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Category: General
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Slideways Industries Gears Up for South India Rally; Reigning champ Shroff to miss Ro1
By Aniruddha Rangnekar
Pune, 21 April 2025: With over a decade of relentless passion and performance, Team Slideways Industries returns to the Blueband Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) for the 2025 season, ready to take on the dust, speed, and competition. Based in Pune and proudly backed by the Pinnacle Group, Slideways Industries has grown into a household name in Indian motorsport, known for its consistency, innovation, and champion pedigree.
The team will be fielding two cars for the Indu Chandhok Memorial 48th South India Rally, the opening round of the Blueband 2025 INRC season, set to take place in Chennai. Despite the absence of key drivers Daraius Shroff, Aniruddha Rangnekar, and Shivani Parmarโall sitting out this round due to personal commitmentsโSlideways is raring to go with a dynamic new lineup.
A Global Touch and a Youthful Spark
Adding an international flair to the rally is the Singapore-based husband-wife duo, Raguvaran V and Amanda Chew Jia Ying. The pair brings global experience and enthusiasm to the INRC, making them the only international entry in this edition of the rally.
Alongside them, promising young talent Tarushi Vikram from Chikkamagaluru will be piloting the second Slideways car, showcasing the teamโs commitment to nurturing new talent in Indian motorsport. Both entries are part of Slidewaysโ highly acclaimed Arrive & Drive programme in the INRC3 category.
Revolutionising Grassroots Rallying
Slideways Industries has been a pioneer of the Arrive & Drive format in India, offering aspiring racers a seamless entry into professional rallying. Under this program, the team handles everythingโfrom logistics, testing, and car prep to full service supportโso that drivers can focus solely on what they do best: driving. Itโs a one-of-a-kind initiative that has opened doors for both young hopefuls and motorsport enthusiasts to experience the thrill of INRC.
A Legacy of Champions
Over the years, Slideways Industries has built an enviable legacy. Their 2024 INRC3 Drivers Championship win with Mumbai’s Daraius Shroff is just one of the many accolades to their name. The team has also collaborated closely with Gaurav Gill, Indiaโs only Arjuna Awardee in motorsport and multiple Asia Pacific Rally Champion.
Their long-standing partnership with the Gaurav Gill Advanced Driving Academy further strengthens their grassroots impact, with Slideways drivers doubling up as instructors to groom the next generation of Indian rally stars.
Legends Behind the Wheel
Slideways has had some iconic names behind the wheel of their machines, including Karamjit Singh, the legendary multiple Asia Pacific Rally Champion, and Vikram Mathias, a stalwart of Indian rallying. These associations not only speak volumes about the teamโs engineering prowess but also about their stature within the motorsport community.
As the engines rev and the dust begins to rise in Chennai, Team Slideways Industries stands poised yet again to inspire, compete, and win. Watch this space as one of Indiaโs most-loved rally teams hits the ground running in the 2025 INRC season!
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To SIR with love: From Singapore Streets to South India Stages – Meet Rallyโs Newest Couple
CHENNAI, 21 April 2025: When you think of Singapore, you think of skyscrapers, spotless streets, and Formula 1’s Marina Bay Circuit. You donโt think of gravel roads, rally-spec cars, or jungle trails. But for husband-and-wife duo Raguvaran and Amanda, rallying is more than just motorsportโitโs a shared dream that’s defied borders, convention, and even geography.
This weekend, the duo will be making their competitive debut at the Indu Chandhok Memorial 48th South India Rally, the opening round of the Blueband 2025 Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), representing Puneโs formidable Slideways Industries team. Theyโre the only international team on the entry listโand their journey here is as heartwarming as remarkable.
