September - October 2025

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DELIVER A DREAM DEBUT WITH TSI RACING AT RALLY OF COIMBATORE ‑ R2 INRC 2025

MRF NAT’L SUPERCROSS

Standout performance

by RUGVED BARGUJE

ANISH, BRYAN & BHUVAN dominate APRC 2025

MRF 2W INRC

Second consecutive win for TANVEER

GILL thrills, but win eludes.

BOPAIAH‑MURTHY TOP INDIAN pair at APRC

+RFC INDIA ‘25

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NAMSHUM triumphant on Debut, CHETAN gets 4th co‑driver title NATL 2W RACING Jagathishree triumphant in three races

JK TYRE Racing

NATL ROTAX KARTING

Double for Ishaan Madesh; Rivaan Dev Preetham dominates

FEATURE

ATMA, VINFAST, HYEGG NIPPON PAINT

IRF 2025

South Asia’s 1st Oceanfront Race ‑ Goa Street Race, Nov 2025

EDITORIAL / IMPRINT

Hi,

Our New Look.

AUTO TRACK is on a new track...

IMPRINT

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n this occasion I would like to thank my readers, advertisers, well‑wishers and my Auto Track team and family. Completing 18 years of circulation is a milestone which no other Indian magazine for motorsports has achieved. Travelling alone in this path, we have periodically been upgrading ourselves and rising to the occasion by retaining the print edition and have also managed to equally grow, digitally.

Time and again, we have expanded our contribution digitally when it comes to Automotive and Motorsport news.

The good news for this year comes from the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) which is scheduled to organise two street circuit races this season, one in Goa and the other, in Navi Mumbai. The league races will not take place in the two destinations that hosted IRF earlier. Hyderabad took a back seat after elections, and the first street night race was held in Chennai last year, but will not happen this year due to upcoming Assembly elections. With South Indian states losing out the street circuit charm due to various governance reasons, the new dawn this season begins from one of the Tourist‑ destination states of Goa, and Navi Mumbai will also witness a night race. It is expected to set a record for setting the longest track for a night race in India. Thus, the Indian Racing Festival 2025 will conclude with three circuit races and two street races.

Simultaneously, the two‑wheeler Indian Supercross Racing League makes a comeback after a year's gap, this time with much visibility and promise.

The trend of Indian drivers entering the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in good numbers and winning many podium places with the support of an individual businessman is very encouraging. Also, Indian youngsters finishing on podium in circuit racing events at Asian level is a promising journey and augurs well for Indian motorsport.

Now three new race tracks offer variety for organisers and motorsports athletes. The one in Coimbatore is in the final stage and waiting for accreditation. The remaining two tracks at Nanoli and Bengaluru are running behind schedule, and are expected to host races only in 2026.

The festival like ambience at Raipur is once again on cards this season, returning to the calendar of the National Supercross championship after a gap of over 6 years. Promoter Godspeed Racing, thus, expands its reach further into the Northern parts of India.

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

O1 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

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

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

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

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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 6

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CONTENTS

70

September / October 2025

12 IRF STREET RACE ANNOUNCEMENT꞉ 10

JK TYRE NATL RACING, R1꞉ 12

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL, COIMBATORE꞉ 16

MRF 2W NATL RACING CHAMPIONSHIP, R1꞉ 20

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL, CHENNAI꞉ 24

BLUEBAND RALLY OF COIMBATORE, 4W꞉ 28

NATL ROTAX KARTING R3 & R4꞉ 34

551

68 66 68

40꞉ VINFAST

FEATURE OF SANGEETH / SYED IN INRC꞉ 38

42꞉ ATMA

NATIONAL RACING 2W꞉ 46

44꞉ NIPPON PAINT 46꞉ HYEGG

48꞉ MRF 2W INRC, R4 34 20

51꞉ MRF NATL SUPERCROSS, COIMBATORE

54꞉ MRF 4W NATL RACING CHAMPIONSHIP, R1 58꞉ APRC

62꞉ MOTO GP / FORMULA 1

66꞉ RAIN FOREST CHALLENGE, INDIA

70꞉ MONSOON SCOOTER RALLY, NASHIK

28 46

11 48

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22 64

20 16

16 44

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KRISHNA PRASAD UTTARPRADESH SAROJ KUMAR KARNATAKA S UNNI KRISHNAN KERALA

Why is the calendar very congested with many race‑ weekends overlapping?

Yes, it was due to various reasons!

The season was progressing well when we came across two situations.

First, we had to stand and show our solidarity with our armed forces, and our Nation during a very successful "Operation Sindhoor" which proved to the world that henceforth we will not tolerate if our citizens are targeted and killed. India also exhibited to the world, the art of selecting targets with precision, and completing the task of silencing those who perpetuated terrorism, within a short period.

Secondly, the aggressive monsoon created havoc across India and on a few occasions the situation was beyond the control of the organisers.

The increasing number of National championships added to the rush, as a couple of new championships were started and rights auctioned to the promoters. Thus, it becomes difficult to navigate and manoeuvre with only 52 weekends in a year. Hopefully, it can be addressed and overcome in the next calendar year with proper planning, provided the federation shows the will.

If two franchise‑based leagues are doing very well and are telecast on TV, then why not the National championships?

Both are meant for a different purpose, the local level events provide a platform for the upcoming and entry‑level participants and the National events give them a platform

to grow and aim higher. They are groomed according to the required body language, essentials and as per the discipline. That is how it is being run since many years, and only the 'affordable' were able to participate in international championships and in various country championships where along with skill, money plays a very important role.

All thanks to the two franchise‑based leagues. Indian Racing Festival is in its fourth season running two classes, the Indian Racing League and Formula Indian F4. It provides an opportunity at a very basic cost, and the feel of international racing right here on Indian soil by bringing in international drivers and helping our drivers to race along with them.

This helps Indian drivers to go international with no cost for the driver. With this a lot many Indian drivers, technicians, support staff, organising teams etc all, get an advantage of upgrading themselves in‑house to international standards.

The glamour industry pitched in, in the form of Naga Chaitanya, John Abraham, Sourav Ganguly, Arjun Kapoor and Kichcha Sudeep, and took this year's league to the next level. So telecasting these races becomes mandatory, keeping the status and standard of the sport high to provide greater visibility for sponsors.

Why is the mother of all Off‑ roading events, RFC, running without a sponsor?

The Mother of all Off‑roading events, RFC, which has produced many

international class spotters and off‑ roaders is presently without any major financial sponsor. While a few brands such as ComeUp winches, Tough Dog suspensions, BMC Air Filters and Lamda continue to support the event in a small way, the larger and more inclusive format with the addition of Stock and Modified Categories is expected to increase the visibility and attract bigger sponsors in future years. All thanks to the Government of Goa and the Indian promoter Ashish Gupta (Cougar Motorsport), who has managed to keep this Indian round of Rain Forest Challenge alive and trending despite the financial deficit.

This week‑long festival was worth witnessing on ground, as it retained its technicality and glamour despite the lack of a sponsor.

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Multiple podiums and consistent performance keep the Indian in the top bunch

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Singh pairs again Sherif to conquer Overall and class titles at MRC

In photo finish, Sarthak misses win by a whisker

I

t was heartbreak and glory rolled into one for Indian teenager Sarthak Chavan at the TVS Asia One‑Make Championship, held as a support event to Round 4 of the Asia Road Racing Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia from August 29 to 31. Chavan finished second in both races, with the second outing producing a dramatic photo finish where he missed victory by just 0.007 seconds. With multiple podiums and consistent performance, Chavan has been outstanding but needs to chalk out a win quickly to remain in contention.

Race 2 turned out to be the highlight of the weekend.

Starting from fifth on the grid, Chavan lined up behind his Indian teammate Chiranth Vishwanath in third, while the third Indian rider, Rakshith Sri Hari Dave, began from 13th. The eight‑lap contest got off to a tense start when Hiroki Ono crashed but quickly rejoined. By the second lap, Chavan had climbed to third while Chiranth slipped to fourth. Dave made early progress as well, surging into eighth.

separated by just one‑ hundredth of a second. Behind them, Chiranth slipped back to seventh with Dave in eighth.

With one lap to go, Chavan snatched the lead but Rosli immediately countered. The final lap saw a series of daring attempts from Chavan, including two wide moves on left‑handers, but Rosli refused to yield. With two corners to the finish, Chavan dived ahead, only for Rosli to unleash superior drive to the line.

The result was settled by a razor‑ thin margin of 0.007 seconds, one of the rarest photo finishes in the series. Luis secured third place, while Chiranth finished sixth and Dave came home eighth.

For Chavan, it was his second runners‑up finish of the weekend after also taking P2 in Race 1.

While Rosli celebrated his second win of the season, the bigger picture revealed a tantalising championship battle.

After four rounds, Ono leads with 151 points, closely pursued by Chavan on 148 and Rosli on 146.

Chiranth holds sixth overall with 73 points.

A lap later, Chavan set the fastest time and moved into second, closing in on race leader Ramdan Rosli. Chiranth, however, dropped to sixth while Dave improved to seventh. By lap four, Chiranth briefly regained ground to fifth, but Chavan was already piling the pressure on Rosli.

The chase intensified on lap six as Chavan shadowed Rosli, O6 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

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alaysia's seasoned campaigner Karamjit Singh and India's Musa Sherif, another experienced co driver, won the overall championship in the Round 2 of the Malaysian Rally Championship, which was a part of the 2025 MAM Festival of Speed Rally in Sepang, Malaysia. Karamjit had previously won Round 1 with another Indian co‑driver Vivek Ponnusamy.

Karamjit Singh, a three‑time APRC winner and FIA Production Car World Championship title holder paired with Musa Sherif, an eight time National co‑driver champion who is in his 33rd year of rallying.

Driving a PROTON Gen 2 4WD prepared by MRU Motorsports, the pair showcased their trademark professionalism and

secured both the Open class and overall victory. They dominated all nine stages of the rally, which featured three stages that repeated three times, setting the fastest time in every single stage.

Karamjit and Musa seized a 7‑ second lead over Saladin Mazlan and Arish Qutb Ahmad Khan in the opening stage.

Their advantage ballooned in Stage 2 after Saladin lost significant time, forcing his retirement in Stage 5. The winners extended their lead by over a minute in the next stage and ultimately triumphed with a commanding 4‑minute, 14‑ second margin.

Sutan Mustaffa and Kamarul Anuar climbed to second place while Faidzal Alang and Zamri Muhamat dropped over two minutes in Stage 2 and never recovered, finishing third.

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Sanjay Takale is undergoing training in Sahara desert ( Morocco ) preparing for the world's toughest Dakar rally in January 2026.

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INDIAN NEWS

Goa Achieves Landmark Status as South Asia's First Oceanfront Circuit for Indian Racing Festival

H

onourable Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, announced the “Goa Street Race 2025” a 3.2 km oceanfront circuit at Headland Sada, Bogda as the official venue for Round 4 of the 2025 Indian Racing Festival (IRF).

Announced at a prestigious ceremony at Auditorium 1, Maquinez Palace, ESG, Panjim, Goa this landmark initiative reflects Dr. Sawant's visionary leadership in positioning Goa as a premier global destination for high‑octane international sporting events. Scheduled from 1–2 November 2025, the race promises to deliver a world‑class motorsport spectacle against the state's iconic coastline while driving economic growth, tourism, and global recognition for the state of Goa.

The Pinnacle of racing is finally here, at home, in Goa. This historic announcement marks a defining milestone for Indian motorsport, unveiling South

Navi Mumbai to host

Asia's first oceanfront racetrack along the state's picturesque coastline. Spanning 3.214 kilometres, this iconic circuit will host a thrilling double‑header.

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Maharashtra's First‑Ever Formula Night Street Race as part of the Indian Racing Festival Finale

M

The landmark announcement was graced by the presence of Asvin Chandru, IAS, CM Secretary and CEO of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG); Shri Sankalp Amonkar, MLA Mormugao; Shri. Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Secretary Information & Publicity, Government of Goa; and Mr. Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL).

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aharashtra is set to take a big leap for Indian sport, with Honourable Chief

Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, witnessing the signing of MOU between RPPL and

NMMC. The iconic finale of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is proposed to be held in December 2025. The announcement marks the arrival of Mumbai's first‑ever FIA‑grade Street racing circuit; a milestone that will place the city firmly on the global sporting calendar.

For the first time, the streets of Navi Mumbai will light up at night as they transform into a high‑speed, floodlit battleground. This night race is set to define a new benchmark for motorsport in India. Navi Mumbai, part of MMR and new growth hub of Maharashtra now steps confidently onto the world motorsport map. With its 3.753 km FIA grade Street circuit, featuring 14 turns ‑ the city joins the elite list of global destinations that host iconic street races.

Some of the finest international and Indian racers will push their limits under the city lights, navigating a fast, technical, and scenic street circuit like never before. Fans can look forward to a thrilling night‑time double‑ header weekend featuring the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA‑certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC).

The Mumbai Street Race will take fans on an adrenaline‑fueled journey through the heart of Navi Mumbai.

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Anish Shetty, Bryan Nicholas and Bhuvan Bonu dominate

P

art of the 28th JK Tyre Racing Championship, the weekend saw exciting races in all the three classes as Anish Shetty, Bryan Nicholas and Bhuvan Bonu came out all guns blazing in Round 1 for a hattrick at the Kari Motor Speedway on the outskirts of Coimbatore.

PHOTO BY꞉ SHAHJAHAN

12 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Anish dominated the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup. To win a hat‑ trick of races spread over Saturday and Sunday. Anish, born in Hubli and settled in Bengaluru, had slogged hard for his wins. These bikes, weighing close to 200 kg are not easy to tease on the track. Anish showcased fitness and form and above all speed in the two days.

was another who showcased his skills. Kayan was not as fast as Anish, but the third race of the weekend saw defending champion Navaneeth Kumar from the previous season bouncing back to second place.

Overall, in the standings, Anish Shetty is way ahead with 30 points. Kayan is at 19 points and Navaneeth at 12 points. “It has been a fruitful weekend and all

the hard work paid off,” said Anish Shetty.

