pro Expert Upto 500cc Group A꞉

The top‑three finishers mirrored the overall standings in this class, with Abdul Wahid taking the win, followed by Samuel Jacob and Rajendra RE. SuperBike Expert Upto 500cc Group A꞉

VM Motorsports' Nataraj R took top honours in this class, with teammate Sanjay Somashekar finishing second, 16 seconds behind. Kerala rider Sinan Francis of Team Ace Mobikes secured third place with a 1 minute 25 seconds gap.

Bengalurians Yogesh P (VM Motorsports) and Kousthubha M (Privateer) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

SuperSport Upto 165cc Group B꞉

VM Motorsports continued their dominance with Nithyan L clinching the win in 41 minutes 33 seconds. Bharath L followed in second, 33 seconds behind, while Abdul Raheman took third, trailing by another 29 seconds.

Varun Kumar A narrowly missed out on the podium by 1 minute

Nithyan L winner of Supersport upto 165cc GroupB

Imran Pasha winner of Supersport 165 to 260 GroupB Rajesh Swami winner of Supersport 260 to 450cc GroupB

NATIONAL RALLY 2W, BENGALURU

SuperSport 260 to 460cc Group B꞉

Navneeth Kumar winner of Superstock 165 to 260cc GroupD

VM Motorsports' Rajesh Swami delivered a dominant performance, finishing with a 1 minute 27 seconds lead over Madhusudhan S, a Privateer from Shivamogga. Hemanth M (VM Motorsports) took the third spot, 23 seconds further back.

Privateer M Rajesh Kumar from Bengaluru placed fourth, trailing by 1 minute 32 seconds, while another Privateer from Mettupalayam claimed fifth, just 14 seconds behind.

Scooters Upto 210cc Group B꞉

Petronas TVS Racing's Karthik N and Shamim Khan sealed a 1‑2 finish, separated by just 28 seconds. Goutham N, a Privateer from Bengaluru, completed the podium, trailing by 36 seconds.

Bengaluru's Aditya Dutt and Dilip Kumar M, both Privateers, took fourth and fifth.

Women's Class Upto 460cc Group B꞉

Karthik N winner of Scooters upto 210cc GroupB

Aishwarya Pissay of Petronas TVS Racing continued her dominance in the women's category, keeping Chennai's Privateer Ryhana Bee at bay with a comfortable margin of 2 minutes 05 seconds.

Coimbatore's Mynthuri Iswarya, another Privateer, rounded off the podium in third.

Devraj Venkatesh winner of Superstock 260 to 450cc GroupD

Aishwarya Pissay winner of Women’s class upto 460cc GroupB

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Samuel wins season opener

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NATIONAL 2W RALLY, INDORE

Nataraj R winner of Superbike Expert upto 500 GroupA

Banteilang Jyrwa winner of Supersport 165 to 260 GroupB

Aishwarya Pissay returns to domestic circuit in style

PHOTO BY꞉ GHANSHYAM A TIWARI

T

he season opener of the MRF MoGrip FMSCI N a t i o n a l R a l l y Championship 2025 for two‑ wheelers roared to life at the NATRAX facility in Pithampur, Indore, with the MRF Rally of Indore. The rally featured a 17.1 km stage run thrice in the forward direction, totalling 51.3 km. The event was promoted by Godspeed and organized by AW Events in May 2025.

Super Bike – Pro Expert (Up to 500cc Group A)꞉ Samuel Jacob from Kerala emerged victorious in the Super Bike Pro‑Expert up to 500cc Group A category, clocking a total time of 48 minutes and 34 seconds. He edged out Abdul Wahid Tanveer from Mysuru by less than four seconds. Although defending champion Rajendra RE from Shivamogga was the fastest overall, holding a 10‑second lead, a 1‑minute liaison penalty for early check‑in pushed him down to third. Rajendra dominated the first and final stages, while Samuel capitalised on Stage 2, giving Petronas TVS Racing a clean sweep of the top three positions.

Super Bike – Expert (Up to 500cc Group A)꞉ Defending champion Nataraj R from Mysuru, representing VM Motorsports, won the Super Bike Expert class with a time of 52 minutes and 20 seconds.

Teammate Naresh VS from Bengaluru followed, 58 seconds behind. Aman Pawde, a privateer from Nagpur, secured third place, trailing Naresh by 39 seconds. Sinan Francis from

Team Ace Mobikes, Ernakulam, missed the podium by 1 minute and 17 seconds, while Amogh Nag, a privateer from Bengaluru, came in fifth, 34 seconds adrift.

Super Sport (Up to 165cc Group B)꞉ Abdul Raheman from Shivamogga clinched victory in the Super Sport up to 165cc Group B class. VM Motorsports dominated the podium with Bengaluru riders Bharath L finishing second, 1 minute and

21 seconds behind, and Varun Kumar A securing third by a slender one‑second margin.

Privateers Nithyan L (Coimbatore) and Dheeraj H (Shivamogga) rounded off the top five.

Super Sport (165cc to 260cc Group B)꞉ Petronas TVS Racing's Banteilang Jyrwa topped the 165cc to 260cc Group B category with a time of 50 minutes and 15 seconds. Arun T from Hassan,

Winners group Photograph JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 15

Abdul Raheman winner Supersport upto 165 GroupB

Rajesh Swami winner of Supersport 260 to 450 GroupB

Mudigere finished second, 1 minute and 55 seconds behind, while Bengaluru's Hemanth M (VM Motorsports) secured third with a 1 minute and 9 seconds gap. Privateers Suhas SS (Piriyapatna) and Darshan Chaure (Nashik) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Scooter (Up to 210cc Group B)꞉ In the scooter category, Petronas TVS Racing swept the podium.

Syed Asif Ali won with a total time of 59 minutes and 37 seconds, followed by Karthik N, 38 seconds behind, and Shamim Khan, a further 20 seconds adrift.

Privateer Dilip Kumar M (Bengaluru) and VM Motor‑ sports' Goutham N secured fourth and fifth, respectively.

Women's Class (Up to 450cc Group C)꞉ Aishwarya Pissay marked her return to the National Rally with a comman‑ ding victory in the Women's up to 450cc Group C class.

Representing Petronas TVS Racing, she finished 2 minutes and 14 seconds ahead of Jaipur privateer Somyya Chaudhary.

Misriya KS from Ernakulam, riding for Team Ace Mobikes, took third. Sneha CC from Thrissur (VM Motorsports) came fourth, while her teammate

Superstock 260 to 450cc GroupD winner Devaraj Venkatesh

representing Hero Motorsports Team Rally, finished second, trailing by 19 seconds, while Imran Pasha from Mysuru, also with Petronas TVS Racing, was third, 18 seconds behind. Hero Motorsports' Karan Kumar (Coimbatore) and Yuva Kumar (Bengaluru) completed the top five.

Super Sport (260cc to 460cc Group B)꞉ Rajesh Swami from Raigad, representing VM Motorsports, took top honors in the 260cc to 460cc Group B class. Privateer Syed Aqib from 16 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

Jagadeesh G winner of Superstock 165 to 260cc GroupD

NATIONAL 2W RALLY, INDORE Ryhana Bee from Chennai did not finish.

Super Stock (165cc to 260cc Group D)꞉ Coimbatore's Jagadeesh G clocked 59 minutes and 24 seconds to win the Super Stock 165cc to 260cc Group D class. Navaneeth Kumar from Pondicherry finished second, 19 seconds behind, and Nitish Chaudhari from Mumbai followed in third, just 5 seconds adrift. Jes David (Jaipur) and Joseph Jinu AA (Ernakulam) completed the top five.

Super Stock (260cc to 450cc Group D)꞉ Bengaluru's Devaraj Venkatesh won the 260cc to 450cc Group D class with a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 14 seconds. Chetan B Hosatti from Hubli finished second, 59 seconds behind. Durgesh J from Mysuru (Team Ace Mobikes) secured third, while teammates Arun Joy M and Sreekanth Komana from Ernakulam finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Nilesh Thakare from Nashik came sixth.

Star of Madhya Pradesh꞉ Local rider Shadab Karim Chishti from Indore took top honours in the “Star of Madhya Pradesh” class, followed by Harshit Chourasiya from Gurgaon.

NATIONAL 2W RALLY, NASHIK

Rajendra RE dominates; Aishwarya tops Newbie Somyya in impressive 2nd

H

ardworking Rajendra RE secured a deserving victory at the MRF Rally of Nashik, the second round of the MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Rally Championship 2025 for Two‑Wheelers promoted by Godspeed, held on the outskirts of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik on June 15. The tarmac stage, 17 km long, was run three times for a total rally distance of 51 km.

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 17

Sanjay Somashekar winner, Expert upto 500 GroupA

Nithyan winner of Supersport upto 165cc GroupA

Rajesh Swami winner of Supersport 260 to 460cc GroupD

Overall꞉ Shivamogga's Rajendra RE, riding for Petronas TVS Racing, reclaimed his dominance after a penalty denied him the win in the season opener.

Although he had a slow start, finishing 23 seconds behind stage leader Imran Pasha in the opener, Rajendra bounced back to take the lead in the second stage. He then improved on his own timing in the final run, clinching victory with an 18‑ second lead.

His teammate Abdul Wahid Tanveer showed consistency by improving in every stage and secured second place. Imran Pasha finished third, 14 seconds behind, while Samuel Jacob was fourth, just 9 seconds adrift.

Karan Kumar of Hero MotoSports Team Rally rounded out the top five, only one second behind Samuel.

Imran Pasha winner of Supersport 165 to 260cc GroupB

Syed Asif Ali winner Scooter upto 210cc GroupB 18 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

Pro Expert Up to 500cc Group A꞉ Petronas TVS Racing dominated this category, with Rajendra RE taking top honours.

Abdul Wahid followed in second, and Samuel Jacob claimed third, finishing 14 seconds behind Wahid. Nikhil Balakrishna, a privateer from Nashik, secured a commendable fourth place.