A Rally Dream Born on an Island Without Rallies
Singapore is a bustling city-state barely 49 km wide, where every inch of land is spoken for. Rallying there? Practically impossible. โThere were no rally events. Just no space,โ says Amanda, who caught the rally bug long before she ever got behind the wheel. โBut I always dreamed of co-driving.โ
After marrying Ragu, a motorsport volunteer since 2012 with some single-seater driving experience, the couple decided to give rallying a serious shot. โAmanda had this undying interest in rallies,โ Ragu smiles. โSo I said, โLetโs go for itโโthough I did hit pause when I saw what we were getting into at first!โ
Slideways Industries: The Launchpad
Their rally aspirations began to take shape when they connected with Slideways Industries, one of Indiaโs most respected rally outfits. With over a decade in the sport and a reputation for nurturing talent through its arrive-and-drive programme, the team gave Amanda and Ragu just what they needed: a fully-prepped rally car, professional training, and logistical support. โAll we had to do was show up and drive,โ Amanda laughs.
Slideways has previously fielded legends like Gaurav Gill, Karamjit Singh, and Vikram Mathias, and helped produce champions like Daraius Shroff, the 2024 INRC3 titleholder. Now, theyโre backing a team thatโs perhaps their most unique yetโRagama Racing, a name inspired by the coupleโs bond (Rag-u and Ama-nda).
From Organisers to Racers
Before they strapped into rally suits, Amanda and Ragu spent years on the other side of the barrier. They volunteered, managed events, and served in key positions at Singaporeโs motorsport events. In 2017, their paths converged again as friends, which turned to romance in 2022, and soon enough, a motorsport partnership for life.
The Road to South India Rally
Their official rally debut comes after just a single testing session last week in Coimbatore. โWe only just sat in a rally car for the first time,โ Amanda admits. But theyโre undeterred. โOur goal is simple: finish the rally, have fun, and make friends.โ
As temperatures soar in Chennai, the coupleโs biggest challenge might just be the Indian summer. But spirits are high. โThis is a dream come true for us,โ says Ragu. โIโm particularly stoked for Amanda. Sheโs been building up to this moment for much longer than I have.โ
A Rally Debut Unlike Any Other
Amanda will co-drive, calling the shots from the navigatorโs seat, while Ragu takes the wheel. Itโs a trial by fire in one of the INRCโs toughest events, but itโs also the kind of story that reminds fans why they fell in love with motorsport in the first place.
So, if you find yourself at the service park this weekend, look for the couple with matching helmets, mismatched gloves, and big grins of โRagama Racing.โ Stop by. Say hi. Theyโll likely be more excited to meet you than you are to meet them.
Amanda and Ragu would like to give a shout-out to those who have assisted their journey: โThis would not have been possible if not for the help of our good friend and world-renowned professional co-driver, Dale Moscatt, and Aniruddha of Slideways Industries. Each of them contributed significantly to getting us well prepared for this event.โ
For Amanda and Ragu,ย this isnโt just a rallyโitโs the start of something incredible.ย As their team name denotes, it’s music on four wheels!
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India gets first Grade-1 Karting circuit as MIKA receives CIK-FIA certification
Chennai, 8 April 2025: The Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) in Sriperumbudur, near here, received the highly coveted CIK-FIA Grade-1 certification, thus placing the facility among the elite karting circuits in the World.
The circuit, measuring 1.17km, is the longest karting track in India with a multiple-track configuration suitable for competitive racing and leisure activities. The track was inaugurated by former World champion Mika Hakkinen in September 2024 and later hosted the final round of the Indian National Rotax Max Karting Championship in December 2024.
Securing the licence is the culmination of months of designing, planning and efforts to develop a facility that conforms to global standards. The track layout has already received rave reviews about it being a driverโs delight, given the mix of sharp turns, high-speed straights, and elevation changes.
The trackย was highly appreciated byย elite drivers like double Formula 1 World champion Mika Hakkinen and Indiaโs two F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. Karun played a key role in designing the track.
The licence, dated April 8, is valid for three years and certified that the track fulfilled โthe conditions and safety standards laid down by the CIK-FIA for the running of kart races held under CIK-FIA rulesโ. It was inspected by Willibald Zรถttl, the CIK-FIA Technical Inspector for the Circuit and Safety Commissions.