Among the amateurs, Bryan Nicholas from Pondicherry won all three races (36 points). Behind him was Johring Warisa (27 points) from Umrangso. Kabir Sahoch from Vadodara was third in overall standing with 18 points.

Professionals

Anish Shetty began the season with a win with a lead of 6sec over Kayan Zubin Patel, Ashish Patel with a further 9sec

JK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP, R1

Saturday was sunny and bright where Anish showed that the rich field belonged to him. He has been racing bikes since age 15.

Now, at 30, he is a seasoned master who is reaping the rewards for working hard. The GT Cup grid is a mix between the seasoned riders and novices who have emerged from a trial of sorts from the street to circuit.

Kayan Zubin Patel from Mumbai

difference was third. Anish Shetty for the second time in the race he managed to keep Kayan Zubin Patel behind him but this race it was only three seconds gap. Navaneeth Kumar with over six seconds difference came third.

It was Anish Shetty's third straight win with over 2‑sec lead.

Navaneeth managed to climb one position up from his previous th finish, but was just 100 of a second behind Kayan Zubin Patel.

Novice class winners

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JK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP, R1

Amateurs

Bryan Nicholas managed to win the photo finish Race 1 on Johring Warisa and Saran Kumar with 17‑sec difference finished third.

Bryan Nicholas headed to his second win but this time he took a comfortable 5‑sec lead on Johring Warisa while Kabir Sahoch finished third with a further 8‑sec difference.

Bryan Nicholas also managed to his third top podium finish with over 3‑sec difference over Johring Warisa and Saran Kumar with 19‑sec deficit came in third.

In the JK Tyre Novice Cup, Bhuvan Bonu was too fast for the rest of the field. The 15‑year‑old from Bengaluru, who trains in the United States, was pushing his car effortlessly. At some stages, it looked like as if he was in a different car altogether. Indeed, to be getting the racing juices flowing all through two days, Bonu was confident. “I kept getting better and better. I enjoyed the weekend,” he said.

Vivek Pillai from Chennai in Professional class

As for the rest of the field comprising Ojas Surve and Abhijit Vadavalli, it was more of watching Bonu tease his car on two days in succession.

He did not want to say much on how faster his car was on an incident‑ filled last race on Sunday.

Race 1

Bhuvan Bonu from Team MSport managed to win the race with a thin margin on Abhijit Vadavalli from Team Momentum, Ojas Surve from Team DTS Racing finished third with over 16‑sec difference

Race 2

Bhuvan Bonu was unchallenged as he clinched his second podium with a 13‑sec margin over Ojas Surve who had a better finish than the previous race. He finished second ahead of Parthik Ashok who came third in less than a second behind.

Race 3

Shyamal Das from Barpeta Amatuer class

Winner Anish Shetty from Bengaluru 14 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

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Bhuvan Bonu became the third participant to be on the podium on top slot with over 21‑sec difference on Parthik Ashok, Lokithingeash Ravi from Team DTS Racing finished third.

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Raoul and Sai share IRL honours, Vasilis takes F4 opener

Poleman Kumaran (KKB) starts at the back after penalty, but powers to P2

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aoul Hyman and Sai Sanjay split the honours in the Indian Racing League races, while Vasilis Apostolidis clinched the Formula 4 contest as the Indian Racing Festival 2025 opened at the Kari Motor Speedway over a recent weekend in Coimbatore.

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PHOTO BY꞉ SRINIVAS KRISHNAN

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL, R1 Tollywood actor and Black Birds Hyderabad Franchise owner Naga Chaitanya along with RPPL MD, Mr. Akhilesh Reddy

Winner of Driver B Race ‑ Sai Sanjay of Speed Demons Delhi

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Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces winner of Driver A Race

Hyman wins Driver A Race

In the IRL Driver A Race on Saturday, Raoul Hyman of Goa Aces converted pole into a commanding victory. Starting at the front after Kyle Kumaran of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru was penalised for exceeding track limits in qualifying, Hyman held off Jon Lancaster of Black Birds Hyderabad in the early

exchanges before settling into rhythm and setting consistent fastest laps.

Kumaran, forced to start from the back, made steady progress through the field and was up to third by the closing stages. He eventually finished second, 22 seconds adrift of Hyman. Aqil Alibhai of Chennai Turbo Riders completed the podium.

F4 Race 2 winner Ishaan Madesh of Kolkata Royal Tigers 18 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Among other front‑runners, Ruhaan Alva retired with mechanical issues in the 21st minute, while Gabriela Jilkova of Black Birds Hyderabad also pulled out on lap 17. Lancaster slid out of contention on lap seven. Chetan Surineni worked his way up to fourth and held position until the finish.

Sai Sanjay wins Driver B Race

Sunday's Driver B Race saw Sai Sanjay of Speed Demons Delhi take the win after early leader Akshay Bohra dropped out with power failure. Sai seized the advantage and stayed clear to the flag, followed by Fabienne Wohlwend of Goa Aces.

The battle for third went down to the final corners. Akash Gowda initially held the position under

Vasilis Apostolidis of Black Birds Hyderabad

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL, R1

F4 Race 2 winners on podium

Kyle Kumaran of Kichcha's Kings

pressure from Tijil Rao and Neel Jani. Rao made a late move to take third but lost power shortly afterwards, allowing Gowda and Jani past. In the closing corners, Jani, representing Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru, passed Gowda to secure third place, recovering from engine issues earlier in the race.

Vasilis takes F4 Race 1

In the FIA‑certified Formula 4 opener, Vasilis Apostolidis of Black Birds Hyderabad led from start to finish on the wet track.

Shane Chandaria of Chennai Turbo Riders finished second after a long duel, while Ishaan Madesh of Kolkata Royal Tigers secured third despite several unsuccessful attempts to move further up.

Wian Boshoff of Godspeed Kochi, who started third, slipped back and finished fifth, while Sachiel Rotge climbed from the back to fourth.

Diljit inherits double in LGBF4

In the LGBF4 class of the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, which ran alongside IRF, Diljit was declared winner in both Race 1 and Race 2 after Dhruvh Goswami was disqualified for technical infringement.

IRL Driver B winners on podium

In Race 1, Balaprasath A and Aditya Patnaik completed the podium behind Diljit. In Race 2, Saran Vikram finished second and Raghul Rangasamy third.

Goswami bounced back in Race 3 to take a clear win, followed by Mehul Agarwal & Saran Vikram.

F4 Race 1 winners on podium

Shane Chandaria of Chennai Turbo Riders

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Jagathisree triumphant in three races; Double for Savion

Rahil Pillarisetty pulls off a thrilling win; Sarthak wins a brace PHOTO BY꞉ ANANDPHILAR

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ahil Pillarisetty from Hyderabad and Bengaluru teenager Savion Sabu hogged the limelight with contrasting victories in the two premier Pro‑Stock categories as the Rolon Round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, recently.

Mad Rabbit Racing enjoyed a profitable day in the second

round, as their riders savion, Amit and Mikail excel in their respective classes.

Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc Open category

Pune teenager Sarthak Chavan from Petronas TVS Racing pulled off a brilliant win, his second in three starts. Starting from P3, 18‑ year‑old Sarthak survived some close calls and contacts with pole‑sitter, Hyderabad's Rahil Pillarisetty from RACR Castrol Power1 who eventually finished

20 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

third behind Chennai teenager Johann Reeves Emmanuel from Motul KTM Gusto Racing India to win an incident‑filled 10‑lap Race 1.

While 27‑year‑old Rahil maintained impressive pace to fight off strong challenge to win the Race 2, Savion swept to a comfortable victory, his second of the weekend, for the Bengaluru‑based Mad Rabbit Racing team.

Like in Race 1 on Saturday, there

was plenty of drama in today's second outing, but Rahil steered clear of incidents after an early scare in the first lap when Johann Reeves Emmanuel crashed as the duo lined up for a right‑hander.

Thereafter, Rahil and Race 1 winner, Pune's Sarthak Chavan did the front‑running, but not for long. Young Bengalurean, Chiranth Vishwanath from Petronas TVS Racing, having started last in the 12‑bike grid, sliced his way to join the front‑

2W NATL RACING, COIMBATORE

Winners of PS 200cc Open race Savlon Sabu, Mohan Babu and Soorya PM

Aizawl's Daniel Lalhriatkima, winner of Stock 165cc (Novice) race

runners. Chiranth and Sarthak made contact twice during the race and on the second occasion, the latter crashed and eventually limped home eighth. Rahil managed to stay in front of the chasing Chiranth for a fine win.

Veteran Rajini Krishnan from RACR Castrol Power1 finished third.

Stock 301‑400cc (Novice)

Thiruvallur's Mohamed Mikail from Mad Rabbit Racing with over a second gap won the Race 1 over his Bengalurian teammate Varun Patil, with less than a second difference Jammups Raivat Dhar from MAI Racing completed the podium.

Savion's teammate and fellow‑ Bengalurean Varun Patil topped the Race 2, as Raivat faired better by one position up and Pune's Tanay Gaikwad from Motul Sparks Racing finished third.

Stock 165cc Novice

Race 1 witnessed a photo finish, while all the top three finished in

the same second. Mysuruian Amit Prasad from Mad Rabbit Racing was topper followed by Lal Nunsunga from Aizwal racing from Motul Sparks Racing finished second. Hari Haran from Coimbatore, RACR Castrol Power1 finished third.

Meanwhile, Daniel Lalhriatkima from Mizoram and Assam's Johring Warisa scripted history of sorts by delivering a first double podium for North‑East and for their team, Yakuza Racing India which was formed only this year. In Race 2 Daniel finished first and Johring came in third behind Coimbatore's Hari Haran.

Super Stock 165cc Intermediate

Coimbatore's Raj Kumar from Motul Sparks Racing topped the Race 1 in which he was virtually unchallenged while his teammate Mohammed Samrul Zubair from Hyderabad finished second, 6 seconds behind.

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Sarthak Chavan (No.75), winner of the Pro‑Stock 301‑400cc Open race

Kamal Navas from Chennai representing from Rockers Racing finished third, with another 13‑sec difference.

While Coimbatore's Raj Kumar took the honours in Race 2, as he led a 1‑2 finish for Motul Sparks Racing with Mohamed Samrul from Hyderabad in tow. Kamal Navas finished third.

Girls Stock 165cc

In Race 1, Jagathishree Kumaresan from One Racing, Chennai finished on top followed by Lani Zena Fernandez from Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power1 in second and Pune's Saima Ajaz Baig of team KYT Helmet ISBK Racing completed the podium.

Race 1 winner Jagathishree started from P3, but fought her way to P1 while in the next outing, she “messed up” her pole‑position start to drop to fifth but recovered admirably to win ahead of two former champions including, Ann Jennifer from Motul Sparks

Racing, who had started from P12.

Pro‑Stock 165‑200cc Open

Savion, starting from P4, won narrowly from Soorya PM (LGE Racing) in a tight finish while Amit Prasad moved up a spot when Vijayawada's Jangam Akarsh (MAI Racing) dropped to P12 after receiving a 10‑second penalty. Mikail won easily in a race marked by a red flag stoppage and it was restarted.

Bengalurian Savion Sabu from Mad Rabbit Racing managed to keep the Chennai rider Soorya PM from LGE Racing behind him in a photo finish in Race 1.

Coimbatore's Senthil Kumar from RDX Torque Racing finished third.

In Race 2, Savion was the winner followed by Mohan in second and Soorya finished third.

Petronas TVS India One‑Make Championship

Mohan Babu from Chennai and local rider Hari Haran won the

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Savion Sabu, notched a double in the Pro‑Stock 165‑200cc Open class

Expert (RR 310) and Rookie (Apache RTR 200) respectively, in the Petronas TVS India One‑ Make Championship.

Expert (Apache RR 310)

All the three winners from Race 1 were from Chennai, Mohan Babu P with over 2‑sec lead was the winner and Manoj Yesuadiyan finished second. With a further difference of 3 seconds, G Balaji came third. Hyderabad's Md Samrul Zubair was the winner of the Race 2 as two Chennai riders, Abdul Basim RS and Mohan Babu P, finished in second and

third positions respectively.

Rookie (RTR 200)꞉ Grand double for Hari Haran

Hari Haran from Coimbatore with a 3‑sec lead in Race 1 won while Joshua A from Bengaluru finished second and Trichy's Steve Waugh Sugi finished in third position. Race 2 had similar results. Hari finished on top followed by Joshua in second and Steve finished third.

Women (RTR 200)

The 8‑lap race saw Jagathishree Kumaresan from Chennai dominating with a clean

2W NATL RACING, COIMBATORE

Amit Prasad (No.11), winner of the Stock 165cc (Novice) race

performance while SP Shuria from Trichy came second with a 13‑sec difference to first. Sarah Khan from Mumbai was third another 12 seconds behind.

Electric RTR꞉

The six‑lap race was won by Sarthak Chavan from Pune, he managed this win with over 3‑sec lead over Chiranth Vishwanath from Bengaluru and he with a lead of 12 seconds kept Rakshith Dave from Chennai behind him in third.

In the Honda CB 300F Race 1, Tumakuru's Tejash BA fought off a strong challenge from Jammu Raivat Dhar for a fine win while Bengaluru's Amit

Prasad completed the podium.

Jammu's Raivat Dhar registered his first win to make significant progress in the points standings, Tejash BA finished in second while Swaroop Krishna P from Chennai finished third.

Jagathishree Kumaresan, won a double in the Girls (Stock 165cc)

Raj Kumar (No.16), on way to winning the Super Stock 165cc race SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 23

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Shahan and Sohil share IRL wins; Rotge and Madesh star in F4 at Chennai

Speed Demons, Kolkata Royal Tigers and Kichcha's Kings take key results

T

PHOTO BY; SRINIVASA KRISHNAN

he second round of the Indian Racing Festival 2025 at the Madras International Circuit saw contrasting conditions across two days, with damp patches on Saturday and bright sunshine on Sunday.

Shahan Ali Mohsin and Sohil Shah split the Indian Racing League honours, while Sachel Rotge and Ishaan Madesh impressed in the Formula 4 Indian Championship held in Chennai .