Expert Up to 500cc Group A꞉ Bengaluru's Sanjay Somashekar (VM Motorsports) took the win with a 21‑second lead over teammate Nataraj R. Privateer Sinan Francis from Ernakulam completed the podium, trailing

Nataraj by 44 seconds.

Kaushubha M, also a privateer from Bengaluru, finished fourth (36 seconds behind), followed by Gidyun (VM Motorsports) and Jatin Jain, a privateer from Nagpur, in fifth and sixth.

Super Sport Up to 165cc Group B꞉ Nithyan L from Coimbatore clinched the win in this VM Motorsports‑dominated class.

Abdul Raheman finished second, just 7 seconds behind, while Bharath L secured third despite a 1‑minute 33‑second gap.

Shivamogga privateers Dheeraj H (who missed the podium by under 2 seconds) and Darpan Darshan finished fourth and fifth.

Super Sport 165cc to 260cc Group B꞉ Imran Pasha (Petronas TVS Racing) topped the class, with Karan Kumar (Hero MotoSports Team Rally) trailing by 11 seconds in second.

Banteilang Jyrwa (Petronas TVS Racing) finished third, 26 seconds behind. His teammate Sachin D narrowly missed the podium by just 6 seconds, finishing fourth. Kathuroli Senthil Kumar, a privateer from Jaipur, was fifth, while Yuva Kumar (Hero MotoSports) ended sixth.

Super Sport 260cc to 460cc Group B꞉ Rajesh Narajan Swami (VM Motorsports, Raigad) won the class, with privateer Akbar from Coimbatore in second, 33 seconds behind. Madhusudhan S, a privateer from Shivamogga, secured third, trailing Akbar by

NATIONAL 2W RALLY, NASHIK

Women’s class winner Aishwarya Pissay

20 seconds. Hemanth M (VM Motorsports) and privateer Syed Aqib from Chikkamagaluru took fourth and fifth places.

Scooter Up to 210cc Group B꞉ Petronas TVS Racing dominated again, with Syed Asif Ali winning in 48 minutes and 21 seconds, followed by Shamim Khan in second. Goutham N (VM Motorsports) secured a clear third. Privateer Devendra Dattatray Gunjal (Nashik) finished fourth, while Karthik N and Hiten D Thakkar completed the top six.

Women's Class Up to 460cc Group B꞉ Aishwarya Pissay of Petronas TVS Racing overcame early bike issues that cost her over a minute in Stage 1 but bounced back to take her second consecutive win. Privateer Somyya Chaudhary, after leading the first stage and appearing poised for victory, suffered mechanical issues in the final stage and lost over 2 minutes 30 seconds, sliding to third. Fellow privateer and former national champion in racing, Ryhana Bee, took second place.

Super Stock 165cc to 260cc Group D꞉ A class dominated by privateers saw Jagadeesh from Coimbatore win with a 32‑ second lead over Ashutosh Kaushik (Haridwar). Thangaraj, also from Coimbatore, secured third. Vishnu Sachin Jith (Thrissur) narrowly missed the podium by 8 seconds, followed

Superstock 165 to 260cc GroupD winner Jagadeesh

by Pradeep C (Bengaluru) and Jeevanandham D (Coimbatore) in fifth and sixth.

Super Stock 260cc to 460cc Group D꞉ Chetan Hosatti (Hubballi) won this class with a time of 51 minutes and 58 seconds. Durgesh J (Mysuru) was second, 1 minute 11 seconds behind, while Shivam Sonawane (Nashik) claimed third with a further 1 minute 3 second deficit.

Nilesh Thakre (Nashik) finished fourth, just 4 seconds behind, after losing over 30 seconds in the final stage while checking on Devaraj Venkatesh (VM Motorsports), the class leader at the time, who had slid into a ditch but still completed the rally in fifth.

Superstock 260 to 450cc GroupD winner Chetan Hosatti

Star of Maharashtra꞉ Mumbai privateer Clinton John Cordeiro won the class with a total time of 49 minutes and 44 seconds, finishing with a commanding 1 minute 30 second lead over Abhishek M Pardeshi (Nashik).

Abhimanyu Ray (Pune) placed third, 58 seconds behind, including liaison penalties.

Amarendra Sathe (Pune) and Omkar Kantilal Lokhande (Nashik) rounded out the top five.

Winners group Photograph JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 19

Karna Kadur, Musa Sherif dominate INRC season opener

Tarushi Vikram clinches Women INRC win on debut

T

he season opener of the BlueBand FMSCI Indian N a t i o n a l R a l l y Championship 2025, the South India Rally, began with a short notice. It is the fourth season under the banner of promoter Blueband Sports. The last minute approval as the INRC round, put the participants count just below 49, and among the same INRC participants, 20 were part of the APRC which was run concurrently with the Indu Chandhok Memorial 48th South India Rally 2025.

2O autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

Rising temperature and the harsh heat wave was the biggest challenge which put the whole rallying fraternity to test.

Especially, the ground staff and competitors had to shield themselves from extreme heat and the resultant dehydration.

The same Super Special Stage (SSS), Madras Motorsports Race Track (MMRT) stage and Aavisa were in the menu. The latter two were taken on multiple times to put the total special stage distance, along with SSS, at 135.66 km.

Overall꞉ It was a near‑flawless drive in the Volkswagen Polo by the 36‑year‑ old Karna Kadur who was greatly aided by his experienced co‑ driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod as the MRF supported duo from Arka Motorsports combined beautifully to clinch the crown in the first round of the BlueBand Fmsci Indian National Championship 2025. They also managed to extend the overnight lead by additional 46sec amounting to 1min 50sec lead over their teammate and

England‑based former National champion Amittrajit Ghosh co‑ driven by Ashwin Naik from Mangaluru.

Ghosh had to overcome a misbehaving VW Polo, which was put together about three days before the event, after his Mahindra XUV 300 packed up during testing. Also struggling throughout the weekend with clutch issues, they had to slow down and despite these issues with their VW Polo, they did well.

The Keralites pair of Fabid Ahmer and Milen George from

Karna Kadur and Musa Sherif overall winners

Fabid Ahmer and Milen George winners INRC2

Chettinad Sporting, supported

by MRF, began the day in fourth position with 4‑sec deficit. But they managed to climb up a position by the end of the fourth

stage of the day. The Delhi based driver Philippos Matthai along with Bengalurian Harish KN from Arka Motorsports, began the day in third but retired with a

mechanical problem about five kms to the finish of the day's last Special Stage.

The Bengaluru pair of Pragathi Gowda along with Chandramouli M, supported by MRF and Sidvin, in a Chettinad Sporting tuned car, began the day with 14‑sec deficit behind Fabid and were consistently improving on their own timing on the final day.

Despite being slower by over 30sec in the final stage, they managed to finish in fourth position with 1min 14sec difference.

Arnav Pratap Singh along with Rohit Nagaraj began the day with 27‑sec difference. Though he was improving on his own timing, he lost ground and in the final stage, they were behind by about 82sec. With a total time of 2min 02sec difference, they finished fifth.

INRC1꞉ The two overall top slots were bagged by the same winners of this class. Karna Kadur along with Musa Sherif were the winners, with Amittrajit Ghosh and Ashwin Naik in second. The third position belonged to driver Suhem Kabir, who made a comeback into rallying after a season's break. He, along with Vinay Padmashali from Bengaluru, finished a clear third.

Bengalurians Monish L and Manjunath GM rejoined on the

4W NATIONAL RALLY

final day but had to pull out in the final stage with just 2 km remaining due to a right‑side drive shaft issue. The final day was no different for the pair of Chetan Shivram and Shiv Prakash; after losing about 9 minutes on SS6, they once again had to retire in the second stage of the day.

INRC2꞉ Keralites Fabid Ahmer and Milen George from Chettinad Sporting, supported by MRF, managed to overcome the 5‑second overnight deficit and secured the win with a 1‑minute 13‑second lead. The lone lady driver from Bengaluru, Pragathi Gowda, along with Chandramouli M, also from Chettinad Sporting supported by MRF and Sidvin, fin i s h e d s e c o n d . T h e A rk a Motorsports pair of Harkrishan Wadia and Kunal Kashyap from Delhi, despite a 2‑minute Day One penalty, managed to hold on to the podium with a 15‑ second margin.

INRC3꞉ The pair of Arnav Pratap Singh from Haryana and Rohit Nagaraj began the day with a 25‑second advantage over the second‑ placed pair of Vishakh from Coimbatore and Chiranth Jain driving for Chettinad Sporting.

They were lucky to hold on to their overnight top position with a narrow 2‑second lead, having

Overall winners on Podium JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 21

Tarushi Vikram and Vybhav Mukund Rao winner of Women’s class

lost about 80 seconds in the final stage.

Karna Kadur꞉ “After a long time, we had a trouble‑free run. The car was great, and just about everything fell into place. We had carefully planned our strategy, and it was executed flawlessly. We could have gone faster, but in view of the rising temperature, we had to exercise some caution. A few competitors suffered as they didn't back off, and having seen this, I kept something in reserve in case I needed to push hard. Anyway, it's a good start to the season. Also, my co‑driver Musa's calls were spot‑on, and it greatly helped.”

INRC3T꞉ Ramcharan C and Vignesh Mahalingam from Coimbatore, driving for Falkon Motorsports, were the winners with a total time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 22 seconds. Naveen Puligilla from Hyderabad and Santosh Thomas finished second with a 2‑minute 43‑second difference.

Jeet Jhabakh from Hyderabad and V. Sekar from Coimbatore overcame the previous day's setback and managed to complete the rally in third place.

JINRC winners Abhin Rai and Moideen Jasheer

The pair of Abhin Rai and Moideen Jasheer from Snap Racing completed the podium with a 51‑second gap. Vaibhav Marathe from Goa and Arvind Dheerendra from Bengaluru narrowly missed the podium by just 3 seconds. Coimbatorians Ajay Sankar and Venu Ramesh Kumar finished in fifth, 1 minute and 27 seconds behind.