The circuit is located within the premises of the Madras International Circuit which boasts of a FIA Grade 2 racing track and is the hub of motor racing in India.
The CIK-FIA licence considerably raises the profile of the MIKA circuit which will host a three-round Karting Karnival series in April-May.
Reacting to the development, MMSC Vice-President Vicky Chandhok said: โWhen we first conceptualised MIKA circuit, the target was to develop an international standard track that can host global competitions besides offering a great platform for racing aspirants as well as a destination for leisure activities for families and corporates.โ
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Karun Chandhok launches โDrive to Victoryโ, a thrilling read for young motorsports fans
Chennai, 30 March 2025: Renowned Indian racing driver and Formula 1 expert Karun Chandhok has taken his passion for motorsport beyond the track with the release of his new book, Drive to Victory. Aimed at children aged nine and above, the book was launched in Chennai on Sunday, where Chandhok signed copies at two iconic bookstores, Higginbothams and Odyssey in Adyar, delighting young readers and motorsport enthusiasts.
A Must-Read for Young Racing Fans
Described as โthe perfect read for the Formula 1-mad kid in your life,โ by Amazon UK, Drive to Victory is a high-speed dive into the world of Formula 1, penned by Chandhok himself. The book answers burning questions young fans often ask: How fast do Formula 1 cars really go? What does it take to become a racing driver? Which track is the toughest in the world?
Drawing from his extensive experience in F1 and other racing championships, Chandhok takes readers behind the scenes, sharing incredible stats, facts, and stories about the fastest and most exciting sport on the planet. The book explores legendary drivers from both past and present, including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and George Russell, as well as icons like Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button. It also shines a light on trailblazing female drivers such as Maria Teresa de Filippis and Lella Lombardi.
Beyond the drivers, Drive to Victory showcases the best teams, cars, and tracks, offering young readers an insiderโs view into what it takes to compete at the highest level of motorsport. Chandhok also shares expert insights on how aspiring racers can start their journey in the world of Formula 1.
Karun Chandhok: From the Track to the Bookshelf
Karun Chandhok, spends time to talk with young children, who came to his book launch at Odyssey in Chennai. Photos by Srinivasa Krishnan A former Formula 1 driver, Chandhok is one of only two Indian racers to have competed in the sport, making his F1 debut in 2010 with Hispania Racing before joining Team Lotus in 2011. Apart from F1, he has raced in Le Mans, Formula E, and GP2, securing multiple podiums and victories. That makes him the only driver from India, who raced in all the three top FIA championships.
Today, Chandhok is a well-respected motorsport analyst and a leading voice on Sky Sportsโ F1 coverage, where his deep knowledge and engaging commentary have made him a fan favourite. With Drive to Victory, he is now inspiring a new generation of young racing fans, combining his love for storytelling with his unparalleled experience on the track.
A Special Launch in Chennai
For Chandhok, launching the book in his hometown of Chennai added a personal touch to the milestone. The events at Higginbothams and Odyssey were filled with excitement as children and fans got their copies autographed and interacted with the racing star.
Speaking about the book, Chandhok shared, โGrowing up, I was obsessed with motorsport, but there werenโt many books tailored for kids who loved racing. With Drive to Victory, I wanted to create something fun, informative, and inspiring for young fans who dream of being part of the world of Formula 1.โ
With its thrilling storytelling, fascinating insights, and stunning facts, Drive to Victory is set to become a must-have for young motorsport lovers. Whether a child dreams of racing or simply enjoys watching the sport, this book promises to take them on a turbocharged ride through the world of F1.
Here are some exclusive photographs by motorsports photojournalist Srinivasa Krishnan, who took time off from his busy schedule to attend the event and get a copy personally signed by the legend.
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Indu Chandhok, one of the founders of fmsci, is no more; ‘An era has passed’, says Shramik
Chennai, 7 Dec 2024: Indu Chandhok, the doyen of Indian motorsports with which he was actively associated for over six decades, passed away here this morning. He was 93 and leaves behind two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is the father of Vicky Chandhok, former fmsci president and widely considered as the man who brought Formula 1 to India.