24 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL 2025

F4 INDIAN SACHEL ROTGE

KICHCHA’S KINGS BENGALURU 77

SHANE CHANDARIA CHENNAI TURBO RIDERS ISHAAN MADESH KOLKATA ROYAL TIGERS GHAZI MOTLEKAR KOLKATA ROYAL TIGERS SAISHIVA SANKARAN SPEED DEMONS DELHI

65 60 49

INTERNATIONAL RACING FESTIVAL, R2

CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS

39

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 25

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F4 race3 winner Shane Chandaria from Chennai Turbo Riders

In Saturday's IRL race, pole‑ sitter Shahan Ali Mohsin (Speed Demons Delhi) led from the start, building an early cushion before a safety car period. He resumed strongly to take the win. Aqil Alibhai (Chennai Turbo Riders) snatched second in a photo finish from Alister Yoong (Speed Demons Delhi). Jon Lancaster (Black Birds Hyderabad) and Tom Canning (Kolkata Royal Tigers) battled for fourth, while Kyle Kumaran (Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru) recovered from the back to ninth.

On Sunday, Sohil Shah (Kolkata Royal Tigers) converted pole into victory in the weekend's second IRL race. Despite two safety cars and a red flag, Shah controlled the pace to the flag. Akshay Bohra (Black Birds Hyderabad)

Shahan Ali Mohsin from Speed Demons Delhi winner of IRL race1

finished second and Lancaster claimed third.

In the F4 Indian opener, penalties pushed Shane Chandaria (Chennai Turbo Riders) to start sixth despite topping qualifying. Ishaan Madesh (Kolkata Royal Tigers) initially led but dropped down after an off‑track moment. The race was decided between Rotge (Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru) and Wian Boshoff (Godspeed Kochi), with Rotge prevailing. Ghazi Motlekar (Kolkata Royal Tigers) took second and Annabel Kennedy (Black Birds Hyderabad) third.

Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru team with their F4 race1 winner

Race 2 produced a storming drive from Madesh, who climbed from eighth to take the win.

Rotge finished second after

IRL Race1 winners on podium F4 Race2 winner Ishaan Madesh from Kolkata Royal Tigers in front

F4 race1 winners on podium 26 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

passing Motlekar late on. Race 3 went to Chandaria with a lights‑ to‑flag run, Saishiva Sankaran (Speed Demons Delhi) second and Madesh third. Rotge again showed strong racecraft to finish fourth.

The final F4 race of the weekend belonged to Rotge, who moved up from third to take the win.

Luviwe Sambudla put up resistance but settled for second, and Sankaran completed the podium.

With two rounds complete, Speed Demons Delhi have set the early pace in the IRL. In F4, Rotge and Madesh have established themselves as title contenders, with two wins each heading into the next round at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore.

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IRL race2 winners on podium

INTERNATIONAL RACING FESTIVAL, R2

Tuners & Technicians domain

WINNERS

INDIAN RACING FESTIVAL 2025, R2, CHENNAI

INDIAN RACING LEAGUE WINNERS RACE1꞉ SHAHAN ALI MOSHIN SPEED DEMONS DELHI

RACE2꞉ SOHIL SHAH KOLKATA ROYAL TIGERS

F4 INDIAN WINNERS RACE1꞉ SACHEL ROTGE

F4 race4 winners on podium

KICHCHA’S KINGS BENGALURU

RACE2꞉ ISHAAN MADESH KOLKATA ROYAL TIGERS

RACE3꞉ SHANE CHANDARIA CHENNAI TURBO RIDERS RACE4꞉ SACHEL ROTGE

KICHCHA’S KINGS BENGALURU

Sachel Rotge from Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru in action winner race1 & 4

F4 race2 winners on podium

F4 race2 winners on podium SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 27

Dean Mascarenhas‑Karumbaiah clinch Rally of Coimbatore

Team Sidvin India makes dream debut with brand new Peugeot 208

D

ean Mascarenhas and co‑driver Gagan Karumbaiah KS announced their arrival in spectacular fashion, securing a debut victory for Team Sidvin India Racing at the gruelling BlueBand Rally of Coimbatore in August. The Mangalore‑Kodagu duo mastered the challenging conditions to claim the top spot in the second round of the six‑round BlueBand fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2025.

PHOTO BY꞉ SRINIVASA KRISHNAN, VIKRAM SUNDHARAMOORTHY & GHANSHYAM TIWARI

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spec Peugeot 208, Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah began the final day with intent, winning the first special stage. They then fended off a determined charge from defending overall champion Karna Kadur (Bengaluru).

Holding his nerve, Mascarenhas built on his overnight lead to seal a stunning victory with a total time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 09.4 seconds.

Karna Kadur / Musa Sherif overall second

Promoters BlueBand introduced a dedicated spectator zone this season, a long‑awaited feature that was complete with a secure canopy, seating, refreshments, lunch, facilities, and live commentary. The initiative was met with immense enthusiasm, drawing a strong local turnout.

Behind the wheel of a newly‑ imported, left‑hand‑drive rally‑ Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap overall third INRC 2 winners Jason Saldanha and PVS Murthy

The event, known for its dusty and windy stages, was made even more treacherous by intermittent rains. However, the rains failed to settle the dust, which billowed up as expected after the first pass of each stage.

This year's route featured a new, fast‑flowing stage in addition to the two regulars from 2024, though the windmill stage was omitted. The wet surface from the early rain provided a serious slippery challenge for the initial runners.

30 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

The battle for second was a nail‑ biting thriller. MRF‑supported Arka Motorsports' Kadur and co‑ driver Musa Sherif, who is in his 33rd year of competition, edged ou TSI's Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap (Himachal Pradesh) by a mere 1.1 seconds.

The pair finished 27 seconds behind the leaders. Thakur, the 2019 INRC champion, lost crucial time in the day's second stage, ultimately settling for the final podium position.

Jason Saldanha with PV Srinivas Murthy missed the podium by 2min 07sec, while the MRF‑ supported Kerala pair of Fabid Ahmer and Milen C George finished fifth, a further 23 seconds back.

INRC1꞉

Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah were the commanding class winners. Defending champion Karna Kadur with seasoned co‑

INRC 3T winners Jeet Jhabakh and V Sekar

INRC1 winners

Overall INRC winners

INRC2 winners

driver Musa Sherif of Arka Motorsports, faced a setback on Day 1 with a hose pipe issue.

Despite a strong recovery that saw them close to within 10 seconds of Aditya Thakur, they finished second, 27 seconds off the lead. Thakur and Virender Kashyap completed the podium.

Privateers Ritesh Rai (Chennai) and Phalguna (Bengaluru) finished an impressive sixth overall and fourth in class, followed by the AART Motorsports duo of L Monish and GM Manjunath in fifth.

INRC 2꞉

Arka Motorsports' Jason Saldanha (Mangaluru) and PV Srinivas Murthy (Bengaluru) topped the category with a time of 1꞉31꞉16.4, holding off a spirited charge from MRF's Fabid Ahmer and Milen George (Chettinad Sporting) by 16 seconds. Arka's consistent run continued with Philippos Matthai (Delhi) and Harish KN

Gowda (Bengaluru) securing third, 1min 27sec behind.

Privateers Ritesh Guttedar M and Suraj M, who were well‑placed, lost 14 seconds in the day's first stage and finished fourth, 38 seconds off the podium.

Mysuru's Syed Salman and co‑ driver Anirudh R finished fifth.

INRC3꞉

Privateers Sheshank Jamwal (Himachal) and local co‑driver Raghuram Saminathan (Chettinad Sporting) took a solid win. Arka's Jagbir Nirwan and Kranpreet Singh Mattu did well to keep their second place intact through every stage. Chettinad's Aniruddh Rangnekar (Mumbai) and AG Somayya (Bengaluru) climbed from fifth to claim the final podium spot, 56 seconds behind Nirwan. Abhin Rai (Madikeri) and Moideen Jasheer (Mudigere) finished fourth, with the Calicut Snap Racing pair of Abhimanyu Sajeevan and Vijay Anand in fifth.

INRC3 winners

INRC 3T winners SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 31

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Classic Class꞉

In his debut rally season, off‑ roader Siddartha Santhosh (Bengaluru) with co‑driver Sawan Sathyanarayana developed a dominant lead of 3min 52sec. Their rivals, Satish P and Rishikesh KR (R Tech Motorsports, Bengaluru), lost three minutes in the final stage, cementing Santhosh's victory after he built on a 22‑second Day 1 lead.

JINRC winners Abin Rai and Moideen Jasheer

INRC3T꞉

The privateer pair of Jeet Jhabakh (Hyderabad) and V Sekar (Coimbatore) extended their overnight lead to claim victory. Bengaluru privateers Dr. Akarsh and Arjun SSB climbed to second in their class, after the exit of Puligilla. The Coimbatore Falkon Motorsports duo of Ramcharan C and Vignesh Mahalingam also moved up to complete the top‑three. Snap Racing's Hardik Patel and Alpesh Solanki (Ahmedabad) finished fourth.

Women's Class꞉

Anushriya Gulati and Karan Aukta delivered a composed drive to claim victory for Arka Motorsports. Rookies Tarushi Vikram (Chikkamagaluru) and

Vybhav Mukund Rao (Chettinad Sporting) put in a commendable performance, overtaking Phoebe Dale Nongrum to finish a close second, just 9 seconds behind. Phoebe Nongrum (Meghalaya) and Nash Ross (Chettinad Sporting) finished third.

JINRC꞉

Abin Rai and Moideen Jasheer stood out with a top time of 1꞉35꞉11.4. They finished narrowly ahead of the Snap Racing pair of Abhimanya Sajeevan and Vijay Anand in second, and Aditya Kousgi with Deeksha Balakrishna (Bengaluru) in third. Day one leaders, S Ajay Sankar and Venu Ramesh Kumar V of Falkon Motorsports, Coimbatore, were forced to retire.

Classic class winners Siddartha Santhosh and Sawan Sathyanarayana

Classic class winners

Women’s class winners Anushriya Gulati and Karan Aukta 32 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Gypsy class winners

Gypsy꞉

Aneesh Sangma and Dinky Varghese K pulled out a surprise on the final day, climbing from outside the top three to claim victory. Day 1 leaders Sanjay Agarwal and Dheeraj Manae

melted down to second, 1min 13sec behind. The Osprey Race Team Kodagu pair of Kariappa Mekerira and Abhinav Ganapathy slid one position to finish third, 1min 9sec off the lead but held onto the podium.

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Aneesh Sagma and Dinky Varghese K winners of Gypsy class

JINRC class winners

Ladies class winners SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 33

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Ishaan Madesh winner Senior Max

Double for Bengaluru's Ishaan Madesh; Rivaan Dev Preetham dominates

Young Shiv Tummala exhibits speed to steal the show; Shonal Kunimal, Arafat Sheikh win PHOTO BY꞉ SHAHJAHAN

T

he sibling rivalry between Madesh brothers from Bengaluru and Peregrine Racing team‑mates, Ishaan and Rohaan, added a spark to the second round of the Meco‑fmsci National Karting Championship Rotax Max Classes at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore recently.

The younger Ishaan, a seven‑ times National champion across various categories, held off Rohaan in both the Pre‑Finals and Finals in the Senior Max class for a grand double after both fought tooth and nail for track positions and thus providing some thrilling fare.

Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode (Birel Art India) and Pune's Arafat Sheikh (Crest Motorsports) won the Finals and the Pre‑Finals,

respectively, in the Junior Max category.

Expectedly, Chennai's Rivaan Dev Preetham (MSport) dominated the newly introduced Mini Max category, winning both the Finals and the Pre‑Finals to complete a double as did Shiv Tummala from Bengaluru (Peregrine Racing) who was an equally facile winner in the Micro Max class where he comfortably held off his rivals.

The second round of the championship attracted a massive 74 entries from across the country.

Senior Max – Finals

Winner Bengaluru boy Ishaan Madesh from Peregrine Racing

34 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

with a comfortable lead dominated the round over the second finisher Pune's Arjun Vijay Chheda from Crest Motorsports, while teammate and elder brother of Ishaan, Rohaan Madesh, completed the podium.

Madesh brothers dominated the 15‑lap Pre‑finals. Ishaan with over 10‑sec lead was the topper while Rohaan finished second Kochi's Laksh Manish Bafna from kart Crew Motorsports finished third.

Kozhikode's Shonal Kunimal from Birel Art India was the winner of Junior Max 18‑lap Finals, Chennai's Eshanth Vengatesan from MSport with just over a second difference finished behind him in second

while Bengalurian B Kumar Gowda from Rayo Racing with 10‑sec deficit finished third. It was Pune's Arafath Sheikh from Crest Motorsports who topped the 16‑lap Pre‑finals winning over his teammate Hridaan Sanadhya from Pune by 15 seconds. Shonal Kunimal from Kozhikode representing Birel Art India finished third with over 3‑ sec further difference to the second‑placed driver.

Mini Max 16‑lap Finals belonged to MSports's Rivaan Dev Preetham from Chennai, who won with over 3‑sec lead over Mumbai's Hamza Balasinorwala from Crest Motorsports. Yatharth Gaur from Faridabad's Leapfrog Racing finished third.

NATL ROTAX KARTING, R1 & R2

Lady driver Arshi Gupta's historic feat Ishaan Madesh, Kiaan Shah, Rivaan Dev Preetham hog limelight PHOTO BY; SHAHJAHAN

Rivaan Dev Preetham winner Mini Max

Shiv Tummala winner Micro Max

Earl i er, i t was Ri vaan D ev Preetham who dominated the Pre‑finals with a healthy lead of 5‑sec over Yatharth who finished second and Pune's Danish Dalmiya from Rayo racing finished third

Micro Max – Finals (13 laps)꞉ Hyderabad boy Shiv Tummala, registered as Bengaluru with team Peregrine Racing, was one

of the youngest in the field and he came out triumphant. His teammate, also from Bengaluru, Zidaan Arav finished second and Mumbaikar Aarav Surekha from Rayo Racing came third. The same results from Pre‑finals were reflected in the finals, Shiv was t h e wi n n e r as Z i d aan finished second and Aarav finished third.