Women's Class꞉ Another notable performance came from Chikkamagaluru‑ based teenager Tarushi Vikram, 22 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

despite gearbox mounting issues. She, along with Bengalurian Vybhav Mukund Rao from Chettinad Sporting, took the honours, displaying great pace and control.

Overnight leader Meghalaya's Phoebe Nongrum, along with Nash Ross, began the day strongly by improving their timings and extending their lead.

However, misfortune struck again as they lost about 3 minutes in the final two stages due to tie rod issues, eventually slipping to second.

There was no relief for the pair of Anushriya Gulati and Karan Aukta. They faced mechanical problems and recorded poor timings in both the first and final stages of the day, but still managed to clock the fastest times in three of the five stages and finished third.

JINRC꞉ Abhin Rai along with Moideen Jasheer secured the win with a comfortable 1‑minute 30‑ second lead. Coimbatorians Ajay Shankar and Venu Ramesh Kumar from Falkon Motorsports finished second, while RB Kharbirymbai and Dhanush CP from Snap Racing came a distinct third.

4W NATIONAL RALLY

lucky in the end with Philippos retiring, and I managed to gain over 50 seconds on my rivals today.

Ramcharan C and Vignesh Mahalingam winners INRC3T

GYPSY꞉ Veteran rallyist Sanjay Agarwal from Bengaluru, along with co‑ driver Dheeraj Manae, also from Bengaluru, won the category with a 2‑minute 16‑second lead over second‑placed Kariappa Mekerira from Kodagu and Supreeth Sagar from Bengaluru.

Pankaj Dutt and Jibran Ahmed managed to hold on to third place with an 8‑minute 26‑ second deficit. After pulling out on the Aavisa stage on Day One, Dr. Akarsh Sundar and Arjun Dheerendra, both from

Bengaluru, rejoined and finished fourth.

Amittrajit Ghosh꞉ “We had issues with the car throughout the weekend. Today, we lost the clutch, and it slowed us down. But considering everything, including having only a few days to prepare this VW Polo, we did pretty well.”

Harkrishan Wadia꞉ “The two‑ minute penalty I copped yesterday for early check‑in really hurt. Though I was on

pace through both days, those two minutes kept pulling me down. However, I guess I got

CLASSIC꞉ Bengalurians Pramod Raman and Dheeraj KV, after being hit by stones on the Aavisa stage the previous day, began the final day with a 1‑minute 20‑second advantage. They had to defend their position against rally debutant Siddartha Santhosh and co‑driver Sawan Sathyanarayan from Bengaluru.

Siddartha was closing the gap by clocking a few fastest stage times, but lost 2 minutes in the final stage, having to settle for second.

Thus, with a final difference of 1 minute and 12 seconds, Pramod was declared the winner. Satish P and Dr. Dinesh S from Shivamogga finished a clear third.

Women’s class podium

INRC3T winners of podium

JINRC class winners JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 23

Two old drivers, one insane dream꞉ The comeback story of Sangeeth & Sachin

“When Death Finds You, May It Find You Alive”

I

n the adrenaline‑fuelled world of rally racing, where milliseconds matter and crashes are a constant companion, two 48‑year‑old men are tearing up gravel and expectations. Meet Sangeeth Samuel and Sachin Bopanna, childhood dreamers, insane motorsport addicts, and now, the very likely comeback kings.

This isn't just a racing story. It's a life story of detours, delays, devotion, and a decision to 'feel truly alive' again… in their own words.

The First Lap — Where It All Began

For Sangeeth Samuel, motorsport was always the dream.

But dreams often come with a price tag. “When you don't have the money to compete as a driver, the best thing you can do is co‑drive,” he reflects.

24 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

He entered the motorsport arena in 2006 as a co‑driver, learning the ropes, soaking in the chaos, and even winning a few events. Occasionally, he slipped into the driver's seat for autocross events, tasting the thrill he truly longed for.

Then came 2013! A brief, glorious moment when Red Rooster Racing and mentors like Leela Krishna, Dinesh Reddy, along with good friend, Karna Kadur, put him behind the wheel of a Maruti Esteem in a National rally. It was electric. It was everything. And it was over just as fast.

Life in the Pit Stop

Real life hit hard. Sangeeth stepped away from the track.

Not by choice, but by necessity. “Motorsport is expensive,” he says plainly. “And I had to survive.”

SANGEET SAMUEL ‑ FEATURE Years passed. Responsibilities grew. The wheel turned—just not the rally kind. But something in Sangeeth never let go.

The Comeback — Gifted a Dream

On his 48th birthday in 2024, fate intervened in the form of family. His cousin and close friend, Asool Albert, gifted him a fully prepared rally car. Around the same time, a friend sent him a quote that landed like lightning꞉

“When death finds you, may it find you alive.”

That line did more than inspire. It shook him awake. “I realized I wasn't living fully,” he says. “Motorsport had always been my way to feel alive. It was time to come back.”

Together with Asool, he launched Ford John Motorsports in memory of their grandfather, “Ford John” of Thrissur fame. It wasn't just a team. It was a resurrection.

Back in the Seat — Where the Soul Belongs

Re‑entry after 14 years was no joyride. The reflexes came back, sure—but so did the pressure, the fear, and the cost.

Training with motorsport pros like Chetan Shivaram, Snap

Racing, Philippos Matthai, and Karna Kadur, Sangeeth rebuilt a car from scratch, prepped for the 2025 Indian National Rally Championship, and stared down the start line once again.

“When that 5‑second countdown begins, everything you are, everything you've lived, flashes by. And then you drive.”

Round 1꞉

Trial by Fire (and Gravel)

The first round at Chennai was anything but smooth. Day 1 was bumpy. New car. New rhythm. New co‑driver.

Day 2 Total chaos. During Stage 5, the duo hit a corner too fast. The car flipped twice. They landed sideways. Dazed.

Out of breath. Out of the race? Well Almost!

“We were ready to call it,” Sangeeth recalls. But not Sachin Bopanna. He insisted they get the car back on four wheels.

And they did.

“That moment wasn't just about finishing the rally,” Sangeeth says. “It was about reclaiming our lives.”

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 25

SANGEET SAMUEL‑ FEATURE

Meet the Co‑Driver꞉ Sachin Bopanna

Hailing from Coorg, India's motorsport heartland, Sachin Bopanna wears many hats; event manager, coffee planter, ex‑ hockey player. His rally journey began in 1996. He joined the Maruti Motorsport team in 2001 and even co‑founded the Storm Music Festival. He has managed over 7,000 events across the country.

But the rally bucket list never faded. In 2024, he stepped into the co‑driver's seat. By 2025, he joined forces with Sangeeth. “It was now or never,” he laughs.

“We may be 48, but we drive like we're 28.” And you need to be on the stages, braving the dust, to watch their deeds in speed!

The Man Who Makes Trophies—Now Chasing One

Here's the twist꞉ Sangeeth is also the founder of Sangeeth Samuel Designs, a trophy company that crafts stunning awards for national motorsport events.

Walk into any champion's house, and chances are one of his creations is on their shelf.

“But I'm not chasing a trophy,” he says with a smile. “I'm chasing the journey.”

Built by Life, Fueled by Faith

The years off the track weren't idle. Sangeeth built businesses.

Raised a family. Even battled and recovered from multiple sclerosis. “I was healed, spiritually and physically. That's why this comeback isn't just a return. It's a redemption,” he noted. His wife was understandably anxious. “But she knew I needed this. It was unfinished business with my own soul,” he added.

ACTION FROM THEIR COMEBACK SOUTH INDIA RALLY

matter how prepared you are, life throws surprises,” Sangeeth says. “But you adapt. You hold the wheel tighter. You keep going.”

The comeback has transformed more than just his calendar. He's dropped weight, sharpened mentally, reconnected spiritually, and he inspires a generation that's long forgotten how to chase joy.

“Too many people over 40 let their passions fade. I want to tell them, 'wake up!'. Pick that dream back up. Chase it.”

The Tattoo That Says It All

After losing his mother in 2024, Sangeeth was emotionally spent.

That's when a friend sent him that now‑famous quote. “When death finds you, may it find you alive.”

It hit so deep, he had it tattooed on his arm. “Most people die long before

Lessons from the Track to Life

“Motorsport teaches you that no 26 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

SANGEET SAMUEL

Driver SANGEET SAMUEL & C0‑Driver SACHIN BOPANNA

they actually die. That line brought me back to life,” he feels.

The Real Race to Watch

This isn't just a story about stages and seconds.

It's about two men defying t i m e , expectation , a n d

gravity. “Follow the rally if you want,” Sangeeth says. “But more importantly, follow us. Two old guys with one insane dream.”

Follow Their Journey꞉ Instagram꞉ @thesangeethsamuel | @bops.sachin Sponsorships, partners, and dreamers welcome.

This isn't the end, it's just Stage One! The beginning of a new story!

APRC, INDIA

car was great and just about everything fell into place. We had carefully planned our strategy, and it was executed flawlessly. We could have gone faster, but in view of the rising temperature, we had to exercise some caution. A few competitors suffered as they did not back off and having seen this, I kept something in reserve in case I needed to push hard. Anyway, it's a good start to the season.

Also, my co‑driver Musa's calls were spot‑on, and it greatly helped,” he said.

Triumphant comeback for Karna Kadur, Musa Sherif in APRC

Harkrishan Wadia and Harish KN had the pace but ended up third

A

fter a lapse of three years, Bengaluru's reigning National champion Karna Kadur of Arka Motorsports along with experienced co‑driver Musa Sherif, won the India round of the FIA‑Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2025 which was held concurrently with the Blueband Fmsci Indian National Championship 2025 at the Madras International Circuit and nearby stages in April.

It was a near‑flawless drive in the Volkswagen Polo by the 36‑year‑ old Kadur who was greatly aided by his experienced co‑driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod as the duo combined beautifully to also clinch the crown to begin the season on a positive note.