Madras Motor Sports Club president Ajit Thomas said: โIn Indu Chandhokโs demise, the MMSC and Indian motorsports have lost a giant and an institutional figure. He was instrumental in providing definitive direction to motorsports in India and we are now enjoying the fruits of his untiring efforts. He also shaped MMSC to what it is today. We deeply mourn his passing away and offer condolences to his family.โ
Indu Chandhokโs son and MMSC Vice-President Vicky Chandhok, said: โThe Patriarch of the Chandhok family, passed away in his sleep this morning. Total legend he was. โBICโ lived his life filled with a great sense of humour until the end. He was a fantastic father and protector. In a way, he was also the patriarch of Indian motorsports who saw the big picture with a clear vision for the growth of the sport. The family and the motorsports fraternity will miss him.โ
Born in Kolkata on July 22, 1931, and then moving to Chennai (erstwhile Madras) in 1932, Indu Chandhok, blessed with boundless energy and varied interests, led an active life. He was one of the founder-members of the Madras Motor Sports Club in 1953 and later, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in 1971 of which he was the president (1978-79), besides being integral part of the Trust that purchased and developed the Madras International Circuit (erstwhile Madras Motor Race Track) at Irungattkottai, near Sriperumbudur and about 40 Kms from Chennai.
Off the track, he was involved with the Punjab Association Trust of which he was the Chairman, the DAV School, Camp Tonakela, the Madras Round Table which he founded, the Masonic Lodge, president of Indian Motor Parts Dealers Association, the 41 Clubs of India, an association of ex-Round Tablers whose international President he became.
Indu Chandhok was best known for his long and enduring contribution to the growth of motorsports in the country. His involvement with motor sports for the last 60 years, first as a competitor and later an organizer, earned him the sobriquet of โGodfather of Motor Sports in Indiaโ.
He passed on his motorsports genes to his son Vicky Chandhok, a former National Rally Champion, and grandson Karun Chandhok, Indiaโs second Formula One driver (after Narain Karthikeyan), who is now a well-known F1 race commentator and analyst.
Former FMSCI president Shramik Masturlal put it best when he said: โIndu was an institution in himself. His co-founding of the FMSCI, his huge efforts in making Sholavaram races what it became, the creation of the new track from scratch, the birth of the MMST etc, all bore the stamp of Induโs efforts in furthering motor sports to unimaginable levels. Indu leaves gigantic footprints. An era has passed!โ
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Krish Gupta: Profile of a budding racing driver
Chennai, 14 November 2024: The atmosphere was electric at the Madras International Circuit as the curtain fell on the National Karting Championship finale. While the spotlight was on the podium finishers, the newly-inaugurated Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) also captured attention. Named after Mika Hakkinen, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion, who inaugurated the facility just a week prior, MIKA set the stage for the emergence of fresh talent in Indian motorsport.
Among the standout performances that evening was an inspiring display by 18-year-old Krish Gupta, a rising star in the Senior Karting category. Starting from P19 in the final race, Krish battled his way through the field to finish an impressive fifthโa feat that earned him recognition despite not making it to the podium. This determination and resilience have marked him as one to watch and the commentator did not miss his marauding march that day. โamidst all these winners there is a fine performance today,โโ he announced. โIt was Krish Gupta who started last and finished fifth.โ
Rising Through the Ranks
Hailing from Mumbai, Krish began his karting journey in 2021 at Ajmera Indikarting. He quickly joined the Rayo Racing Academy, where his natural talent and commitment to the sport flourished. Over the past three years, Krish has secured 22 podium finishes, including 8 wins, and clinched four karting titles across junior and senior categories.
In 2024, he competed in the Senior Max category of the Meco FMSCI National Rotax Max Championship. Despite challenges, including mechanical failures and racing incidents, Krishโs skills were on full display. Notably, he qualified on pole in the fifth round with a lap time of 51.315 seconds and won the first heat before a series of incidents placed him at the back of the grid for the final. Undeterred, he delivered a remarkable comeback, finishing in the top 10 overall standings in the championship.