A

rshi Gupta, the only female driver in the Micro Max grid, delivered what may be one of the most remarkable performances by a woman in recent decades in Indian karting while competing on equal terms with boys. She won both the Pre‑Final and the Final in the same round of the MECO‑FMSCI National Karting Championship which concluded on Sept 1 at the Madras International Karting arena.

Chennai's Rivaan Dev Preetham from MSport completely dominated the week‑end and remained unbeaten in the Mini Max category through Heats, Pre‑ Finals and the Final. His mindset, race tactics and talent were on show in ample

measure. Likewise, Rayo Racing's Kian Shah of Mumbai also won both the races.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru's Ishaan Madesh (Peregrine Racing) took the top step in the Senior Max Final after a weekend of mixed results where he came third in the pre‑final won by Aahil.

Sixteen‑year‑old Ishaan Madesh secured the win in the Final after surviving first‑ lap congestion and steadily increasing his margin over the remainder of the race. Arafath Sheikh produced a strong drive from P10 to finish second, while Rishon Rajeev (Birel Art India) rounded out the podium.

Pole‑sitter Aahil Mecklai (Rayo Racing, Mumbai), who had looked strong early on, dropped out of contention in

.

Winners group Photograph

Rivaan Dev Preetham winner Mini Max SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 35

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NATL ROTAX KARTING, R1 & R2

Arishi Gupta of Leapfrog Racing winner of Micro Max

the early stages. In the Pre‑Final, Aahil led by about three seconds over Ethan Joy (Peregrine Racing, Bengaluru). Ishaan was third, a further two seconds behind.

Mumbai's Kiaan Shah (Rayo Racing) took a tight win in the Junior Max Final, with Arafath Sheikh and Rishik Rohit Reddy (MSPORT, Bengaluru) chasing closely. Less than a second separated the top three at the finish. Arafath was later assessed a five‑second penalty that dropped him to sixth, elevating Eshanth Vengatesan (MSPORT) to third. In the Pre‑Final, Kiaan was clear winner, followed by Arafath and Kairav Roberson (Chennai).

Arshi Gupta (Leapfrog Racing, Faridabad) dominated the Micro Max class. She won Heat 2, then the Pre‑Final and the Final, all with comfortable margins. In the Final she finished over three seconds ahead of Rudrapratap Singh Shekhawat (Gurugram), with Jishnu Serelathan (Peregrine Racing, Bengaluru) taking third, just under a second behind second place. Similar margins held in the Pre‑Final with Arshi first, Jishnu second and Shiv Tummala third. Her performance stood out, as in at least one race she was clearly

ten‑kart lengths ahead of the rest at the chequered flag on a mixed grid.

Rivaan Dev Preetham (Chennai, MSPORT) remained unbeaten in the Mini Max category and bulldozed his way topping all the session and winning both the races. In the Final, he led a 14‑lap race to win, with Mumbai's Hamza Balasinorwala (Crest Motorsports) second by less

Winners of all the four classes

than three seconds, and Faridabad's Yatharth Gaur (Leapfrog Racing) third, about five seconds further back. In the Pre‑Final, Rivaan was first, followed by Rehan Khan Rasheed (Momentum Motorsports, Chennai) and Hamza.

The third round of the championship drew 72 entries from across the country.

Ishaan Madesh of Peregrine Racing Senior Max winner

36 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Arshi Gupta's clean sweep in Micro Max marks one of the strongest female showings in Indian karting in recent years. It recalls the era of Alisha Abdullah, who, in her heyday some two decades ago, raced on equal footing with boys and often challenged for and won major titles. If archival data confirms no one else has since won both Pre‑ Final and Final in the same round, this may now enter as a record.

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The comeback continues.

dreamer and a new co‑driver chasing speed, clarity, and a second shot at greatness.

THE MANTRA THIS ROUND꞉ FIRST, YOU FINISH

They say, to finish first, you must first finish. That saying echoed louder than engine roars during Round 2 of the Indian National Rally Championship in Coimbatore for Sangeeth Samuel and his rally team, Ford John Motorsports.

After the dramatic car flip in Round 1, this time, the goal was simple꞉ complete the rally. And they did.

"It wasn't about glory this time it was about survival, rhythm, and learning to breathe in the car again."

ENTERING THE STAGE… WITHOUT A BRAKE BOOSTER

Drama struck early. As they entered the first stage, they discovered something terrifying꞉ the brake booster wasn't connected.

“It was one of those moments where your stomach drops and your brain screams 'How are we

38 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Their past training and sheer mental grit made the difference.

A NEW VOICE IN THE CAR

The biggest change this round?

A new co‑driver Syed Salman, known fondly as Sal.

An experienced and calm presence in the car, Sal brought not only technical clarity but also a composed mindset that helped re‑center the team's dynamics.

"His presence brought wisdom and clarity. The car felt less chaotic. There was structure.

Focus.

Though it was their first time working together, the chemistry was promising. The notes made sense. The stages flowed. But the takeaway was clear꞉ if they want to truly compete… there's a long way to go.

THE PACE GAP They finished the rally. But finishing wasn't the only metric.

SANGEETH / SYED FEATURE

still moving?!' But somehow, we managed,” says Sangeeth. The duo kept the car under control, maintained decent pace, and got through it.

"To make a difference in the standings, we'll have to go 70% faster not just in speed, but in decision‑making, commitment, and cornering aggression."

The realization stung. But it also set the next goal꞉

Go back to the drawing board.

Train harder. Think smarter.

Move quicker.

WHAT'S NEXT꞉ ROUND 3 & A LOT MORE GRIT Round 2 closed with a quiet sense of accomplishment. No champagne. No headline. Just a box ticked, and a clear‑eyed focus on what's ahead.

Before Round 3, the team will evaluate potential changes to their service crew, and dive into deeper, more structured training sessions both in‑car and out.

The comeback isn't linear.

But it's alive.

“We finished Round 2. And now we know how far we still have to go.”

Stay tuned. Round 3 awaits and Ford John Motorsports is just getting warmed up.

THIS PHOTO BY꞉ MAX MACHAIAH / AYUDA PRASAD PONNAPPA SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 39

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Premium Electric SUVs Designed for Indian Families

VINFAST MAKES ITS LANDMARK DEBUT

VinFast enters India's dynamic electric vehicle market at an opportune time, as the segment is experiencing unprecedented growth and a growing consumer appetite for premium electric SUVs. The company's positioning focuses on delivering advanced features typically found in higher segments, cutting‑edge safety technology, and comprehensive after‑sales support for consumers seeking sustainable mobility solutions.

VinFast VF 6

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia

With the launch of made‑in‑India premium Electric SUVs VF 6 AND VF 7

W

ith the launch of made‑ in‑India premium Electric SUVs VF 6 AND VF 7, VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates, is a pure‑ play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone.

VinFast officially launched its much‑anticipated premium electric SUVs in India꞉ the sleek and smart VF 6 and the sporty and sophisticated VF 7. Marking VinFast's first models introduced to India's rapidly expanding EV market, the launch under‑ scores the company's strong commitment to supporting the n a t i o n ' s t ra n s i t i o n t o wa rd

sustainable, green mobility and positions VinFast as a key player in shaping India's EV future.

As Indian customers embrace EVs for their performance, sustainability, and technology, VinFast is stepping in with the VF 6 and VF 7, two premium SUVs designed to meet the unique expectations of Indian consumers. From range and comfort to advanced safety and features, these models are engineered to redefine premium EV ownership. With this launch, VinFast seeks to position itself as a catalyst in this transformation, combining international expertise with a strong local footprint to serve the diverse needs of Indian customers.

40 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

At the launch, Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said,

"Today marks a historic milestone ‑ the launch of cars that are not just made in India, but made by Indians, for Indians.

We are introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem, thoughtfully designed for Indian families. The VF 6 and VF 7 embody the perfect harmony of practical design, premium quality, and cutting‑edge technology that Indian consumers aspire to. Backed by our state‑of‑the‑art Thoothukudi facility and strong ecosystem partnerships, we are committed to supporting India's vision of becoming a global leader in electric mobility."

Inspired by the philosophy of 'The Duality in Nature', VF 6, a premium compact electric SUV, combines contrasting qualities of fun and sophistication, technology and human focus, to deliver an exceptional blend of performance and features. The feature‑loaded electric SUV offers a 59.6 kWh battery pack with 25‑minute fast charging (10‑ 70%), ARAI‑certified range of up to 468 km. 2,730 mm long wheelbase and 190 mm ground clearance are ideal for the Indian family's needs.

Ample variant choices for customers – The VF 6 Premium SUV will be offered in two interior trim colours and three variants – Earth, Wind and Wind Infinity.

VF 6 Earth꞉ 130 kW peak power, 250 Nm peak torque, independent rear suspension for utmost comfort. Multiple drive modes to suit individual driving preferences and moods. With all black interiors, a 12.9‑inch infotainment screen, automatic AC, a powered driver seat, and cruise control are all standard equipment. Another standout feature is the piano‑inspired gear selector that comes with a dedicated drive mode button, electronic parking brake, and auto hold functionality.

VF 6 Wind꞉ 150 kW peak power, 310 Nm peak torque, 0‑100 kmph in just 8.9 seconds gives

VinFast VF 7 The VF 7 embodies 'The Universe is Asymmetrical' design philosophy, fusing bold exteriors with a premium interior. VF 7 is a large SUV with a length exceeding 4.5 m and 2,840 mm wheelbase. It will be available in two battery packs and five variants – Earth, Wind, Wind Infinity, Sky and Sky Infinity. The car also has two interior color options and two drivetrain options꞉ FWD and AWD configurations.

VF 7 Earth꞉ 59.6 kWh battery pack, motor producing 130 kW peak power and generating 250 Nm peak torque. Charging time of just 24 minutes from 10% to 70%. Sporty black vegan leather

upholstery, coloured HUD projection, rain‑sensing wipers, dual zone air conditioning, powered driver seat, cruise control and large 19‑inch alloy wheels are all standard. The piano‑inspired gear selector that comes with a dedicated drive mode button, electronic park‑ ing brake and auto hold functionality is sporty and sophisticated.

VF 7 Wind꞉ Gets a larger 70.8 kWh battery pack, max. Power of 150 kW from PMSM motor, 310 Nm peak torque, able to touch 100 kmph from standstill in just 9.5 seconds, 28‑minute fast charging (10‑70%), 19‑inch alloy wheels painted in sporty black colour, powered tailgate, 8‑way power driver seat adjustment, front ventilated seats, 8‑speaker audio system, Adaptive Cruise Control along with full ADAS Level 2 suit including an advanced driver distraction warning with a driver monitoring system camera mounted on the steering. Premium mocca brown vegan leather interiors add to the aura of the car.

VF 7 Sky꞉ All the features of VF 7 Wind plus a Dual motor setup generating a combined peak power of 260 kW and 500 Nm peak torque. This gives AWD capabilities to the car and can touch 100 kmph in just 5.8 secs.

VF 7 Wind Infinity and VF 7 Sky Infinity꞉ Adds a large edge‑to‑ edge panoramic fixed glass roof.

ARAI Certified Range꞉ Earth (438 km), Wind (532 km), Sky (510 km) Standard Features on VF 7꞉ Large 19‑inch alloy wheels, heated ORVM with auto dimming and memory functions, flush door handles, coloured HUD projection, a C‑Type 90 W USB port to charge electronic gadgets, and even a dual zone AC. Auto LED Projector Headlamps with auto levelling, Signature lights in front and rear, Acoustic Windshield and glass roof, Reverse Link ORVM, Keyless entry and go, Power adjustment for driver seat, Auto AC, All windows auto up and auto down with anti pinch, Bezel Less auto dimming IRVM, ABS,

EBD, BA, ESC, TCS, HSA, ROM, ESS, All disc brakes, Rain sensing wipers, 7 Airbags, dTPMS, 360 degree SVM, Cruise Control, 12.9 inch infotainment screen, wireless AACP, 6 Speakers, multiple drive and regen modes, Connected car Tech.

VinFast has built a robust ecosystem for a delightful ownership experience. The company has partnered with leading banks and financial institutions to offer tailored financing solutions. Strategic collaborations with RoadGrid, myTVS, and Global Assure are helping establish a nationwide network for charging and after‑ sales services. Furthering its commitment to sustainability, VinFast has also joined hands with BatX Energies for advanced battery recycling and created a circular battery value chain.

Together, these initiatives reflect the company's vision of shaping a greener future through responsible and innovative practices.

National Dealer Network and Made‑in‑India Manufacturing VinFast India is rapidly expanding its presence across India with planned 35 dealer touchpoints and 26 Workshops

ELECTRIC VEHICLE‑VINFAST

exhilarating performance. With Mocca brown interiors, premium vegan leather upholstery, 8‑way powered driver seat adjustment, and front seats ventilation, dual‑ zone AC with air ionizer and PM 1.0 air filtration will keep the families in comfort. An 8‑speaker audio system, coloured HUD projection, Adaptive Cruise Control, along with full ADAS Level 2 suite including front and rear auto emergency braking, and 18‑inch machine‑cut wheels are other prominent additions.

VF 6 Wind Infinity꞉ Adds a large edge‑to‑edge panoramic fixed glass roof.

ARAI Certified Range꞉ Earth (468 km), Wind (463 km) Standard Features on VF 6꞉ Auto LED Projector Headlamps with auto levelling, Signature lights in front and rear, Acoustic Windshield and glass roof, Reverse Link ORVM, Keyless entry and go, Power adjustment for driver seat, Auto AC, All windows auto up and auto down with anti‑pinch, Bezel less auto dimming IRVM, ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, TCS, HSA, ROM, ESS, All disc brakes, Rain sensing wipers, 7 Airbags, dTPMS, 360 degree SVM, Cruise Control, 12.9 inch infotainment screen, wireless AACP, 6 Speakers, multiple drive and regen modes, Connected car Tech.

across 27 cities by the end of CY2025. These include metros and emerging EV hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi and Lucknow.

Core to the company's India strategy is its state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where both the VF 6 and VF 7 will be assembled. The plant aligns perfectly with India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing and export hub.