The Arka Motorsports duo, Kadur and Sherif, started cautiously in the first stage of the day which was won by Amittrajit Ghosh and co‑driver Ashwin Naik. However, despite enjoying

a cushion of over a minute lead, Kadur displayed controlled aggression to win all the other three stages on the final day to win with a handsome lead of 1min, 50.8 seconds.

Finishing second in APRC was Kadur's team‑mate and England‑based former National champion Amittrajit Ghosh (co‑ driver Ashwin Naik, Mangaluru) while Delhi's Harkrishan Wadia (co‑driver Harish KN, Bengaluru) completed the APRC podium after Philippos Matthai (Harish KN), who was running third, retired with a mechanical problem about five Kms from the finish of the day's last Special Stage.

ahead of overnight leader Arnav Pratap Singh (Rohit N) and Abhin Rai (MoideenJasheer KM).

Kadur attributed his success to a judicial blend of caution and aggression. “After a long time, we had a trouble‑free run. The

Ghosh had to overcome a misbehaving VW Polo which was put together about three days before the event after his Mahindra XUV 300 packed up during testing. “We had issues with the car throughout the weekend. Today, we lost the clutch, and it slowed us down.

But considering everything, including having only a few days to prepare this VW Polo, we did pretty well.”

Wadia could hardly believe his luck in finishing third in APRC. “The two‑minute penalty I copped yesterday for early check‑in at the start, hurt me a lot. Though I was on pace through the two days, two minutes kept getting added to my time. However, I guess, I got lucky in the end with Philippos retiring while I made 50‑plus seconds on my rivals today.”

Wadia, who drove brilliantly today, made a lot of ground to make up a two‑minute penalty he had received yesterday for an early check‑in at the Start Time Control to win the Junior APRC (28 years and younger) class JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 27

Peregrine Racing꞉

A breeding ground for brillance

In late 2015, all Rohaan wanted was to race. What he got instead was a team, a family, and a movement.

It began simply. Madesh Lakshman, a paper manufacturer by trade, with no motorsport background, besides being a Formula 1 fan for over 25 years, found himself watching his sons, Rohaan and Ishaan, fall in love with the thrill of karting. They joined a team, but within a month, the team shut down. The boys had their karts, the mechanics had no work, and something had to be done.

So they did it, and it was called Peregrine Racing.

What started as a personal effort to keep two kids racing grew into a full‑fledged team. For the first two years, it was just Rohaan and Ishaan, including a couple of others. But the front two drivers had one goal. Slowly, as friends on the track noticed the set‑up, more children came. More parents followed. And something rare began to take shape꞉ a racing team built not for business, but for belief.This 28 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

wasn't about talent scouting or chasing podiums. “Every child who walks in deserves a chance,” says Madesh. “It's not about who's the fastest today. It's about who wants it enough to stay tomorrow.”And many did stay. From budget‑conscious parents who never imagined their child could race, to international talents like Gabriel Baur from Brazil, each found a place, not just on the track, but in a community. A space where parents had a say, where training wasn't manipulated to impress, and where kids were taught that the race is just one part of growing up.

The team's technical backbone came from sheer resourcefulness. With support from seasoned tuners in Malaysia and the UK, and access to gently‑used factory equipment at a fraction of the cost, the team managed to offer world‑class standards without the inflated price tag.

They trained hard, raced fair, and let the results speak. And they did.

Multiple national titles. Multiple representations at international circuits.

Back‑to‑back championship wins. Ishaan, a

seven‑time champ. Rohaan, four titles and multiple podiums in the MRF 2000 series.

From micro‑class to MRF 2000, the team proved that India could not just keep up, but lead.The pandemic tested them, but didn't break them. Training continued wherever possible. The Dubai base opened soon after, allowing Indian drivers to train and race affordably on international circuits. Europe is next.What makes this story special isn't just the medals, it's the moments. Like the decision to move Rohaan a year early to avoid sibling rivalry. Or the founder's refusal to change tyres just to impress a parent. Or the quiet pride when a child, once written off, out‑qualifies seasoned European racers with nothing but Indian training.This isn't a business. It's a commitment. A team that shapes young racers into grounded individuals. Where every decision, from race strategy to schooling, is discussed with parents. Where every child matters.Today, there are 16 championships to their name.

But what they've really built is a legacy of purpose. Of grit. Of doing it the right way.Because sometimes, when you're just trying to help your kids chase a dream, you end up creating something much bigger.

AMEYA WALAVALKAR

AMEYA WALAVALKAR, MADESH LAKSHMAN & PONRAJ THANGARAJ

SUPPORT STAFF

PONRAJ THANGARAJ

Ponraj Thangaraj didn't come from a racing pedigree. He started as a car mechanic in Delhi, working quietly in workshops, until motorsport found him. Since 2006, he's journeyed through India's top teams, learning not from textbooks, but by tearing down engines, listening to their pulse, and tuning for perfection. He joined Peregrine with just three young drivers, Rohan and Ishaan among them. No one taught him set‑ ups. He learned by observation, trial, and relentless patience. He tuned by ear, adapted to each child's style, and quietly built a system where even the smallest feedback mattered. Today, he's not just a mechanic, he's the technical backbone and emotional anchor of the team. Ponraj's engines have powered champions in India, Dubai, Malaysia, and even to second place at the World Finals. But he still believes his best is yet to come.

“The Indian flag has to be first,” he says.

“Not second.”

He's fiercely loyal, humble to a fault, and deeply grateful to those who believed in him.

Especially Madesh 'sir', the team's founder, who he credits with his journey from 'zero' to where he is now. For Ponraj, this isn't a job. It's family. It's heart. And every kart he touches carries a piece of that spirit across the finish line.

Ameya Walavalkar's journey in motorsport spans over two decades—first as a fierce competitor, now as a coach who brings both grit and grace to the track. A seven‑time national champion and the first (and only) Indian team captain to win the prestigious 24‑ hour endurance karting race, Ameya knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level. After years behind the wheel, he stepped away from racing, until a call from a close friend brought him back. This time, not to compete, but to mentor. Joining Peregrine in late 2023, Ameya found a shared vision꞉ a commitment to grassroots development, discipline, and uncompromising honesty.

What truly sets him apart is his instinctive, human‑centric approach. He doesn't just coach technique—he reads people. Every session is tailored, every insight built around how each driver learns, not just how they drive. For Ameya, talent is only the beginning.

Beyond that, it's determination, mindset, and discipline that separate good drivers from great racers. He doesn't sell Formula 1 pipe dreams—instead, he helps young drivers discover the broader world of motorsport, where passion can genuinely become a profession. Having lived on both sides of the grid, as a champion and a mentor, Ameya isn't just building better drivers. He's shaping racers built to last.

SENIOR

PEREGRINE RACING-FEATURE

ISHAN MADESH

Ishaan Madesh didn't care much for karting when he began. Show jumping horses had his heart, until a coach nudged his father to try putting seven‑year‑old Ishaan on track. “I really didn't want to race,” he admits. “In my first year, I finished last in every single race.”

But losing didn't sit well with him. That off‑ season changed everything. Ishaan returned the next year, won his first national karting championship, and made history as the youngest winner in his category, driving a car no one expected to be competitive.

Now 16, the seven‑time national champion and two‑time Meritus champ is not coasting on talent alone. “Unlike my brother Rohaan, who relies heavily on intuition and still wins, I rely on strategy,” he says. “Every race, I plan down to the smallest detail.”

He's now moving into single‑seaters, with his eyes on F3 and beyond. “We're now focussed on the MRF 2000 this season,” he adds, “but the goal is to build up the right way.”

Between downforce, tyre grip, and talk of rear‑wing settings, Ishaan's ambitions are clear. If the Maini brothers once lit up Indian motorsport, the Madesh brothers could well be next in line.

PRARTHANA MURUGAVEL

Prarthana is the silent strategist of the team, blending sharp data analysis with an intuitive coaching style that speaks to every driver, from first‑timers to future champions. Armed with the Micron, she decodes telemetry like a second language, RPM, speed, g‑forces, GPS lines, transforming raw numbers into razor‑ sharp feedback. But what sets her apart isn't just the data, it's how she translates it for a 7‑ year‑old to understand, adapt, and thrive. She picked up data analysis while she was racing herself, learnt how to read the charts and applied it in her own driving. Prarthana represented India at the APMC and won gold for the country in karting slalom (2023), and has been awarded for accomplishments in the JK Tyre and MRF Championships.

She doesn't just coach. She teaches drivers to think, to feel, and to know the kart. From smoothing out steering to chasing those elusive tenths, she finds speed not just in the machine, but in the mindset. Ask anyone on the team, Prarthana isn't just a data analyst.

She's the difference between good and great.

ISHAAN MADESH JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 29

VARUN PRAVEEN

Because in the end, speed alone isn't enough.

Racing is about rhythm and feel, about knowing your limits and learning how to stretch them. It's about trust… in the kart, the team, and yourself.

It began, as it often does, on the couch.

S u n d a y evenings in Chennai, Formula 1 playing softly

VIANNA SHAH For most teens, a birthday party means cake and games. For Vianna, it sparked a dream.

One karting party lit the fire, and she took it from there. She researched tracks, discovered Ajmera in Mumbai, and convinced her parents to let her try. Soon, she was training, racing, and chasing lap times.

VARUN PRAVEEN

ROHAAN MADESH

ROHAAN MADESH Rohaan's karting journey began at just seven, watching F1 with his dad and tagging along to the racetrack. What started as a weekend hobby soon became serious when his family started a professional team, and pushed him to pursue racing with intent. “I used to put in a lot of effort,” he says. “Now I just show up a day before the race, and usually win.” That confidence isn't misplaced.

Rohaan has clinched three junior titles and a senior championship, crediting his instinctive racecraft. “Karting comes naturally to me,” he adds. “It irritates the others, but I don't need as much prep anymore.”

Despite his karting success, Rohaan chose not to chase Formula racing too seriously.