โItโs been a fantastic season,โ Krish shared. โWhile the results didnโt always go my way, Iโm proud of my performances and excited for whatโs ahead.โ
“Krish is a very promising talent for India. In a very short while he has grown tremendously. His talent combined with his hard work and dedication will take him far.
“He is now recognised as one of India’s best. He has proved himself at the Asian level with his nomination from the Asian Rotax Championship to represent India and Asia at the World Rotax Championship,” said Rayomond Banajee, a multiple national champion and mentor of many National champions. He is a respected figure in the Indian motorsports administration and in nurturing of fresh talent. This reporter has covered many of Rayo’s magnificent victories over the years.
A Global Stage: The Rotax Max Grand Finals
Krishโs talent earned him a good opportunity to take part in the prestigious Rotax Max Grand Finals in Sarno, Italy, where he competed in the challenging DD2 category representing fmsci and India. Sharing the track with global karting legends, including four-time British champion Macauley Bishop, was a defining moment for Krish.
โThe Grand Finals were unforgettable,โ he said. โEvery lap was a challenge, and racing against the best in the world was a dream come true. Meeting Macauley Bishop was inspiring and a reminder of the heights I aspire to reach.โ
Reflecting on his journey, Krish emphasized the lessons learned and the memories made. โThis experience has deepened my passion for the sport. Iโm determined to train harder and aim for the front.โ
Professional Karting Journey
Season 2022
Krish debuted in the Indian Rotax Max Challenge senior category in 2022, a season marked by competitive grids and valuable learning experiences. He displayed promising pace, with six top-five finishes, including a standout performance in the wet during Round 4, where he climbed from 14th to 2nd.
His international debut came in the IAME Asia Series in Malaysia, where he finished a respectable 8th under mixed conditions.
Season 2023
Building on his rookie season, Krishโs 2023 campaign showcased significant progress. Competing in both domestic and international championships, he earned his first international podium with a strong 3rd place in the IAME Asia Series. On home soil, he achieved his first national pole position in wet conditions at the Rotax Max Challenge Asia Trophy in Pattaya, Thailand.
Season 2024
Krishโs 2024 season began with a podium finish in the Rotax Max Challenge Asia Trophy in Thailand, marking his first international podium. Back in India, despite technical setbacks, he displayed resilience, finishing 2nd in Round 3 of the National Championship.
Looking Ahead
Krish Guptaโs talent and dedication are evident, and his journey showcases the potential of this young Indian racer. As he continues to hone his skills and push his limits, Krish is poised to make a mark on the global stage, if he does not lose focus and nurtured properly. With the right support and guidance, this budding star is on track to go places.
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Despite a serious injury, Jagathishree wins National title with grit and gumption
Chennai, 14 November 2024: In a dramatic final race of the year that decided the championship, she crashed. As scores of hearts skipped their beat both in the pits and the stands, she rose like a phoenix and finished the race to be crowned the Indian National champion in the Stock 165cc girlsโ category of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2024 at the Madras International Circuit recently.
It was Jagathishree Kumaresan, a professional circuit racer and an Archaeology student, who rides for Team Oneracing India, taking part in various categories, apart from the Ladies class.
The oft-repeated adage goes, โOne has to first finish (the race) to finish firstโ! Yes, one has to finish the race, to be counted. She did not finish first that day, but she finished last. But ‘FINISH’, she did, and that’s what mattered the most. By then, she garnered enough points to race to the title edging out two champions, Rakshitha Dave and Rehana Bee, who clashed in the penultimate race and failed to finish the race that cost them dear. Rehana, a former champion and an aggressive rider, came back roaring into the title fight midway through the championship and what appeared like a sure shot at the title, vanished into the thin air when she made contact with Rakshitha, another former champ, and both the riders crashed out. Not just out of the race, but virtually out of the championship. Rehana injured her fingers and could not take part in the final race which was won by Rakshitha. But it was a bit late for her championship battle. Thus, Jagathishree, who wears a smile all the time, win or lose, powered her way to glory winning her maiden National Championship title. In fact, after limping back and jumping on to the bike, she crossed the chequered flag twice, counting her laps wrong, but escaped with a cash penalty and retained her points as she completed 75 per cent of the race distance.