The facility's strategic location near the Port positions it ideally for serving both domestic demand and export markets.

Global Experience, Local Commitment VinFast brings extensive international experience to India, with successful market entries across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

The company's global presence spans three continents, reflecting its commitment to driving the worldwide electric vehicle revolution. VinFast has achieved remarkable success in its home country of Vietnam, becoming the country's leading automotive manufacturer. The company has earned international recognition for its rapid growth and innovation.

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(From L‑R) Mr Vincent John Pendlebury, Chief Engineer, Vinfast and Mr Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 41

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ATMA Receives International Honour for Tyre Safety Awareness

Highlighting the award citation, TyreSafe noted “ATMA India's 'Special Recognition' award is a testament to their profound dedication and innovative approach to tyre safety. Their initiatives have educated over

20,000 participants, inspected more than 30,000 tyres, and inspired future road safety advocates through their impactful Ideathons program, setting them apart and aligning with TyreSafe's global vision for safer roads.”

“

“We are immensely proud that TyreSafe has recognised ATMA's work in tyre safety. This award underscores our commitment to elevating public awareness and encouraging responsible tyre maintenance through engagement with motorists and

“

A

utomotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA) has been bestowed with a prestigious Special Recognition Award by UK‑ based tyre safety charity TyreSafe during its annual briefing recently. This acknowledgment marks the first instance of TyreSafe presenting an international award, underscoring worldwide appreciation of ATMA's tyre safety drive.

“We are immensely proud that TyreSafe has recognised ATMA's work in tyre safety. This award underscores our commitment to elevating public awareness and encouraging responsible tyre maintenance through engagement with motorists and institutional partnerships. Our journey continues with the shared vision of making roads safer across India” said Mr. Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA.

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institutional partnerships. Our journey continues with the shared vision of making roads safer across India” said Mr. Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA.

“This recognition by TyreSafe validates our extensive grassroots efforts꞉ from petrol pump tyre clinics and university workshops to Ideathons and expressway campaigns.

Educating over 20,000 people and inspecting 30,000 tyres is just the beginning. We will keep amplifying our message꞉ proper tyre maintenance is crucial not just for vehicle performance but for saving lives” said Mr. Sudershan Gusain, Head ‑ Tyre Safety Awareness, ATMA/ITTAC

Over the years, ATMA has cast a wide footprint of tyre safety activities including꞉

ATMA FEATURE

Nationwide public outreach꞉ ATMA, together with its technical arm, Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC), has actively carried out more than 200 tyre safety activations ranging from roadside tyre clinics and petrol pump check‑up zones to school workshops and university engagements in the last few years. Over 20000 individuals, including motorists, commercial drivers, students, and public service officials, were reached during this time.

Institutional partnerships꞉ Collaborations with Indian Oil Corporation saw over 1000 tanker drivers across different states enroll in comprehensive tyre maintenance training.

Similar programs were held with several state government transport departments and road transport bodies.

campaigns and signage materials. They are supported through publications like the ITTAC Standards Manual and Tyre Condition guides.

As India continues to address the challenge of road safety, ATMA and ITTAC remain dedicated to scaling tyres and road safety outreach. ATMA urges vehicle users, academic institutions, transport authorities and policy makers to join this expanding movement.

Supported by member companies Apollo, Bridgestone, CEAT, JK Tyre, MRF ATMA is committed to partnering with state and central government bodies to ensure tyres are recognized not merely as mechanical components, but as essential life‑safety systems.

Educational outreach & Ideathons꞉ School Connect initiatives reached nearly 10,000 school students, while college‑ level Ideathons—like those at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo engaged youth in developing innovative road safety concepts The 2025 edition featured creative solutions like the Tyre Safety Ring, unveiled in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Expressway campaigns꞉ On the Samruddhi Mahamarg and Yamuna Expressway, ATMA/ITTAC engineers carried out tyre inspections on over 2,000 vehicles, distributing safety booklets and awareness materials

Continuous industry‑led education꞉ ATMA and ITTAC also organize webinars, animation films, social‑media

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Mr. Sharad Malhotra President Nippon Paint India

Nippon Paint's n‑SHIELD Paint Protection Films ‑

Y

our car isn't just metal, glass, and rubber. It's a reflection of your ambition, your style, your story. It's the first impression you make and the last look you take before walking away. In a world where you are what you drive, keeping that statement pristine is everything.

But the road is unforgiving꞉ debris, harsh sun, and daily wear and tear constantly threaten to dull your vehicle's shine.

Realizing this shift, Nippon Paint India is taking the leap from best‑in‑class paints to something far more꞉ introducing n‑SHIELD Paint Protection Films (PPF), a move that isn't just about innovation, but about leading a movement where style, performance, and protection go hand in hand. n‑SHIELD is a bold new chapter in automotive care, designed to keep your prized possession looking showroom perfect for years to come.

A Strategic Leap for India's Fragmented Market

India's passion for cars is undeniable, yet the paint protection market has been a

“

“We are combining our extensive paint technology know‑how to

Superior Protection, Infinite Possibilities

n‑SHIELD is built for life in motion. Its high‑performance films and coatings are tailored

“We are combining our extensive paint technology know‑how to deliver industry‑leading protection films. Our offerings span across various price segments not just premium, and we are committed to manufacturing these products in India soon,” said Sharad Malhotra, President of Nippon Paint India

scattered and underutilized space. Less than 3% of new vehicles in India get PPF, a stark contrast to over 20% in markets like China and the US. The market has been flooded with low‑cost imports of uneven quality and minimal support.

Nippon Paint is stepping in to

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change the game and establish India as the global hub for n‑ SHIELD.

“

A Choice for the Forever Young

deliver industry‑leading protection films. Our offerings span across various price segments not just premium, and we are committed to manufacturing these products in India soon,” stated Sharad Malhotra, President of Nippon Paint India, at the launch event.

for India's heat, dust, offering UV resistance, glass‑like clarity, and long‑lasting durability. The advanced tech keeping cars flawless and eye‑catching year after year. Supported by Nippon n‑SHIELD's global e‑warranty (up to 10 years), it transforms your car from just a vehicle to a

With n‑SHIELD Studios, Nippon Paint is rolling out franchise‑ backed film application centers offering certified products and expert services, aiming to reach over 100 locations by the end of the fiscal year.

A New Business, Not Just a Product

NIPPON PAINT FEATURE

lasting extension of yourself.

For Nippon Paint, n‑SHIELD marks a strategic evolution from a world‑leading paint supplier to a complete surface protection provider. "This is the first time we are going beyond paint at this scale. With India being our largest aftermarket market globally, this becomes ground zero for our PPF ambitions,” said Rakesh Handoo, Director Marketing and BU head for n‑ SHIELD, reflecting on the company's journey from automotive paints to a full surface protection provider.

“When we decided to enter films, we leveraged our decades of paint experience to develop the best products for all market categories. Our films cover all categories in the market, not just

the premium. And we plan to ultimately manufacture these products in India, in line with our Make in India philosophy, mirroring the government's efforts to bring international manufacturing to India,” Malhotra added.

Future‑Ready, Sustainable Solutions

With the launch, Nippon Paint India aims to deepen its relationship with car owners, channel partners, insurers, and OEMs, positioning n‑SHIELD as both an aftermarket leader and a genuine accessory through dealerships. With sustainability in focus, PPFs help extend paint life, reduce the need for repainting, and lower energy consumption making vehicles “Forever Young” and environmentally responsible.

Nippon Paint India, with the launch of n‑SHIELD, signals a new benchmark in automotive protection, combining technology, reliability, and partnerships to make Indian roads shine brighter one car at a time. .

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POWERING AHEAD

Driving Rooftop Solar Adoption integration, Hygge has been able to create a solution that is scalable, compliant and future‑ ready. A key strength of Hygge's platform is its thin and lightweight design, which makes

Prateek Saxena, CEO and Founder Hygge Energy

Hygge Energy Unveils India's First P2P Trading Platform Integrated with RBI's CBDC Framework

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he PM Surya Ghar꞉ Muft Bijli Yojana was announced with the bold vision of accelerating rooftop solar adoption across India, making households energy self‑reliant, and powering the nation's clean energy transition. Backed by significant funding and policy support, the initiative carries strong momentum from the highest levels of government.

And yet, on‑the‑ground adoption has been slower than anticipated because, as with any a m b i t i o u s r e f o r m , implementation complexity presented several challenges.

KEY PLAYER

To bridge this gap, Hygge Energy, a technology‑driven ecosystem, is stepping in to play a crucial role with a solution that complements government efforts by making rooftop solar adoption seamless, affordable and rewarding. Hygge's patented technology platform is tightly aligned and works in close sync with both electricity regulators as well as financial regulators, ensuring seamless operation within the existing policy framework. By building on this foundation of regulatory

46 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

it highly cost‑effective for the electricity sector; this is a critical advantage in an industry where electricity is an extremely price‑ sensitive commodity. Unlike bulky, capital‑intensive systems,

KEY AREAS

Drawing from first‑hand market engagement, Hygge has identified the three key factors causing the implementation complexity responsible for slowing rooftop solar adoption.

Households remain hesitant largely because of procedural hurdles, long payback periods, and limited financing options.

Today, installing rooftop solar involves multiple approvals, DISCOM coordination, subsidy processing, financing, and so forth. This is a series of steps that households often find daunting.

Even when these difficulties are overcome, returns on investment can take well over a decade to materialize, which dampens enthusiasm despite subsidies. The lack of suitable financing products further compounds the problem, as traditional banks do not yet offer loans tailored to such rooftop solar initiatives, while non‑ banking financial institutions (NBFIs) are still in the process of developing their capabilities in this space.

Hygge Energy's solution directly addresses these three problems, with the first step focusing on shortening the payback period for rooftop solar installations. In line with their support for progressive policy changes, such as those initiated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) — India's first regulatory body to announce a public blockchain policy — Hygge has developed a peer‑to‑peer energy trading platform that integrates seamlessly with the RBI's central bank digital currency (CBDC) framework. This creates a thriving marketplace for rooftop solar owners, enabling them to sell surplus power not only to

FEATURE

Hygge's lean architecture delivers powerful capabilities while keeping operational costs minimal.

neighbouring electricity consumers, but also to EV charging operators at rates higher than those offered for net or gross metering under current policies. As a result, the payback period for rooftop solar systems can be reduced by 50%, making the investment significantly more attractive.

The benefits of Hygge's platform extend to every stakeholder in the ecosystem. Consumers without solar installations can source energy at rates lower than those offered by DISCOMs, while the DISCOMs themselves remain integral to the process by supporting the PM Surya Ghar꞉ Muft Bijli Yojana and providing the distribution network, for which they are well compensated.

EASY FINANCE

Looking ahead, Hygge is working with banks and NBFIs to bridge the financing gap for rooftop solar households. Using the same technology stack and the power of blockchain, Hygge plans to enable crowdfunded loan products that make access to capital simpler and more inclusive, helping more households participate in India's solar transition without financial strain.

improvement in processes as policies evolve.

POTENTIAL OF SOLAR ENERGY

The PM Surya Ghar꞉ Muft Bijli Yojana has laid the groundwork for a transformational shift in India's energy landscape.

However, unlocking its full potential requires technology‑ driven solutions that work in harmony with government policy and scale efficiently across

the country. Hygge Energy's platform brings this vision to life by combining regulatory alignment, lean architecture, and blockchain technology into a single, integrated solution. By reducing procedural hurdles, slashing payback periods, enabling financing, and creating value for homeowners, DISCOMs, financiers and regulators alike, Hygge is helping turn the government's vision of energy sustainability and independence into reality.

.

The company's app‑based platform also dramatically reduces the procedural hurdles for all stakeholders by creating a single‑window interface. From funnelling consumer enquiries directly to service providers and solar installers, to connecting homeowners to financial institutions (banking and non‑ banking), while integrating DISCOM approval workflows, Hygge ensures that the entire journey from intent to installation is managed seamlessly on one single unified platform. Its modular architecture further allows for rapid scalability, adaptability and flexibility, enabling continuous SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 47

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Tanveer heading for another championship nd

2 consecutive victory for Mysuru's Abdul Wahid Tanveer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY꞉ VIKRAM SUNDHARAMOORTHY

48 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

M

ysuru's Abdul Wahid Tanveer topped the podium for the second consecutive time and now leads the championship, with only the final round remaining in Chikkamagaluru.

He took the lead from the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Rally

Petronas TVS Racing riders occupied the top four positions overall. Tanveer won with a nine‑ second lead over his teammate

NATL 2W RALLY, COIMBATORE

Championship for two‑wheelers, held on the outskirts of Coimbatore. The two‑stage rally totaled over 51 kilometers after being run twice in the forward direction.

Samuel Jacob. Rajendra RE finished third, 27 seconds behind, while Imran Pasha was fourth, a further one minute and 26 seconds back. R Nataraj from VM Motorsports finished fifth, 18 seconds off the pace, and Arun T from Hero Motorsports Team Rally was sixth, another five seconds behind.

Nataraj winner Superbike upto 500cc GroupA

Imran Pasha winner Supersport 165 to 260cc GroupB

Syed Asif winner Scooter class upto 210cc GroupB

Overall winners of MRF Rally of Coimbatore SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 autotrack.ind.in 49

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Rajesh Swami winner of Supersport 260 to 460cc GroupB

Somyya Chaudhary winner of Ladies class

R Nataraj from VM Motorsports continued his dominance in the Super Bike Expert up to 500cc Group A class, finishing one minute ahead of his teammate Sanjay Somashekar. Sinan Francis from Team Ace Mobikes completed the podium, 24 seconds behind. Yogesh P from VM Motorsports finished fourth, and privateer Koushubha M from Bengaluru took fifth.

VM Motorsports riders dominated the Super Sport up to 165cc Group B class, taking the top four spots.

Coimbatore's Nithyan L finished first. Bengaluru's Bharath L was 23 seconds slower in second, and Abdul Raheman from Shivamogga was third, 52 seconds behind. Varun Kumar from Bengaluru finished fourth, and Chalass K Bose from Kottayam was sixth.