“F1's a long shot. You need sponsors, luck, and relentless work. Moreover, I enjoy karting more because it's closer to the ground and there's more bumper‑to‑bumper action.”

After dabbling in Formula 4, he chose to focus on school at Canadian International and plans to study in the US, while still karting for fun.

He cites Lewis Hamilton as his inspiration.

“His older racing days were brilliant,” Rohaan says. As for sibling rivalry, he admits there's always been friendly competition with his younger brother, Ishaan. “The usual 'I'm better' stuff,” he grins.

This season, unlike the last, where he only participated in a few rounds, he's all in. Now to see what he's made of.

30 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

in the background, Vettel sweeping through corners with measured precision. Varun watched quietly and intently. Even then, something was forming꞉ an instinct for movement, for timing, for the craft behind the blur.

He began homeschooling with the idea of karting in mind, but the pandemic delayed everything. The start came later than planned, but not too late. At 14, he finally arrived at the track with Peregrine Racing. A test session turned into a habit. A habit into hunger. And soon, he was racing, part of the paddock, chasing tenths, chasing something larger.

His first full season in juniors ended with a fourth‑place finish and a Best Newcomer award — a promising beginning. But it was 2023 that taught him most. A regimented approach to fitness after a debilitating injury.

There were days when the kart didn't feel right, or the timing was off, or the result didn't reflect the effort. But each misstep gave him something꞉ awareness, restraint, perspective.

Growth often hides inside the races you don't win.

By 2024, he was different, more measured, more complete, more podiums. He finished second in the senior category and earned the chance to represent India at the Rotax Grand Finals.

Now 17, he doesn't speak of Formula 1 as the end goal. What drives him is something more immediate, more grounded꞉ the purity of karting. The wheel‑to‑wheel grit. The mechanics, the telemetry, the quiet pursuit of perfection. “I love working with my team,” he says. “They're all fast, they're generous with their feedback. Peregrine's where I started, and it still feels like home.”

Now 16, she lives in Mumbai but trains in Bengaluru with Peregrine. Last year, in her debut junior season, she finished 12th out of 24꞉ the only girl on the grid. She balances school, diet, training, and racing with a smile, determined to become a Formula racer.

She credits her school, St Gregorios High School (Chembur), for being supportive with flexible test schedules and leave for races. At home, her dad is part strategist, part coach, they study races together and learn from the greats. “Lewis (Hamilton) is my idol,” she says. “And ( M a x ) Verstappen… crazy skills!”

This year's goal? Begin t e s t i n g Form u l a cars, build

VIANNA SHAH

strength ‑ especially neck strength ‑ and refine her skills further. Vianna thrives in a team environment, learning from seniors, coaches, and especially mechanics. “They're the backbone,” says, the driver who is now testing Formula 1600 cars.

No one in her family raced. But she's changing that. Lap by lap, she's writing her own story on the track, with passion, precision, and purpose.

ROHIT SRIRAM Seventeen‑year‑old Rohit Sriram is proving that it's never too late to chase a dream. A

newcomer to the world of motorsport, Rohit began karting earlier this year in Coimbatore after a casual rental session with friends sparked a newfound passion. Within months, he joined Peregrine Racing's senior category and is now just two seconds off the pace of the top drivers.

Originally into bodybuilding and video games, Rohit admits the late start was tough.

“Eight‑year‑olds were faster than I. They were teaching me,” he says. But instead of backing down, Rohit doubled d o w n , practising, learning, and inching closer to the front.

ROHIT SRIRAM

A graduate of KSIRS International School, he now juggles racing with college and weekly travel between Coimbatore and Bengaluru.

Motorsport runs in his family ‑ his father runs a chain of tuning workshops ‑ but Rohit wasn't interested in cars until F1 and Lewis Hamilton caught his eye in 2018. “I don't have a fixed plan. Right now, I just want to get good at karting. Win something. Then move into cars,” he shares.

Rohit knows it'll take time, but with maturity, commitment, and raw drive, he's more than ready to close the gap.

GABRIEL IRIGARAY BAUR At just 15, Gabriel is already making waves in the world of motorsport. Born in Brazil and raised in Jaipur since the age of three, Gabriel's journey with Peregrine Racing began only five months ago, but his real journey began a bit earlier after a talent scouting event in his city opened the door to a world he instantly connected with.

“I love the adrenaline,” he says. “When I'm karting, I feel in control. It's something I can push myself in and see the results.”

Following the alent scout, Gabriel trained in Malaysia where he drove a Rotax kart for the first time, and quickly proved he could hold his own. He recently comp

t

eted in an 8‑hour endurance race in Dubai, calling it his “first real race” GABRIEL IRIGARAY BAUR and a moment w h e r e everything started to click. With no racing background in the family, Gabriel is blazing his own trail. His father, a CEO in the ATM manufacturing industry, moved the family to Jaipur in 2012 when the company opened its only overseas factory. Gabriel dreams of racing Formula or road cars and idolises Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton. “Lewis never gives up,” he says, echoing a spirit he lives by꞉ stay calm, stay positive, give it your all.

ADHITHIYA ARVIND

Seventeen‑year‑old Adhithiya's racing journey began in the middle of a global lockdown. Introduced to motorsport through his father, an automobile enthusiast, Adhithiya joined Narain Karthikeyan's academy during the pandemic and never looked back. After a year of training, he m o v e d t o Peregrine Racing and quickly made his mark on the Asian karting circuit.

In just his first international r a c e , Adhithiya secured

ADHITHIYA ARVIND

PEREGRINE RACING-FEATURE

pole position꞉ an early sign of his potential.

He followed it up with another pole in his second season and finished third overall in the prestigious IMA Asia Cup. “It was special,” he says. “But I should've started earlier, I didn't even know karting existed until I was 14.”

Originally from Chennai, Adhithiya moved to Bengaluru to pursue racing full‑time during lockdown. He now splits his time between both cities. While many young drivers dream of Formula 1, Adhithiya has his eyes set on GT racing. “F1 is incredibly competitive. GT is a great championship, and I feel there's more room for growth,” he says.

With a calm, tactical driving style and deep respect for his team's support, especially coach Ponraj, Adhithiya believes in playing the long game. Smart, steady, and driven, he's charting his own path through motorsport.

NIGEL ABRAHAM THOMAS

Born in India and raised in the UAE since the 5th grade, this 19‑year‑old racer's journey began at the

NIGEL ABRAHAM THOMAS

Dubai Autodrome with a one‑day test in a micro kart. From the moment he hit the throttle, he was quick, and his father, recognising the raw potential, put him straight into racing.

Fueled by a passion for competition and a belief that “if you're competing, compete with the best,” he returned to India to race in the National Karting Championship. There, he grew through the ranks with Peregrine Racing, starting off as a junior and later graduating as a senior driver. While he no longer races with the team, he credits them with shaping his journey.

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 31

Currently competing in the MRF 1600 single‑ seater series, he lives in India but still shuttles between countries. “The difficulty is not in my mind,” he says. “I'm having a lot of fun.”

Balancing college life with the track, he's pursuing mechanical engineering while chasing a professional career in motorsport.

Inspired by Verstappen's speed and evolution, he hopes to continue progressing in single‑seaters, and if all goes well this season, earn a professional seat.

TARUN MUTHAIAH At 13, a spark was lit. One glance at a shifter kart at the track, part of the Peregrine Racing setup, and there was no turning back. From that first thrill, racing became more than a hobby; it became life. A podium in his early championship days sealed the deal, and since then, it's been a journey of learning,

strategic style and Verstappen's technical brilliance and mental resilience, he's carving his own path, driven by a deep love for the sport. “I try to learn from the best,” he says, “and I never get tired of driving.”

KRISHNAV MITTAL For as long as Krishnav can remember, cars have been more than machines, they've been an obsession. At just 3 or 4, he could identify cars on the road with ease. That early curiosity soon evolved into a passion for racing.

With talent, grit, and a fire for speed, his journey is only just beginning.

SHIVALI SINHA At just 7 and a half, Shivali discovered her gift for racing on a kart track in Oman. What began as a quiet hobby soon became a calling. Her coach noticed it instantly, 'she has

SHIVALI SINHA

potential'. Fearless, focused, and unshaken by pressure, Shivali quickly grew into the kind of driver who didn't back off, even when things got tough.

KRISHNAV MITTAL

TARUN MUTHAIAH

speed, and relentless passion.

Now 19 and based in Bengaluru, this young racer balances the demands of competitive motorsport with online schooling, juggling travel, training, and tracks without a traditional racing pedigree to fall back on.

With a father in crypto and aviation and a brother who DJs, his world has always been fast‑moving, just not in this way.

His transition to F2000, bypassing F1600, was bold, but the results have justified it, with a strong first podium and pace to match.

Peregrine Racing has been a critical influence, especially teammates like Ishaan, who helped shape his racecraft and mindset.

Inspired by Lewis Hamilton's smooth, 32 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

His first big step came with Red Rabbit Racers, where he finished as second runner‑up in a talent scouting event. That performance didn't go unnoticed; talent scouts invited him to test in Malaysia, and from the moment he hit the track, he was hooked. “I fell in love with the sport,” he recalls.

Today, at 16, he's racing with Peregrine Racing, a team he calls family. “Ameya and Prarthana have taught me so much. The equipment, the support, it's next level.”

Since February, he's been all in, training harder and chasing a dream that's bigger than ever꞉ Formula racing, F2000, maybe even beyond.

His inspirations? Ayrton Senna for his relentless pursuit of perfection, and Formula One legends who showed what determination can do. “Senna didn't just drive, he ruled every lap. That mindset is what I want.”

Her father quietly supported her early days, karting suit hidden in the car, silent encouragement until it was clear꞉ this wasn't just play. It was passion. Since then, Shivali has raced across Oman, UAE, and Bahrain, earning praise for her consistency and grit.

She raced through the pandemic, taking part in grand finals and keeping her momentum alive.

Now 15 and part of Peregrine Racing in India, she thrives in a team that feels like family.