A visit to the karting track
Jagathishree with one of her trophies, sporting her trademark smile. Currently, Jagathishree is leading the Drag Nationals table in Stock 165 Girls’ category. INDIAinF1 image by Karan Ravi A chance visit to a karting track got her hooked to the sport. โOne fine day, my dad took me to a karting track to show me how riders ride on tracks. The same day, I met coach Mohamed Hanif for the first time and the very next day I joined the team,โ said the girl, who looks like the normal lass next door, until she is on the track riding. โThatโs how my racing journey started in 2019,โ she adds.
Five years after it began with the experience at the karting track, the fun outing turned into a passion. โThe urge to learn new things and to win more made me the person who I am now. Both failures and victories push me towards my goal and my goal is bigger than the National crown, the INMRC championship,โ she said. She plans to train well and take part in international championships, before getting on to the Worlds.
โIn 2024, my goal was to win the individual Championship and team Championship in the stock category in both circuit and Drag Nationals,โ she added. She started her practice early for the 2024 season and injured her right ankle. But the Chennai rider, braved her injury throughout the season and compiled her points race by race to come out triumphant. In fact, she needs a surgery to be done. But with a goal to win the Drag Nationals title later in December, she delayed the surgery.
She began the season on a positive note making it to the podium in both the races in Round 1 of the Racing Nationals. After the races she said: โDefinitely not the result we wanted. We want to dominate this season but because of my mistakes I could not achieve.โ She was frank to accept her mistakes. And she bounced back with a double win and maintained her grip on the championship staying in the top-three thereafter. The victories are admirable and all the more sweet as she suffered a bad crash in the practice session during that weekend, where she broke her helmet and aggravated her injury.
The injury troubled her, and one could witness that she was struggling on all the right corners, but with grit and determination, she endured the pain and managed to get a podium in all the four races of the third and fourth rounds.
In between, she got a shot in the arm as she won both the second and third rounds of the Drag National Championship, and that boosted her confidence.
And then came the last round of National Motorcycle Racing Championship that was the decider and after she won the first race of the last round, the final race became a winner-take-all event. She had a comfortable 13-point lead over her main rivals and just needed to finish the final race.
But the crash in the second lap notwithstanding, she achieved her goal with aplomb. โI got incredible support from my team, Oneracing India and my coach Mr Mohamed Hanif. But for whom I would not have been a champion. The team worked day in and day out and put in extra hours to work on my bike and to support my sessions. I want to make a special mention of our team boss Mr Praveen Kumar for all his support and guidance. Also my thanks are also due to all my wonderful teammates, who made the season a time for fun and frolic, apart from the serious action. I want to give my special thanks to our technical crew SDZ Garage for the technical support on the bike,โ said Jagathishree remembering those who stood with her during the successful journey. Not to forget the sponsors, she thanked from the bottom of her heart mentioning Bikerzmodule, Team Farooq Warriors, Revnitro and Evtron motorsports for their outstanding support. I also want to remember the important feedback and guidance from DDRS (Data Driven Racing Solutions) for the support on data side, which improved my work. In the end, I am very grateful to Mahendran uncle, Anil sir, Ananth sir for all their help and suggestions. Last but not the least, my love and affection to my family whose support and encouragement keeps me in good stead as I move forward.
Jagathishree of OneRacing India, receiving trophy from Vicky Chandhok of MMSC. However, the season without a proper sponsor, which has been the story for all the last five years, has been causing serious financial issues as she has to think twice while doing budgets for a proper bike and other necessary equipment, leave alone the nitty-gritty like entry fees and transportation costs. She promises to bring mileage and enough returns to any prospective sponsor.