Imran Pasha from Petronas TVS Racing was again the undisputed winner in the Super Sport 165 to 260cc Group B class and continues to lead the championship. Arun T from Hero MotoSports Team Rally finished second, 23 seconds behind, while Banteilang from Petronas TVS Racing was third, another 12 seconds back. Karan Kumar M from Hero MotoSports missed the podium by a narrow two‑ second margin, and Sachin D from Petronas TVS Racing finished fifth.

In the Super Sport 260 to 460cc Group B class, defending champion Rajesh Swami from VM Motorsports reinforced his leadership with a 51‑second victory over teammate Hemanth M. Privateer Syed Aqib from Chikkamagaluru completed the podium, 36 seconds further back. Mohammed Zaheer from Bengaluru and Madhusudhan S from Shivamogga finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Devraj winner Superstock 260 to 460 GroupD 5O autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

The Scooters up to 210cc Group B podium was swept by Petronas

NATL 2W RALLY, COIMBATORE

Nithyan L winner Supersport upto 165 to GroupB

In the Super Bike Pro Expert up to 500cc Group A class, the ov eral l top three Tanv eer, Samuel, and Rajendra also secured the podium.

TVS Racing riders. Syed Asif Ali finished first with a total time of 52 minutes and 49 seconds.

Shamim Khan was second, 22 seconds behind, and Karthik N was third, another one minute and 20 seconds back. Goutham N from VM Motorsports finished fourth, and privateer Dilip Kumar M from Bengaluru was fifth.

Somyya Chaudhary from Hero MotoSports Team Rally earned her first top podium finish in the Women's class up to 460cc Group B after the fastest rider, Aishwarya Pissay from Petronas TVS Racing, was excluded for a rule violation in the refueling area. Elakiya Ravi from VM Motorsports finished second, one minute and 17 seconds behind, and privateer Tanaya Singh from Pune, who missed several rounds this season, completed the podium.

In the Super Stock 165 to 260cc Group D class, Pondicherry's Navaneeth Kumar from VM Motorsports won with a 29‑ second advantage. Pradeep C from Team Ace Mobikes in Bengaluru finished second, and privateer Jeevanandham D from Coimbatore was third, seven seconds behind. Two Coimbatore riders, Jagadeesh G and Vikram Sekhar, finished fourth and fifth.

Bengaluru's Devraj Venkatesh from VM Motorsports won the Super Stock 260 to 460cc Group D class with a 30‑second advantage over privateer Chetan Hosatti from Hubli, who finished second. Sreekanth Komana from Team Ace Mobikes completed the podium, 40 seconds behind.

His teammate Durgesh J from Mysuru finished fourth, and privateer Arun Joy M from Ernakulam was fifth.

In the Star of Tamil Nadu category, Karthick A from Coimbatore won convincingly with a lead of four minutes and 28 seconds over fellow Coimbatore rider Sam Issaiah in second. Deepan Kumar S from Pallipalayam was third, 28 seconds behind. Ajith K from Tirupur finished fourth, and Sankar S from Kethanur was fifth.

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NATIONAL SUPERCROSS, COIMBATORE

Rugved Barguje emerges as the standout performer of the day PHOTO BY꞉ VIKRAM SUNDHARAMOORTHY

R

ugved Barguje from Petronas TVS Racing dominated Round 2 of the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Supercross Championship 2025 recently in Coimbatore, taking two straight moto wins to secure a perfect 40 points in the SX1 Group A (2/4 stroke up to 500cc) class.

The event saw a dramatic comeback attempt from KTM Racing India's Shlok Ghorpade, who returned to racing after an

arm injury with just a week of practice. His first moto was challenging; after a weak start, a collision while defending his position left him with a broken gear shift lever. Despite the damage, he persevered to finish third. In the second moto, which was red‑flagged once, he was running fourth in the final stages but managed to advance to finish second. With 32 points, Ghorpade secured second overall, tying on points with

Prajwal Vishwanath from Petronas TVS Racing.

Vishwanath took second in the first moto and third in the second. Ikshan Shanbhag just missed the podium with 26 points from two fourth‑place finishes. The grid's senior most rider, CD Jinan of Thrissur, finished fifth with 22 points.

The SX2 Group A (2/4 Stroke up to 500cc) class was won by local rider Manikandan K from Coimbatore, who claimed

maximum 40 points from two moto wins. His fellow Coimbatore rider, Nithyan L, finished second overall with 34 points from two second‑place finishes. Kochi's Suhail Sathar finished third with 25 points, followed by Wilmer Valentino, also from Kochi, in fourth with 24 points. Abdul Lathif from Patambi rounded out the top five with 22 points.

In the Novice Group B (2/4 Stroke up to 260cc) class, TVS

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in the SX1 150 to 250cc 2/4 Stroke Group A class, scoring a perfect 40 points from two moto wins. Akshat Hupale from Pune finished second overall with 32 points, earned from a third and a second‑place finish. Ector Ezak from Kochi also finished with 32 points, taking second in the first moto and third in the second, which placed him third overall on tie‑breaker rules.

Sx2 Group A (2/4 Stroke up to 500cc) class winner Manikandan

Petronas Racing rider Shailesh Kumar took the win. He was followed by Abhi S Nath from Adat in second place and Arfaz Ahmed from Chamrajnagar in third. Arshad Muhammed from Cheruthuruthy and Abhikshek J from Coimbatore finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

The Indian Experts up to 260cc 2/4 Stroke Group B class saw a top‑four sweep for Petronas TVS Racing. Imran Pasha won the class with 37 points, which included a moto win. Sachin D finished second with 30 points and a win in the second moto.

Shailesh Kumar finished third with 27 points, followed by Banteilang Jyrwa with 26 points.

Arun T from Hero MotoSports finished fifth with 24 points.

The JRSX3 up to 65cc 2/4 Stroke Group A class was wholly dominated by Vismay Ram of Bengaluru, who scored a perfect 40 points from two wins.

Armaan Khan from Mysuru finished second with 34 points from two second‑place finishes, and Rithin Sai from Coimbatore finished third with 30 points.

Overall winners

Abhi S Nath from Adat won the Private Expert up to 260cc 2/4 Stroke Group B class. Arfaz Ahmed from Chamrajnagar finished second, and Arshad Muhammed from Cheruthuruthy completed the podium in third.

Shaun Chhangte from Aizawl finished fourth, and Abhishek J from Coimbatore was fifth.

Jinendra Sangave from Khalkarajii was the clear winner

The JRSX2 up to 85cc 2/4 Stroke Group A class was won

by Chaitanya Joshi from Pune, who accumulated 37 points from a second and a first‑place finish.

Bhairav Gowda from Bengaluru finished second with 35 points from a win and a third‑place finish. Pune's Darshit Chavan finished third with 30 points.

Sujan J from Coimbatore and Sahil Shelukar from Pune finished fourth and fifth with 26 and 23 points, respectively.

Indian Experts up to 260cc 2/4 Stroke Group B class winner Imran Pasha

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NATIONAL SUPERCROSS, COIMBATORE

previous pace. This race was essentially a challenge to keep up the speed and complete the event. I thank everyone for all the support given by my family and KTM India for continuing my passion for racing in the Series.”

Ghorpade and his parents will now travel to a training facility in California, where they will stay until the end of August.

He will return to resume the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Supercross Championship series in October.

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Abhi S Nath won the Private Expert up to 260cc 2/4 Stroke Group B

Novice Group B (2/4 Stroke up to 260cc) class, Shailesh Kumar

JRSX2 up to 85cc 2/4 Stroke Group A winner Chaitanya Joshi

A demonstration class featured three local participants꞉ SP Rithvik Raju, Sanjana Shree PV, and Rithiswaran MK.

Following the event, Shlok Ghorpade commented on his performance꞉ “My wheels were spinning, which negatively impacted my starts, and I struggled to maintain control in the corners. I felt that the suspension was too stiff, given the dry conditions of the track.

Each time I attempted to accelerate, the bike would slip. I was trying to determine the optimal suspension settings for my performance. Following my injury, I have yet to return to my

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MRF F1600 race, Sai Shiva Sankaran

Arjun Chheda gets a double; Ishaan Madesh wins a race PHOTO BY꞉ ANAND PHILAR / SHAHJAHAN

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eenagers put on a memorable show as they took the honours in both the premier categories, the MRF F2000 and F1600, as the first round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025 concluded

at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore .

Indian Touring Cars category

Coimbatore veteran and former champion Arjun Balu from Race Concepts, returning to the championship after a year's break, powered his way to a fine

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win with a lead of 40sec in Race 1, two Privateers Dhruv Chavan from Lonavala finished second and Rajkumar GD from Coimbatore finished third.

Likewise, Arjun Balu had problems enough with his Honda iVTEC car as he trailed

pole‑sitter and last year's champion from Mumbai Biren Pithawalla (N1 Racing) for two laps before the latter retired with a blown engine. Balu brought into play his vast experience to stay out of trouble in a light drizzle that rendered the track

Arjun won Race 2 followed by Biren in second and Dhruv Chavan from Lonavala finished third.

Meanwhile, defending champion, Mumbai's Biren Pithawalla, denied former National champion Arjun Balu (Coimbatore) a triple crown by pulling off a dramatic win in Race 3. Balu, having won the two previous races with ease, suffered a misfortune with his Race Concepts‑prepared Honda City IVTEC misfiring, forcing him to slow down when in the lead.

Biren, driving a VW Polo, though nursing a turbo issue, zipped past Balu for a deserved win.

Dhruv finished third.

ITC1625꞉

Vidya Prakash the racing veteran from Coimbatore finished first followed by Suprej Venkat also from Coimbatore. In race 2 Suprej was the winner followed

by VidyaPrakash.

Indian Junior Touring Cars

Bengaluru's Rithvik Thomas from Race Concepts stood first as Nikunj Vagh from Surat representing Team N1 finished second and his teammate Yug Italiya also from Surat finished third.

slippery for a win. “I had to make do without the second gear right from the start. It was a tough race under the circumstances. The drizzle came in handy for me and yes, my rally experience helped me to counter the slippery track,” said Balu, a multiple National

4W NATL RACING, COIMBATORE

racing and rally champion, as he exhibited his versatility.

Further down the grid, Bengaluru's Rithwik Thomas (Race Concepts) achieved a grand treble by winning all the three races this weekend in the Indian Junior Touring Cars category. In Race 2 Rithvik was the winner followed by Nikunj in second and Yug finished third. In the Race 3 Rithvik was the topper followed by Yug in second and Nikhunj in third.

Super Stock꞉

Srilankan Kesara Godage won the Race 1 with an 8‑sec lead over the second finisher Aman from Noida, Strada Motorsports and Manan Patel from Mumbai finished third.

Sri Lankan Kesara Godage completed a double in the Super Stock class winning two of the three races with Guwahati's Krishanu Dutta Bhuyan (Zion Racing) topping the other.

Kesara Godage finished second and Mumbai's Manan Patel from Team Gameover Motorsports completed the podium. In Race 3, Krishanu finished second and Chennai's Anirudha Arvind from Strada Motorsports finished third.

Formula LGB 1300 (Open)

Meanwhile, 18‑year‑old Joel Joseph from Ernakulam led a 1‑ 2‑3 finish for DTS Racing. He

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1

finished ahead of Lokith Lingeash Ravi from Pollachi who came in second and Bengaluru's Prathik Ashok finished third.

Another 15‑year‑old from Bengaluru, Bhuvan Bonu (MSport) was equally impressive winning the Race 2 in the morning as he topped both Open and Junior classes. He was leading the next race in the afternoon when rains forced cancellation. Bhuvan won Race 2 followed by Coimbatore's Bala Prasath from DTS Racing in second while Neythan McPherson from Pune driving for Momentum Motorsports was third. In Junior it was Bhuvan in first, Neythan in second and Aditya finished third.

2

different had he (Ishaan Madesh) not stalled. I enjoyed a good lead and made the best of the situation. I had a good pace,” said Chheda.

“Not sure why I made a bad start. I lost position but managed to take the lead and then I had the pace to stay in front,” said Sai Shiva Sankaran.

Arjun Balu (No.39), who won a double in the Indian Touring Cars category

1

Arjun Chheda on way to winning the MRF F2000 race

3

ITC1625 winners, 2 topper Racing Vetran Vidya Prakash on Podium

MRF F2000

Arjun Chheda, the 16‑year‑old from Pune, made the best of a poor start by pole‑sitter Ishaan Madesh from Bengaluru who stalled his car to drop to sixth but the seven‑time Indian National karting champion made ground to eventually finish second on debut. Chheda, with a sizable lead, won untroubled while another Bengalurean, Shivesh Selvarathnam was third.

“The story would have been

3

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MRF Formula F2000 4 and F1600 winners ITC Race 3 winner defending champion, Biren Pithawalla, former National champion Arjun Balu and Dhruv

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Formula LGB 1300 6 Open and Junior class winner Bhuvan Bonu

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4W NATL RACING, COIMBATORE

second ahead of Zahan Commissariat from Mumbai.

Arjun won the Race 2, followed

by Sai Shiva in second and Nigel finished third.

Polo Cup

The trio from Buzzing Hornet were classified in same positions in the Junior class also. Aman Nagdev from Noida emerged victorious as Pratik Sonawane from Mumbai finished second and another Mumbaikar Aditya Patnaik finished third.

Buzzing Hornet teammates Aditya Patnaik and Aman Nagdev won a race apiece with the latter scoring a double, having won Race 1 on Saturday.

Joining the pair on the podium in both races today was their team‑ mate Pratik Sonawane from Mumbai.

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Two 16‑year‑old drivers, Bengaluru's Ishaan Madesh and Arjun Chheda from Pune won a race apiece with the latter completing a double, having won Race 1.

Two Bengalureans, Arjun Nair, 20, and Nigel Abraham Thomas, 19, won one race each. All the races were highly competitive

with more than their share of wheel‑to‑wheel racing. Nigel won the Race 2 as Sai Shiva Makesh Sankaran finished in

In Race 2 Aditya and Pratik were followed by Ojas Surve from Navi Mumbai in third. Aman and Aditya finished one and two while Pratik finished third in Race 3.