Backed by her mother's dedication and her own unrelenting drive, Shivali is working toward entering F4. She's also pursuing material science engineering, proof that her ambition is as sharp off the track as it is on it.

There's no “girl racer” tag here꞉ just a racer.

One who's proven time and again that talent knows no gender. The goal now꞉ find support, keep pushing, and take the next leap.

ETHAN JOY Ethan's story began long before he ever sat in a kart. As a child, he was an athlete, always the quickest on the field, and obsessed with

anything that moved fast. Cars weren't just a hobby꞉ they were a passion. He could rattle off specs, models, and makes like a walking automotive encyclopedia.

His first taste of karting came as a recreational outing, but it quickly turned serious. After a brief stint as a Micro driver, life took him away from the track until three years ago, when he made a determined return.

He idolises Fernando Alonso, not just for his racing style, but for the grit in his backstory.

“He had nothing and came up,” Yohaan says.

“That inspires me.”

Sure enough, an inspired Yohann climbed onto the podium in Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax J u n i o r Nationals.

Since then, he's clocked over 20 national races, with consistent top‑10 finishes and a strong reputation for adaptability and team spirit. In his second year, he clinched a podium finish in the Rotax India Championship and was vice‑champion in the Meritus Cup.

Now 19 and racing with Peregrine, Ethan has shown serious promise in both sprint and endurance f o r m a t s , particularly in the Dubai 24 H o u r s , where his ETHAN JOY night stint turned the race around for his team. With a natural feel for racecraft and an eye on GT and Le Mans, Ethan's future lies on the endurance track.

He's based in Bangalore and currently exploring sponsorships to fuel the next stage of his journey.

JUNIOR

THIMMAIAH YOHAAN MAPANGADA Yohaan's story isn't just about racing, it's about legacy. His father, once a state champion in Formula V in Australia, raced for just two years. But a spark was lit. Years later, during the Covid‑19 lockdowns, Johan, then just 10, held his father to a promise꞉ “You said you'd make me a race driver.”

That moment set everything in motion.

Starting at Meco Kartopia, Yohaan instantly took to speed. “He just wanted to drive fast,” his father recalls. Since then, with Peregrine Racing, Yohaan has completed three seasons, tested Formula 1300 and 1600 cars, and held his own among older, seasoned competitors.

Now 13, he's learning that speed alone isn't enough, racecraft, overtaking, and smart aggression matter just as much.

Backed by a team he c a l l s 'family', Yohaan's growth

THIMMAIAH YOHAAN MAPANGADA

has been steady, and he is surrounded by camaraderie and mentorship. He's still chasing his first win, but he's already earned something far rarer꞉ clarity of purpose, relentless drive, and a father who believes in dreams just as much as data.

F1 may be a long shot. But Yohaan's foot is already on the gas.

YUG JAIN

At just 11, Yug is already carving a name for himself on India's karting grid with no family history in racing to lean on. What began as a fun day at a local track in Baroda turned into a passion, spotted early by racer Mira Erda, who saw potential in t h e energetic young b o y .

W i t h h e r encour agement, Y u g ' s family made the leap into competitive karting.

YUG JAIN

PEREGRINE RACING-FEATURE

Since then, Yug has been training and racing with Peregrine Racing, a team his mother says has offered not just technical expertise, but also the motivation and structure needed to grow. “The team spirit, you can't learn that riding alone,” she says. “It's essential.”

Off the track, Yug is a live wire. Whether it's badminton, athletics, or school life at Cygnus World School, he's always on the move, joyful, witty, and driven. His mother manages his training, travel, and trackside support, while his father oversees the finances.

Together, they've built a foundation of belief.

With sights set on single‑seaters and Formula racing, Yug's early start, natural enthusiasm, and disciplined routine are giving him an edge. He's not just fast, he's focused. And behind every lap, there's a family cheering, learning, and racing right alongside him.

ZEPHAAN ARDESHIR Some kids play with toys. Zephaan only ever played with cars. His racing journey began at just five, when his father, Cyrus, took him to Smash Arena for a casual drive. Too young and too short by regulations, he still got a chance and made it count. It was clear꞉ this wasn't just a game. Zephaan was hooked.

After a pause during COVID, he resumed at Indy Karting, where he was fast‑tracked past beginners into the intermediate course. At just seven, he was beating older kids, jumping from four‑stroke to two‑stroke engines within months.

Then came Peregrine Racing, “the best decision we ever made,” says Cyrus. Zephaan thrived, finishing 3rd in his second year at the national level.

Now 13, he's taking a brief break to focus on studies but remains fully committed. “I want a month to get fit, then start testing again,” he says. His eyes are set on karting returns and eventually single‑seaters.

His passion isn't a phase. It's wired into him. From skipping toys to living in the world of cars, racing is in his blood. With testing on the horizon and the fire still s t r o n g , Zephaan's next chapter is just beginning.

ZEPHAAN ARDESHIR

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 33

MICRO

MICAH HAYDEN ANDREWS At just 10‑years‑old, Micah Hayden from Tirunelveli is already carving a name for himself in the world of motorsport. Coming from a family of doctors, racing might seem like an unusual path, but in Micah's household, Formula 1 is more than just weekend viewing.

As for the future? “Single‑seaters, for now,” says his father. And with his talent, grounded mindset, and strong support system, Micah is already racing in the right direction.

ZIDAAN ARSHAAN ANEES At just 8‑years‑old, Zidaan Arshaan Anees is already making waves in Indian karting. He first stepped into a kart at age four, and by seven, was the youngest racer on the national grid. Racing runs deep in his blood, his grandmother, Noor Jahan, was India's first female karting winner.

His father, Arshaan Anees, also raced competitively, and his uncles Mezaan Anees and Ashad Pasha (a 9‑time Indian Autocross Champion) are established racers. Zidaan was born into a legacy of speed.

Off the track, Zidaan is just as dynamic, a school athletics gold medalist, football enthusiast, swimmer, and budding guitarist as well. Training under Peregrine Racing has given him vital structure and mentorship. He also credits Mallya Aditi International School for supporting his racing schedule while keeping him on track academically.

Zidaan made his mark in the 2025 Meritus Cup with a podium finish in Round 1 and a 4th place overall in the championship. He then stormed to a stunning P2 finish in Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax Max Challenge India. The months ahead look promising for this young one.

What began as casual track visits soon turned serious as Zidaan began outperforming older competitors, showing natural talent and fearless racecraft.

MICAH HAYDEN ANDREWS

His father and aunt are lifelong F1 fans, and it didn't take long for both Micah and his older brother to catch the bug. Eventually, it would be Liron, his elder brother (the 2024 Novice cup champion), who would become Micah's real motivation.

Micah's journey began with quiet curiosity. A little shy at first, he was always fascinated by racing, but more than winning, his family emphasised learning, humility, and character.

“It's not just about standing on the podium,” says his father. “It's about how you bounce back and grow stronger.”

The family takes a gradual approach to the financial investment that racing demands.

“It's heavy on our pockets,” his father admits, “but the team has been incredibly understanding and supportive, they're parents too.” That empathy, coupled with a nurturing team environment, has played a key role in keeping Micah motivated and on track.

34 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

SHIV TUMMALA

SHIV TUMMALA

ZIDAAN ARSHAAN ANEES

Despite breaking his hand in his first month of competitive racing, Zidaan returned within weeks, more focused and determined. His fearless comeback made it clear꞉ he was built to compete.

What started as a lockdown distraction quickly turned into a life‑changing passion for a young boy from Hyderabad. “We got him a PS5 and a racing simulator just to keep him busy,” says his mother, Srujana. “He started moving up the ranks online, and fast.”

Curious to see how he'd fare on a real track, his parents took him to a local karting circuit.

Despite being sensitive to loud sounds as a child, he took to the kart without hesitation

and loved it. Soon after, the family found Peregrine Racing, a Bengaluru‑based team founded by parents for their own kids.

Within three months of joining, he became the top rookie in his category. Now nine, he's already a Meritus Cup Champion and a national‑level contender.

year plan is in place꞉ a shot at the World Karting Championship and beyond.

Off the track, Yeshwin is playful, curious, and constantly absorbing. On it, he's focused, fearless, and improving every lap.

The family travels to Bengaluru every alternate weekend. “He's back in school by Monday and never complains,” says Srujana.

“He truly enjoys it.”

PEREGRINE RACING-FEATURE

and that's how they found Peregrine Racing.

From being the slowest on the grid in his debut season to becoming a mid‑pack contender the next year, Jishnu now enters 2025 as one of the micro category favourites.

His greatest strength? A natural feel for new tracks and racing lines, coupled with a hunger to improve. He's emotional by nature, quick to tears, deeply driven, but racing is teaching him resilience, focus, and balance.

With dreams of not just driving Formula cars but one day building them, Jishnu sees motorsport as both art and science. Backed by a supportive team, dedicated coaches, and unwavering parents, his journey is just getting started. The road ahead may be long, but his engine (both literal and metaphorical) is already roaring.

His father adds, “Motorsport is a team sport.

Peregrine gave him not just great coaching, but mentorship from older drivers who've walked the same path.”

What makes the difference? “We're not figuring it out alone,” Srujana says. “We've found a community that's helped shape him as both a racer and a person.”

YESHWIN KISHORE Yeshwin's racing journey didn't begin on a track, it began on a bicycle. At just two, his parents noticed his uncanny control through tight corners in a parking lot. That spark led to a trial at age five‑and‑three‑quarters with Peregrine Racing in Bangalore, and the rest followed quickly. Within months, he moved from fun laps in a four‑stroke kart to competing internationally.

Now, seven, Yeshwin has already claimed podium finishes in Dubai and won the championship a season ago. His team, made up of legends like seven‑time national champion Ameya Walawalkar and chief mechanic Ponraj Thangaraj, guides him every step of the way, even in Tamil, ensuring he understands every brake point and apex.

His father admits there's no racing history in the family. “We're learning with him,” he says.