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Joel Joseph (No.31) on way to winning the Formula LGB 1300 race

Ishaan Madesh won Race 2 and Chheda finished second while Akhil Agarwal from Mumbai finished third. In the final race Chheda managed to finish ahead of Ishaan and Akhil finished third.

MRF F1600

In the MRF F1600 race, Sai Shiva Sankaran drove a fine race where he slipped to second after a bad start from pole position but fought his way back into the lead to notch his maiden win in this class while two Bengalureans, Arjun S Nair and Nigel Abraham Thomas came in second and third, respectively.

“Not sure why I made a bad start.

I lost position but managed to take the lead and then I had the pace to stay in front,” said Sai Shiva Sankaran.

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Gill's dream‑start ends in misfortune

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aurav Gill bounced back from Saturday's heartbreak to produce vintage form, winning all six Special Stages on the final day of the Sumatera Utara Rally, the third round of the 2025 FIA Asia‑Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Yet mechanical issues robbed him of an overall victory, leaving the Indian ace to settle for consolation points despite his dominance on the stages.

Meanwhile, other Indians representing JK Tyre Racing, Bopaiah and PV Srinivas Murthy clinched a double winning the APRC NVA class and the M1 category while Nikeetaa Takkale and co‑driver Sudheendra BG bagged a triple. Vaibhav Marathe of Goa and Ashwin Naik of Mangaluru won their class and finished a creditable overall 17th among 55 cars, despite hiccups in the final stage.

On the opening day, Gill, the hot favourite, came out blazing and stamped his authority right away, winning the first two stages in commanding fashion to establish a lead of nearly 30 seconds. However, cruel luck struck in Special Stage 3 when his car suffered a mechanical failure that forced him to retire for the day. The Team JK Racing spearhead, and the only Arjuna Awardee in Indian motorsport, saw his brand‑new Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo stall just 300 metres into SS3 when the electronic throttle body failed.

“I was nicely getting into rhythm and pace, with a comfortable lead after the first two stages, before this happened. It's a rare issue, and we're trying to fly the part in from Jakarta or Singapore,” said Gill, adding that he hoped to restart on Sunday to collect valuable leg points before the APRC finale in Japan. The car,

58 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

imported specifically for Gill's latest APRC title bid, had already shown its speed before the failure. In typical rally driver fashion, Gill still found a silver lining. “I missed a braking point, took a massive jump, and loved the feeling of flying high,” he laughed. “We live for another

day… that's rallying, and we will come back harder and faster.”

His engineer, Roman Turuta of Moldova, described the fault as “extremely rare” for world‑ class machinery. “It's a simple electronic package that can be fitted in minutes, so we don't usually carry a spare. I'll review

INTERNATIONAL 4W RALLY

the data with Gaurav,” he explained.

Day 2 brought a different story.

Gill, determined to make up for Saturday's disappointment, returned to the stages with renewed intensity and produced flawless driving to win all six Special Stages. It was a show of vintage class and control, underlining why he remains one of Asia's finest rally drivers. “It's definitely disappointing, even though we won all eight stages we competed in. The team has worked incredibly hard over the past month, but we lost the victory due to a mechanical failure. Still, we're happy to have shown our pace and proved that the team is truly world‑class,” said Gill, who had to settle for sixth overall after Saturday's setback. The 43‑year‑old, chasing his fourth APRC crown after titles in 2013, 2016 and 2018, secured full leg points and now turns his focus to the championship‑deciding round in Japan this November.

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Bopaiah‑Srinivas Murthy duo excels

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ndia's rallying contingent had further reasons to celebrate through Bopaiah K.M. and co‑driver P.V. Srinivas Murthy, who lit up the leaderboard with a commanding display. The pair

clinched a double by winning both the APRC NVA class and the M1 category, while also finishing fourth overall in RC2. Making a comeback after six years, Bopaiah rolled back the years with flashes of vintage form, and

Vaibhav‑Ashwin win

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Nikeetaa‑Sudhindra bag double

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nother standout performance came from Nikeetaa and co‑driver Sudhindra Gopalakrishna saw them clinch a triple crown, APRC4, RC4 and Ladies class. In only her second APRC outing, Nikeetaa produced a stirring drive to claim victory in both the APRC4 and RC4 categories and added the Ladies Class as a bonus. She also finished third in

with Srinivas Murthy's vast experience and unerring pace‑ note calls, the duo tackled the demanding Sumateran terrain with precision and confidence, keeping Indian hopes alive in the premier RC2 class.

her class in the local Sumatera Rally and an impressive 29 th overall, finishing ahead of 25 male competitors in the Indonesian national field. Her poise and maturity over the tricky Indonesian stages reflected the confidence of a far more seasoned contender, marking another milestone for Indian rallying on the international stage.

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or Team JK Racing, however, the rally still brought plenty of success.

Goa's Vaibhav Marathe made a remarkable APRC debut alongside seasoned co‑driver Ashwin Naik, delivering consistent speed and composure to clinch the RC3 title in 02꞉41꞉23.7. Driving the Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evo, the pair

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topped their class on the opening day and went on to finish seventh overall. Their composed run over the punishing gravel and tea plantation stages marked an impressive entry onto the Asia‑ Pacific stage, proving that Marathe has the ability to convert national‑level triumphs into international success.

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LAUNCHED

2025 Yezdi Roadster launched, starting at Rs.2.1 lakh Premium variant in matte Shadow Black to cost Rs. 2,25,969

J

awa Yezdi Motorcycles has launched the 2025 Yezdi Roadster, with prices starting at Rs.2,09,969 for the standard variant. The bike is offered in two main versions.

The Standard variant is available in four colors꞉ Sharkskin Blue (Rs.2,09,969), Smoke Grey (Rs.2,12,969), Bloodrush Maroon (Rs.2,16,969), and Savage Green (Rs.2,21,969). A Premium variant in matte Shadow Black is priced at Rs.2,25,969 and features blacked‑out trim and multi‑function blinkers that serve as taillights.

The motorcycle is powered by a new 350cc liquid‑cooled engine that produces 29 PS and 30 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6‑speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch.

A key feature is a modular seating system that allows riders to switch between a solo and a dual‑seat setup. The bike also offers extensive

60 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

customization with over 20 plug‑and‑play accessories, including various handlebars, visors, crash guards, and touring items like backrests and rear racks. The model is covered by the 'Jawa Yezdi BSA Ownership Assurance Programme,' which includes a standard 4‑year/50,000‑km warranty, extendable up to six years, and one year of roadside assistance. The company's service network spans over 450 touch points across India .

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Verstappen ends McLaren's run in the Italian GP꞉ F1

Aussie Piastri continues to lead the Championship ahead of Norris & Verstappen PHOTO CREDIT꞉ F1

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ax Verstappen reignited his championship challenge by breaking McLaren's dominant run across the Netherlands and Italy rounds of the Formula One season. At Zandvoort, Oscar Piastri delivered a near‑flawless performance to win the Dutch Grand Prix from pole, consolidating his lead in the drivers' standings. His McLaren teammate Lando Norris was in strong contention for a one‑two finish before a late oil leak forced him to retire, while Verstappen salvaged second place at his home race and young Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar celebrated his first career podium in third.

The victory marked McLaren's sixth consecutive triumph and reinforced their status as the team to beat in 2025.

A week later at Monza, the story

shifted. Verstappen struck back in spectacular fashion, mastering the Italian Grand Prix in record time to secure his first victory since early in the season and to halt McLaren's winning streak.

Despite pressure from both Piastri and Norris, the Red Bull driver's relentless pace and strategic execution proved decisive. Norris eventually came home second with Piastri in third, but Verstappen's commanding performance reminded the paddock that the reigning champion remains a formidable force capable of changing the complexion of the title fight.

The season so far has been defined by McLaren's resurgence, with Piastri leading the standings on 324 points, Norris close behind on 299 and Verstappen third on 255.

McLaren also hold a clear

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advantage in the Constructors' Championship, well ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes, after consistently outscoring their rivals through teamwork and reliability. Out of the 24 races

scheduled this year, 14 have been completed, leaving 10 still to run, ensuring plenty of opportunity for the battle at the top to intensify.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Marquez title charge strengthens after Hungary, Catalunya and San Marino

The eight‑time world champion looks poised to reclaim the crown PHOTO CREDIT꞉ MOTOGP

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arc Márquez continued his imperious charge toward the 2025 MotoGP World Championship with three decisive performances across the Hungarian, Catalunya and San Marino Grands Prix, show‑ casing the pace, resilience and opportunism that have long defined his career. Each of these rounds underlined both his growing control over the championship narrative and the mounting difficulty his rivals face in stopping him.

The Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park set the tone.

Márquez was untouchable through practice and qualifying, converting pole position into sprint and main race victories. A jostling first lap threatened to disrupt his rhythm, but once he settled, the Honda‑turned‑ Ducati star stretched away, leaving Álex Márquez, his brother, and Francesco Bagnaia trailing. The win extended his points advantage to 175 and

reinforced the sense that this title race was becoming a one‑ man show.

If Hungary highlighted Marc's ruthlessness, the Catalunya round illustrated his relent‑ lessness. Younger brother Álex Márquez looked set to halt his dominance, taking pole and controlling the race from the front. With just four laps remaining, however, Álex crashed at Turn 10, handing the victory to Marc. Earlier that weekend, the eight‑time champion had already capitalised on Álex's sprint race crash to claim another Saturday win. The podium places fell to Fabio Quartararo and Fabio Di Giannantonio, but the story was once again Marc's ability to keep the pressure high until rivals cracked. Catalunya was his tenth Grand Prix triumph of the year, a tally that placed him within striking distance of setting new milestones.

San Marino offered a rare twist.

For the first time in 2025, Marc

Márquez failed to finish on the podium in a sprint, sliding out of the lead and opening the door for Marco Bezzecchi to taste victory. Any suggestion of weakness, however, was quickly extinguished on Sunday. In the Grand Prix, Márquez regrouped, absorbed intense pressure from Bezzecchi, and then surged clear with a series of devastatingly fast laps. The win, his 11th of the season, was narrow but emphatic, while Álex Márquez's third place further widened the championship gap.

After San Marino, Márquez leads the Riders' standings with 512 points, a commanding margin over Álex Márquez, Bagnaia, Bezzecchi and Pedro Acosta.

With only six races remaining, he is positioned to effectively close out the championship early if his current form continues. More significantly, the title would represent his ninth premier class crown, equalling Valentino Rossi and moving within one of Giacomo Agostini's all‑time

record of eight top‑flight titles, though Márquez's would all have come in the MotoGP era.

It would also be his first championship since 2019, marking a triumphant return from the injuries and setbacks that once threatened to derail his career.

The 2025 season has been defined by Márquez's remarkable blend of speed, composure and adaptability.

While others have enjoyed fleeting moments of brilliance, no rider has consistently matched his ability to dominate both sprints and main races.

With six rounds still to come, the championship is not mathematically over, but the psychological edge and the sheer points cushion give Márquez the luxury of riding on his own terms. For his rivals, the fight now is less about overturning the title race and more about salvaging victories before Márquez makes history yet again.

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Johann and Geoffrey Shine on Global Stage

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ndian racers continued to script history on international circuits with podiums in Qatar and Italy, showcasing both resilience and race craft.

Raviraj and team win

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he Treasure Hunt at the Mangalore Club drew 34 teams, with the route taking participants across the city through a series of curated clues. The trail led them past landmarks such as Palemar Garden, Gujjarakere, Mangaladevi Temple, Leewell, Gangolli Transport, and several prominent educational, cultural, and commercial spots.

At the finish, Raviraj and his team emerged winners with 70 penalties, while Vikram Rao

Aroor's team took second place on 80 points. Shromith Kamath and his teammates, tied on the same score, were placed third. Marvin Sadanha's team followed in fourth with 82 points, while another entry under his name came fifth on 92 points. In the special categories, the Senior Citizens' class was won by Girish Rao and his team with 105 penalties, while the Ladies' class was claimed by Gauthami Rao and her team on 99 points.

At the Losail International Circuit, Doha, Chennai siblings Johann and Geoffrey Emmanuel recorded three podiums between them on debut weekends in the Qatar Superstock and SuperSport 600 categories. Nineteen‑year‑old Johann Emmanuel stunned the paddock by bouncing back from a high‑speed 200 km/h crash in Race‑1 to win Race‑2 of the Superstock 600 by a

commanding 20 seconds. “It was heartbreaking to lose Race 1 after leading by over 10 seconds, but taking P1 in Race 2 means a lot,” Johann reflected.

His elder brother, Geoffrey Emmanuel, the first Indian in FIM JuniorGP, fought hard for a double third‑place finish in the SuperSport 600 class. After dropping positions early in Race‑1, Geoffrey clawed back to third, and repeated the feat in Race‑2 with a more controlled run. “Racing in SuperSport 600 for the first time was incredible. I learnt a lot and this is just the beginning,” he said.

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Jagathishree makes international debut

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espite an unfortunate fall, Jagathishree Kumaresan, the defending Indian National Racing Champion in both Racing Nationals and Drag Nationals, showed guts and gumption to rise and cross the line in fifth place in one race. The other first race saw her start from P3 but she ended in the mid grid. She is looking forward to

continue her exploits back home in the Nationals. “It is a deep learning curve and I would like to thank my coach Hanif sir and all the team who stood behind me. I thanks my sponsors and the fmsci and FIM Asia for supporting me. Without MMSC, my racing career would not have blossomed,” said Kumaresan on her return to Chennai .

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Raghunathan shines

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eanwhile, in Mugello, Italy, 26‑year‑old Mahaveer Raghunathan became the first Indian to stand on the podium, a shared achievement with three drivers driving the endurance race, in the Italian GT Endurance Championship, finishing P3 overall and P2 in PRO‑AM. Driving the AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside Lorenzo Ferrari and Riccardo Ponzio, Raghunathan's disciplined stints secured him the runner‑ up spot in the 2025 Italian GT PRO‑AM Endurance standings.

“My biggest gain this season is

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improved race craft in traffic. I'm focused on fighting for the Sprint title in Imola,” he stated.