The costs are real, but so is the resolve. A five‑

YESHWIN KISHORE

With a strong team, a supportive family, and a dream firmly in sight, Yeshwin's story is just beginning, and the road ahead looks fast.

JISHNU SERALATHAN

Jishnu's racing story began where most childhood obsessions start, a fascination with wheels. By age seven, he was not only playing with cars but diving into their engineering, curious about how machines moved. His father, unfamiliar with motorsports but eager to nurture his son's passion, took him to a small track on Mysore Road.

Within months, Jishnu had outpaced the limits of that recreational circuit. A mechanic suggested they explore professional karting,

JISHNU SERALATHAN

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 35

Rohaan, Eshanth, Rivaan Dev Preetham excel PHOTO BY꞉ SHAHJAHAN

B

engaluru's Rohaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) came up with a brilliant drive to top the Senior Max category in the first round of the MECO‑FMSCI National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes with SIDVIN Energy Engineering as the Presenting Sponsor and MRF Tyres as the partner sponsor, at the CoASTT circuit at Coimbatore on July 14.

Shiv Neel, the son of India's first Formula 1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan notched up his maiden win in the National championship and then makes it a double.

Also topping their respective classes were a trio of MSPORT team drivers, Chennai's Eshanth Vengatesan in the Junior Max, Rivaan Dev Preetam, also from Chennai, in the Mini Max and 36 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

Shiv Neel from Coimbatore who notched a double by winning the Pre‑Finals and Finals races in the Micro Max. Rohaan Madesh's skills were put to acid test in the Finals as he stoutly defended his P1 spot despite close attention from Mumbai's Aahil Mecklai (Rayo Racing) who had to settle for second place ahead of Bengalurean Rishon Rajeev (Birel Art India). Having also won the Pre‑Finals earlier, Rohaan, thus, completed a fine double.

Incidentally, the Senior Max attracted Asia's biggest grid of 34 drivers.

Meanwhile, Eshanth Vengatesan benefitted after front‑runners Pune's Arafath Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) and Rayo Racing's Kiaan Shah from Mumbai, who had earlier won the Pre‑Finals,

collided midway through the 14‑ lap Junior Max Finals.

Vengatesan capitalised on the incident to move from P3 to P1 and went on to clinch victory ahead of Sheikh while Bengaluru's Rishik Rohit Reddy

(MSPORT) delivered a stunning third place after starting the race from 16 t h on the grid, but subsequently received a five‑ second “bumper” penalty which pushed him to fourth while elevating Bengaluru's

NATIONAL NEWS

18 years of grit and glory꞉ The Palar Challenge pushes the limits Thimmaiah Yohan (Peregrine Racing) to third.

Rivaan Dev Preetam made amends for his disappointing Pre‑Final performance to snatch a fine win in the Mini Max Finals after jumping into the lead in the very first lap. Rivaan, who had finished third in the Pre‑Final race earlier today, never looked back for a comfortable victory while behind him Faridabad's Yatharth Gaur (Leapfrog Racing), winner of the Pre‑Finals race, finished second, ahead of Mumbai's Hamza Balasinorwala (Crest Motorsports).

Earlier, in the Pre‑Finals, Yatharth Gaur pulled off a fine win over favourite Rivaan Dev Preetham

who couldn't defend his pole position and yielded to pressure after leading till the 11th lap, to eventually finish third. Hamza Balasinorwala also moved past Rivaan to finish second.

Karthikeyan's son Shiv Neel, off to a cracker of a start, comfort‑ ably won the Micro Max Finals from the Bengaluru duo and Peregrine Racing team‑mates, Zidaan Arshaan Anees and Shiv Thummala who survived a close mid‑grid battle. Shiv Neel completed a double, having won the incident‑filled Pre‑Finals that was reduced to nine laps with the race winner, Shiv Thummala copping a 12‑second penalty for exceeding track limits.

D

r Mohammed Fahed and Ashish from Jeepers of Bangalore dominated the field with razor‑sharp technique and command over the terrain to emerge as the overall winners in the 19th edition of the Palar Challenge at Chennai on June 6.

In a celebration of two decades of off‑road excellence, Terra Tigers, India's pioneering off‑ road motorsports club, roared into its 20th anniversary with the 19th edition, a signature event that continues to define the spirit of adventure in Indian motorsport.

After a demanding multi‑day event that tested machine and man alike, the Most Performing 4WD award went to Pradeep Kumar M and Siddhartha Chennagiri Santosh of Team BODA, Bangalore who earned accolades for their machine's

standout performance.

The Individual Category prize was won by Chetan Chengappa and Sabu Xavier from V5 Off‑ Roaders, Coorg as they demonstrated their finesse and were daring in solo driving conditions. The Thar Category Winners are the trio of Naveen Bollineni, Sarfaraz Bhasha, and Sunil Kumar, who conquered the custom‑built Thar course with authority and teamwork.

Held amidst the unforgiving terrain of the Palar riverbed, the event brought together some of the most skilled off‑roaders from across the country, each eager to conquer what's become one of India's most revered 4x4 endurance events.

The flag‑off was led by Vinod Gandhi, Managing Director of Geekay World School and Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Cycling Club.

JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 37

Grassroots grit, podium power define

VM team show in 2w Rally Nationals 2025

Mysuru's Nataraj leads VM Motorsports' aggressive march

W

ith four of the six rounds completed in the 2025 MRF Mogrip Indian National Rally Championship for two‑ wheelers, VM Motorsports, also known as VM Sports Foundation, has emerged as one of the most impactful and consistent teams across multiple categories. Founded with a mission to support financially struggling yet talented riders, the team that is backed by motorsport patron Vamcy Merla is delivering strong performances against long‑established factory teams like TVS Racing.

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BHARATH L FROM BENGALURU

The team has fielded 13 riders, including Coimbatore's Lakiya Lee in the Women's Class, and has paid the extra team entrant fees to the FMSCI, enabling all results to contribute to the Team Championship tally. This all‑out commitment is clearly paying dividends, as VM riders dominate both class rankings and podium appearances.

Leading the team's championship a m bitions is veteran R. Nataraj, a multiple‑time national champion from Mysuru, who continues to lead from the front in the premier SuperBike Expert Class (Group A). With top finishes, including class wins and consistent podiums in all four rounds,

Nataraj remains a strong favourite for the national crown.

Close on his heels is Sanjay Somashekar from Bengaluru, who has also delivered reliable performances in the same class, including multiple second‑place finishes. Their one‑two finishes in multiple rallies have underlined VM's grip on the top category.

The team's dominance extends into the hotly contested SuperSport Upto 165cc (Group B) class, where Nithyan L from Coimbatore, Bharath B from Bengaluru, Abdul Rehman from Shivamogga, and Varun Kumar from Bengaluru occupy the top four positions in the championship standings after

Hemanth has been a reliable wingman, maintaining pressure on rivals and supporting the team's title fight.

Another key performer is Devaraj Venkatesh, who leads the Super Stock 260 to 460cc (Group D) category after four rounds.

Devaraj has shown consistency and nerves of steel, including a one‑second win that exemplifies the fine margins of rallying.

Navneet K, meanwhile, is in second place in the Super Stock 165‑260cc (Group D) category, further boosting VM's presence across the board.

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the Women's Class. Her determination and participation have helped VM set an example of how private teams can also shape the future of motorsport beyond just results.

The team has also made strides in promoting inclusivity, with Lakiya Lee representing VM in SANJAY SOMASHEKAR FROM BENGALURU

SATISH RIDER MANAGER

Round 4. This clean sweep of the top spots highlights VM's strategic rider selection and race preparation.

In the SuperSport 260 to 460cc class (Group B), Rajesh Swamy has been in exceptional form, leading the class after four rounds with teammate Hemanth M in second place. Together, they've ensured VM's consistent double podium presence.

RAJESH SWAMI FROM RAIGAD

PINKESH THAKKAR

NITHYA L FROM COIMBATORE

LAKIYA LEE FROM CHENNAI JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 39

ADVERTORIAL

careers may have otherwise stalled due to financial constraints.

ABIJITH SHETTY TEAM MANAGER

VM Motorsports is not just about winning—it's about giving a platform to those who often get left behind in the noise of factory‑backed operations.

Backed by Vamcy Merla, Promoter, Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2025, the foundation has created opportunities for riders whose

With the final two rounds scheduled in Coimbatore and a yet‑to‑be‑announced venue, VM Motorsports is not only in contention for multiple individual titles but is also a strong contender for the Team Championship. Their performance has proven that dedication, talent, and the right support system can take privateer teams to the very top of national rallying.

With former rider Abijith Shetty now managing the team, his deep understanding of the sport and compassionate approach to mentoring have brought a new level of cohesion and confidence to the riders. If their current form holds, 2025 could very well become a landmark season for VM Motorsports.

DEVRAJ VENKATESH FROM BENGALURU

TEAM VM MOTORSPORTS WINNERS OF MRF RALLY OF NASHIK 40 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

NAVNEETH KUMAR FROM PONDICHERRY

GOUTHAM N FROM BENGALURU

ABDUL RAHEMAN FROM SHIVAMOGGA

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th

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Building on the success of the Windsor, India's best‑selling EV since its launch, JSW MG Motor India has introduced its upgraded version, the Windsor EV PRO, loaded with additional features. Auto Track recently had the opportunity to drive this new car at Gurgaon's Tiger Trail location and was pleasantly surprised by its performance in all areas.

TEXT꞉ S M BOOTHEM with inputs from ASHOK TIWARI PICTURES꞉ MANJUNATH

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WINNER WINDSOR

TEST DRIVE‑ MG WINDSOR EV PRO

EV TRENDS IN INDIA

T

he Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is gradually gathering momentum, driven by government incentives, heightened environmental consciousness, and rapid advancements in technology. According to CareEdge Advisory, the electric car sales penetration is expected to rise rapidly and cross 7% by FY28, backed by new model launches and the government's push for improving the charging infrastructure in the country. The Indian government has committed to achieving 30% EV penetration by FY30 and is taking an active role in enabling this transition.