INDIAN & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

An Icon turns 20

TVS Apache – a machine that defined power and precision, celebrates by launching limited edition variants and premium upgrades

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VS Motor Company a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three‑wheeler segments marked 20 years of its flagship motorcycle, TVS Apache by launching limited edition variants across its fiery lineup TVS Apache RTR 160, 180, 200 and TVS Apache RR310 and RTR310 while raising the benchmark for sports motorcycles in India with new, top‑of‑the‑line trims, of the RTR 160 4V and RTR 200 4V.

The limited‑edition line‑up features a unique black champagne gold livery, dual tone alloy wheels and USB

charger and much more, making them true collector's pieces.

The new 4V variants that will sit at the top of the existing TVS Apache RTR 160 and 200 lineup, get added features like cutting‑edge Class‑D projector headlamps featuring LED DRLs, vibrant all‑LED lighting, 5 inch connected TFT cluster, traction control system, bold new colours and dynamic graphics. These upgrades ensure TVS Apache riders enjoy cutting‑edge safety, connectivity, and performance that has made the brand the preferred choice of over 6.5 million customers across 80 countries around the world.

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Maiden win for Vinod Singh‑Shailendra Singh;

Rajendra RE tops overall bikes class; Aishwarya Pissay, Phoebe pocket Ladies' titles

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riving a 1300cc Maruti Gypsy Team Vishva's Vinod Singh and co‑driver Shailendra Singh clinched their maiden Overall title in the 14th Dakshin Dare cross‑country rally which concluded at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where 18 cars and 32 bikes took part.

Palakkad's Adit KC and co‑driver Harish KN stormed into the Overall second in a Honda City on the final day followed by teammates Aeman Ahmed of Chikkamagaluru and co‑driver Sagar M of Bengaluru, in a Polo 1.6. Shillong's Phoebe along with Coimbatore's Venu Ramesh Kumar came fourth ahead of Vamcy Merla and experienced navigator Ashwin Naik.

9th ahead of some 20 men in her third Dakshin Dare after a hiatus of 8 years.

“It's a deeply fulfilling rally journey as this event is part of my roots in motorsports since 2016. Coming back with greater experience and a sharper mindset was incredibly nostalgic,” Pissay said.

Phoebe Dale Nongrum of Shillong emerged as the winner in the Ladies class in cars category. Driving a Polo 1.6 shod on JK Tyres, she was ahead of at least a dozen men.

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In the two‑wheeler section, multiple National rally cham pion Raj endra RE of Shivamogga representing Petronas TVS Racing won the overall championship beating defending champion Dhritimaan Singh of Dehradun on a TR2 Racing's KTM 450.

Sanjay Somashekar came third.

Motorsports' only world champion, from the stables of TVS, Aishwarya Pissay, comfortably clinched the Ladies category crown. The Micro Labs and R9 Stables rider also finished a commendable Overall

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Namshum triumphant on RFC debut; Chetan gets fourth co‑driver title; Duo off to finale

Debutants Steven‑Balwant, Mihir‑Shantanu clinch Overall win in new classes

Winners of RFC India 2025, Ujjal Namshum and Chethan Chengappa 66 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

RAIN FOREST CHALLENGE INDIA, GOA

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ollowing a week‑long, intense competition where 77 teams from 11 states were fighting in Goa for The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India 2025 Champions' title across three categories, Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and co‑driver Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka have won the 11th edition of The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India in the '4x4 Extreme' category.

They secured 2,302 points out of 2,600 after completing the 26 Special Stages (SS) of the competition, earning 100 points in 12 SS and finishing fastest in 14. This marks Ujjal's first RFC India win and Chethan's fourth as a co‑driver. As the top Indian driver of the '4x4 Extreme' category, Ujjal has won a free automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge Global Grand Finale to be held in Malaysia later this year.

Cedrick Jordan Da Silva (co‑driver Mackwin Dias) finished as the first runners‑up in the '4x4 Extreme' category with 1,999 points while Rambabu Mareedu (Kumaraswamy Thalam) from Telangana secured third place with 1,957 points.

Yuvraj Manas Atrey and Mayur Bopaiya first runner‑up 1611 to 3010 cc ‑ Diesel Engines

JUST BORN꞉ In the newly introduced '4x4 Modified' category of RFC India 2025, Goan driver Steven Fernandes (Balwant Jagram) emerged as the Overall Champion with 1,622 points out of 2,000. Cyril D'mello (Ameer Sadiq) from Maharashtra secured second place with 1,605 points while Manoj Biradar (Sachin Gadashetti) from Karnataka finished third with 1,539 points.

DEBUT WIN꞉ Mihir Dharkar (Shantanu Grover) of Maharashtra was declared the winner of the '4x4 Stock' category, also introduced for the first time in RFC India. He secured 1,303 points out of 1,400, with 100 points in 6 of the 14 SS and 95 points in 3 SS. Bopaiah Kongettira (Bopanna Maleyanda) from Karnataka finished second with 1,215 points, while Prathan Chittiyappa (Anush Byramudi), also from Karnataka, secured third with 1,046 points.

Interestingly, all three top teams in the '4x4 Stock' category were driving Maruti Suzuki vehicles—two Jimnys and one Gypsy.

Earlier, Namshum and co‑driver Chengappa held the top spot in the '4x4 Extreme' category with 838 points out of 900 in the first 9 stages out of the 26. Bijender retained second place with 750 points, while Rambabu climbed one spot to secure third place with 703 points.

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position with 1,069 points while Cyril slipped down one spot, to take the third position in the leaderboard with 1,034 points.

In the '4x4 Stock' category, Mihir continued to lead with 775 points out of 800. Bopaiah climbed up one spot to take the second position with 689 points while Tejas Patil dropped one position to take the third spot on the scoreboard with 642 points.

Chow Tseng Tsing Mein and Chow Sujeewan Chouthang

Cyril topped the leader board with 363 points out of 400 after four SS in the '4x4 Modified' category. Steven followed with 331 points while Manoj Biradar secured third place with 328 points.

After 14 stages, Namshum continued to lead the '4x4 Extreme' category with 1,284 points out of 1,400. Cedrick climbed the rankings to claim second place with 1,092 points while fellow Goan Madgaonkar secured third with 1,022 points.

In the '4x4 Modified' category, Sarjerao rose to first place with 703 points out of 800. Cyril dropped one position to second with 697 points, followed closely

by Steven in third with 696 points.

In the '4x4 Stock' category, newly introduced in the 11th edition of

India's biggest and toughest off‑ road motorsport event, Mihir topped the scoreboard with 395 out of 400 points, clocking the fastest time in three out of four Special Stages. Tejas secured second place with 333 points while Bopaiah followed in third, with 304 points.

Earlier at the end of the 19 of the 26 SS of the competition, Namshum continued their winning streak in the '4x4 Extreme' category with 1,722 points out of 1,900. Cedrick and Viddesh Madgaonkar also retained their second and third positions respectively, in the leaderboard with 1,549 and 1,425 points in that order.

WINNERS

RAIN FOREST CHALLENGE INDIA 2025 Overall Winner

Ujjal Namshum / Chetahan Chengappa

4x4 Modified category

Steven Fernandes / Balwant Jagram

4x4 Stock category

Mihir Dharkar / Shantanu Grover

In the '4x4 Modified' category, Steven climbed up two spots to claim the first position with 1,096 points out of 1,300. Benzeer climbed up to the second

Ashish Gupta, Director of Cougar Motorsport, said, “With the introduction of two new categories and participation of a record 77 teams across the categories, I was just as nervous this time as I was back in 2014 when we launched the very first edition of RFC India. The stakes were higher, the challenges tougher and yet the spirit remains the same.

68 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Sameer Chunawala and Sudesh Karle

Reflecting on the win, Chow Ujjal Namshum said, “This victory means a lot because of the hard work that went into it.

After last year's issues with the car, we began prepping almost immediately. We fixed what didn't work, kept what did and kept improving. From winter races in Arunachal to fine‑tuning every nut and bolt, it's been non‑ stop.”

“The competition was close in the beginning, Biju (Bijender Singh) kept us on our toes. But we stuck to our strategy꞉ gave everything we have got in every single stage. No holding back, no preserving the car. We knew we were prepared and trusted our vehicle and our support crew completely. Chethan and I, just focused on ourselves and what we could control. That mindset, combined with a great team and solid prep, is what made the difference this year,” he concluded.

RAIN FOREST CHALLENGE INDIA, GOA

this—especially with 30 teams competing in Stock—takes discipline. I've got years of racing experience across different disciplines and the mantra I follow (and recommend) is simple꞉ have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C for every single stage.

Walk every course thoroughly.

Don't cut corners. As for the vehicle, keep it minimal—don't get too creative. Maruti Suzuki's Jimny is brilliantly built; all you need is a good set of tyres, quality suspension and the right mindset when the helmet goes on. That's what gets you to the top.”

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Bopaiah Kongettira and Bopanna Maleyanda

Expressing his happiness, Steven said, “Winning the '4x4 Modified' category in my very first RFC India is an incredible feeling. The tracks were extremely tough—with rocks, water and constantly changing conditions—but I came in determined to give it my best.

From the very beginning, I had only one goal꞉ to reach the top. I told my team that no matter what happened, we would give it everything. There were ups and downs during the event and I dropped in rankings at one point. But we stayed focused, kept climbing and here we are.”

According to Mihir, “This is my first time at RFC India and to be crowned the Overall Champion of the '4x4 Stock' category—honestly, I couldn't have asked for more. We came in with a clear mindset and it stuck.

We were consistent, had strong finishes, no DNFs and wrapped up the event at the top of the table. I am all smiles and this trophy is going straight to my favourite spot at home!”

4x4 Extreme category Overall Champions

Sharing some advice for future competitors in the '4x4 Stock' category, he added, “Preparing for something like

Ibrahim Firaz and Asif Rajukhan Faras

4x4 Modified category Overall Champions

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Syed Asif Ali proves quickest to manoeuvre on slushy terrain

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SCOOTER RALLY, NASHIK

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he man known for taming any scooter on a rally track once again demonstrated his skill at the fifth edition of the Monsoon Scooter Rally 2025, held on the outskirts of Nashik. The event was flagged off from the Cabes County resort by Shrinivas Jellawar, Assistant RTO of Nashik recently.

Competitors were presented with a challenging 5‑km track passing through multiple terrains, including dusty, slushy, slippery, and waterlogged sections. These conditions proved ideal for multiple national scooter champion Syed Asif Ali of TVS Racing, who recorded a total time of 20 minutes and 47 seconds to become the fastest overall winner.

In the 80cc to 115cc 2‑ Stroke Group B class, local veteran and seasoned rider Nilesh Thakare, riding a Kinetic Honda, clocked a total time of 26 minutes and 12 seconds. He led by over 18 seconds ahead of the second‑place finisher, Mumbaikar Rohan Navinchandra Thakur on a Kinetic Marvel. Mohammad Anwar Khan from Bhopal, also on a Kinetic Honda, was slower by 2 minutes and 42 seconds, finishing third.

In the 80cc to 160cc 2/4‑ Stroke Geared Scooter Group B class, Shawer Khan

from Bhopal, riding a Bajaj Chetak, clocked 27 minutes and 30 seconds. Anis Khan, also from Bhopal and riding an LML Vespa, finished 2 minutes and 21 seconds behind to settle for second.

Hiten Devchand Thakkar from Nashik, also on an LML Vespa, was third with a 1 minute and 51 second difference.

WINNERS

MONSOON SCOOTER RALLY Overall Winner

Syed Asif Ali

80 to 115cc‑ 2stroke GroupB Nilesh Thakare

Upto 210cc 4stroke Manu / Sponsorred GroupB Pinkesh Thakkar

100 to 160cc 4stroke GroupD Mohammed Ali Khan

Ladies class 2/4stroke open upto 210cc GroupB Pooja Sopan Karhe

Vetran class Private Open GroupB

Amarendra Sathe

80 to 160cc 2/4stroke Geared Scooter GroupB Shawer Khan

Upto 210cc 4stroke Manu / Sponsored GroupB Syed Asif Ali

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SCOOTER RALLY, NASHIK

Pinkesh Thakkar winner Upto 210cc 4stroke Sponsored GroupB

Pooja Sopan Karhe Ladies class 2/4stroke open upto 210cc GroupB

seconds behind for second place. Mumbaikar Venkatesh Veliyan Shetty, riding an Aprilia, settled for third, just 4 seconds behind Trinesh.

Nilesh Thakare winner 80 to 115cc‑ 2stroke GroupB

The Ladies class for 210cc 2/4‑ Stroke Open Group B had only one participant. Pooja Sopan Karhe from Nashik, riding a TVS Wego, was declared the winner of the class.

The 100cc to 160cc 4‑Stroke Group D class was won by Mohammed Ali Khan from Bhopal on a TVS NTORQ. He finished 34 seconds ahead of his fellow Bhopal rider, Zeeshan Shawer Khan 80 to 160cc 2/4stroke Geared Scooter GroupB

The Upto 210cc 4‑Stroke Group B class was won by Syed Asif Ali on a TVS NTORQ with his overall winning time of 20 minutes and 47 seconds.

Goutham N from Bengaluru, also on a TVS NTORQ, finished 1 minute and 2 seconds behind to take second position. Hemanth M, also from Bengaluru on a TVS NTORQ, completed the podium just 2 seconds later.

In the Upto 210cc 4‑Stroke Private Open Group B class, Pinkesh Thakkar from Pune, riding an Aprillia SR 150, took the win. Bengaluru's Trinesh V on a TVS NTORQ finished 20

Winners group Photograph

72 autotrack.ind.in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Iqbal. Veteran rider Amarendra Sathe from Pune, on an Aprilia, stood third with a 1 minute and 30 second difference.

In the Veteran Class Private Open Group B for riders born before December 31, 1976, Pune's veteran Amarendra Sathe bagged his second podium of the day with a time of 27 minutes and 55 seconds. Raju Laxman Rao from Pune, on an Aprilia SR 160, finished second, 1 minute and 23 seconds behind. Jaipur's Saeed Qureshi, riding a TVS NTORQ, finished third with a 42‑ second deficit.

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