CareEdge Advisory report notes that over the past three years, the number of Public EV Charging Stations (EVPCS) in India has grown nearly 5x, from 5,151 in CY22 to over 26,000 by early FY25, translating into a robust CAGR of more than 72%.

This expansion is the result of a coordinated push by the central government, proactive state‑level EV policies, and a rising wave of private sector participation. Furthermore, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are taking active steps to complement public infrastructure with private charging networks. Leading automakers have begun offering smart home charger installations bundled with EV purchases, in addition to setting up fast‑charging corridors across key metropolitan cities and highways.

and more tech features like Vehicle‑to‑ Load and Vehicle‑to‑Vehicle, enabling customers to utilise the vehicle beyond mobility usage.

The MG Windsor has already carved a name for itself as a game‑changer in India's four‑wheeler EV space. With a compelling mix of affordability, technology, and trust, it has gone beyond metro markets, finding acceptance in Tier II and Tier III cities, effectively democratizing EV ownership in India. Now, JSW MG Motor India is doubling down on this momentum with the launch of the Windsor EV PRO, a more powerful and versatile upgrade designed to attract both early adopters and mainstream buyers.

The MG Windsor EV PRO is packed with safety features such as 6 standard airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start & Descent Assist, All‑ wheel disc brakes, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, and a 360‑degree camera.

The Windsor EV PRO also broke all records in terms of bookings, showing the potential of the new EV and its performance.

Like its predecessor, the Windsor EV PRO will continue its winning streak.

LONG DRIVE JSW MG Motor India's new MG Windsor EV PRO is equipped with a new battery pack, offering an extended range of 449 km for those who want to go for a longer drive. Built on MG's Global Smart Electric Platform, renowned for its reliability, the MG Windsor EV PRO gets the powerful PMS Motor, which is IP67 certified. The Windsor EV PRO comes with a new 52.9 kWh battery pack that promises impressive performance and range, while delivering 136 PS of power and 200 Nm torque.

The MG Windsor combines the expanse of a sedan with the versatility of an SUV, making it a premium offering for discerning consumers who seek both value and class. The MG Windsor EV PRO's new safety features, like L2 ADAS JULY / AUGUST 2025 autotrack.ind.in 45

Rahil Pillarisetty notches first win in four years

Double for Ann Jennifer; Kamal Navas, Kedarnadh win

H

yderabad ace Rahil Pillarisetty of RACR Castrol Power1 pulled off his first win in four years as he pipped favourite Sarthak Chavan, the Pune star, to claim the honours in the premier Pro‑ Stock 301‑400cc Open race even as the first round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship came to an abrupt end due to a massive thunderstorm at the Madras International Circuit, near Chennai .

The heavy rains accompanied by strong winds early afternoon caused considerable damage to the facility while it also forced cancellation of day's remaining two races which will be run in the second round in August.

46 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2024

Two teenage sensations, Sarthak Chavan from Pune and Bengaluru's Savion Sabu lit up the first round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2025 with brilliant wins in the two premier Pro‑Stock categories, the 301‑ 400cc Open and 165‑200cc Open, respectively, at the Madras International Circuit here on Saturday.

Earlier, Ann Jennifer (RACR Castrol Power1) from Chennai completed a double in the Girls (Stock 165cc) category while young Kedarnadh (Motul KTM Gusto Racing) from Tirupati and Chennai's Kamal Navas (Rockers Racing) topped the two Novice races, Stock 165cc and Stock 301‑400cc, respectively.

Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc Open꞉ Sarthak Chavan, the Petronas TVS Racing team spearhead, kept his nerve to win a close Race 1 in a near‑photo finish. The 18‑

year‑old Sarthak, the defending champion, got past pole‑sitter from Hyderabad Rahil Pillarisetty with a brilliant pass at Turn 11 on the last lap after trailing him

Hyderabad's Rahil Pillarisetty, in the Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc class

2W RACING NATIONALS, CHENNAI

Sarthak Chavan (75) edging out Rahil Pillarisetty (88) to win the Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc race

throughout the six‑lap race, the margin of victory being two‑ hundredth of a second. A creditable third was Chennai's Alwin Sundar who thus marked his debut race for Petronas TVS Racing team with a podium finish.

The day's highlight was Hyderabad's Rahil's brilliant win in the Race 2 as he overcame a strong challenge from yesterday's Race 1 winner Sarthak Chavan (Petronas TVS Racing) with a late burst. The pair was trailing Bengaluru teenager Chiranth Vishwanath (Petronas TVS Racing) who had taken the lead after a great start from P4.

Also in the mix was veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1), a multiple National champion, who was running P2 most of the race until yielding ground to Sarthak and Rahil. The duo then moved past Chiranth with Rahil successfully defending his P1 spot. Sarthak finished second, ahead of his teammate Chiranth.

Stock 301‑400cc (Novice) Varun Patil from Mad Rabbit Racing converted a P3 start into a victory in the Race 1 that boasted of a 32‑rider grid after some of the front‑runners

dropped out of contention.

Another Bengalurean, Jagadeesh Nagaraj from Motul Sparks Racing came in second, ahead of Chennai's Kamal Nivas from Rockers Racing which was almost a photo finish.

In Race 2 Kamal Navas was the winner with less than a second margin over the second finisher Jagaseesh Nagaraj, while Kanchipuram's Romario John from Rockers Racing finished third with .200th of a second difference.

Pro‑Stock 165‑200cc Open꞉ Sabu, the 17‑year‑old Bengalurean having started from pole position, made it a lights‑ to‑flag win in the Race 1 which underlined his maturity and a rare ability to absorb pressure as he held off experienced Chennai rivals, Soorya PM from Chandra LGE Racing and Mohan Babu from Rockers Racing came in third.

Stock 165cc (Novice)꞉ 21‑year‑ old Rajender Beedani from Hyderabad representing MAI Racing played a waiting game to win the Race1 in a close finish, ahead of Tirupati's Kedarnadh from Motul Gusto Racing and the third finisher

Visakhapatnam's Yashwant Varm a from Motul S parks Racing. Starting from P2 on the grid, Beedani opted to stay just behind the front‑runners, biding his time. Pole‑sitter Lal Nansunga, who led initially, lost track position as the engine switched off and by the time he could restart, he dropped down the grid and finished in P10. Up ahead, Beedani made his move on Kedarnadh in the last lap and took the lead which he maintained to the chequered flag.

In Race 2 Kedarnath managed to climb one position up from his previous race and top the class, Beedani slipped down the order to finish second with over 6sec difference, with further over 9sec difference Yashwant completed the podium.

Ann Jennifer, winner of the Girls (Stock 165cc) race

Rajender Beedani (No.6), winner of Stock 165cc (Novice) race JULY / AUGUST 2024 autotrack.ind.in 47

2W RACING NATIONALS, CHENNAI

Lal Nunsanga en route to pole position in the Novice (Stock 165cc) class

Savion Sabu, action in the Pro‑Stock 165‑200cc class

Rahil Pillarisetty action in the Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc class

Girls (Stock 165cc) Race 2 (5 laps)꞉ Ann Jennifer, seeking her third National title after last winning it in 2020, won untroubled in Race 1 after starting from pole 48 autotrack.ind.in JULY / AUGUST 2025

position which she had secured earlier this morning. Two other Chennai riders completed the podium with reigning National champion Jagathishree Kumaresan from One Racing in

P2 and teenager Rakshitha Dave from RACR Castrol Power1 in P3.

Ann Jennifer said꞉ “I have made a good start to the season by winning both races. However, I feel the others might catch up as the season progresses, and so, I must continue working hard like I did during the off‑season when I practiced with the Pro‑Stock boys and learnt a lot from them. I feel good considering where I was last year when I suffered a head injury from a crash in Round‑3. The doctors advised me to quit racing, but the sport is in my blood, and I just couldn't stop myself from getting on a race bike. Despite the two wins this weekend, I feel there is scope for improvement, and I hope I can be a bit quicker in the next round.”

Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup꞉ Bengaluru's Solomon R blitzed the Honda CB 300F field for a commanding win as he dominated the six‑lap race from pole position. His victory margin of 15.9 seconds was a testament to his superior pace. Following him across the finish line were Chennai's Ann Jennifer, the former multiple Girls National champion, and Alshin Thomas from Bengaluru with less than

four seconds difference finished in third.

Honda CB 300F꞉ In Race 1, Bengaluru's Solomon R delivered a commanding performance, clinching victory with a total time of 12 minutes 50.322 seconds. Chennai's Ann Jennifer, impressed by holding her own against the men and finishing second with a time of 13 minutes 06.226 seconds, a strong statement of her skill and determination. Bengaluru's Alshin Thomas rounded off the podium in third, clocking 13 minutes 10.090 seconds.

R Solomon completed a double by winning the second race. He was in a league of his own as he finished over 10 seconds ahead of Chennai riders, Deepak Kumar and Swaroop Krishna, in the eight‑lap race.

Petronas TVS Racing One‑ Make Championship꞉ Chennai riders dominated the Expert Apache RR310 category race with G Balaji winning from Mohan Babu and Kaushik Subbiah Ganesan in a tight finish.

Later, Akarsh Jangam from Vijayawada held off Bengaluru's Poojita Anil Kumar, who recovered swiftly from last week's huge high‑side crash during practice, to win the Rookie Apache RTR 200 race with Hari Haran R from Coimbatore finishing third.

Later, in the truncated Race 2, Coimbatore's Hari Haran took the honours ahead of Poojitha Anil Kumar from Bengaluru) and Sri Lankan Hesali Nehansa Peiris finished third.

Local challengers were again to the fore in the Girls Apache RTR 200 race with Elakiya Ravi scoring a notable win over National champion Jagathishree Kumaresan while Mumbai's Sarah Khan finished third.

Pune's Sarthak Chavan emerged a convincing winner in the Electric RTE race while Chiranth Vishwanath from Bengaluru finished second and C Senthil Kumar from Coimbatore was third.