After the struggle and the pain, โIt feels good to be a champion and the feeling one experiences being called a champion by the team members is so sweet,โ she concluded.
But itโs just a first step as she races towards her ultimate goal!
The Journey
2020: Debut in the National Championship – 2nd runner-up champion in the TVS One Make Championship (OMC).
2021: Only girl to get podium places in the TVS OMC rookie category. She also took part in the Stock Novice category, again the only girl to finish in the top-five among 40 boys on the gird.
2022: Podiums in women dirt championship, a first time private event for her.
2023: National drag champion in Ladies class, a clean sweep winning all the rounds.
2024: The only girl in the top-18 in the Castrol presents Indiaโs Ultimate Motostar on Mtv. Many other podiums in the various categories. National Champion in the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2024 – Girlsโ category…
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‘Born Racers’ reveals the sacrifices behind MotoGP dream: A Warner Bros. docu
Born Racersโ Takes Center Stage as Warner Bros. Discovery and Red Bull Reveal MotoGP Next Gen Docu-Series
Six-Part Documentary Follows the Journey of Young Hopefuls in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
Mumbai, 15 October 2024: Eurosport India, in partnership with Red Bull, is excited to announce the premiere of Born Racers, a six-part docu-series that chronicles the journeys of young motorcycling talents in the highly competitive Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The series will debut on October 20, 2024, exclusively on Eurosport.
Now in its 17th year, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is renowned as the premier proving ground for future MotoGP champions, open to riders as young as 15.Born Racers offers an in-depth look at the high-pressure environment these young racers navigate as they pursue their dreams of success in Grand Prix racing.
Through compelling storytelling, the series captures not only the thrilling on-track action but also the personal challenges and sacrifices these athletes face in their quest for glory. Viewers can expect an engaging exploration of talent, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of motorsports.
Video Link- https://sendgb.com/7JHdj3vp1Ne
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Diana Pundole breaks gender barrier, creates history in Indian Motorsports
Bengaluru: Diana Pundole, a 28-year-old from Pune, has made history as the first Indian woman to win a national racing championship in the MRF Saloon category. Her remarkable victory at the 2024 Indian National Car Racing Championship, held at the Madras International Circuit, marks a significant achievement in a male-dominated sport. Pundoleโs journey has been anything but conventionalโbalancing her roles as a mother of two and a teacher while pursuing her passion for motorsport.
Diana’s entry into racing started early when she took up karting as a hobby. Despite having no formal training, she built her skills through sheer determination. However, it wasnโt until she participated in a nationwide talent hunt organized by JK Tyre Motorsport that her career truly took off. Winning the event gave her a fully sponsored racing season, where she debuted in a Formula car. From there, her racing career blossomed, with milestones like setting lap records and eventually progressing to the saloon category.
Her 2024 victory is particularly notable for breaking longstanding stereotypes in motorsports. As she noted in interviews, racing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, and she has faced her share of criticism and taunts. Yet, her perseverance paid off, and today, she is celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements.
This victory is not just a personal triumph but a significant step for women in Indian motorsports, inspiring young girls to follow their dreams despite societal challengesโ.
Note: This article is part of Indian โWomen in Motorpsotsโ series which profiles the best performances of women riders and drivers of the 2024 season.
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A triumph against the odds: Sarah Khan is 2024 vice champion in TVS ladies class
Bengaluru, 10 October 2024: In a brutal display of resilience and determination, Sarah Khan has secured the title of vice-champion in the prestigious TVS One-Make Championship braving odds head on. She clinched victory in the final round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, a feat made remarkable as she competed with a fractured wrist.
Sarah Khan with her 2024 Trophy The 2024 season began on a high note for Sarah, with a decisive win in the first round. However, the journey to the championship podium was far from smooth. In Round 2, some technical issues hindered her performance where she finished in third position. Round 3 presented another setback, with Sarah starting from the last on the grid due to a penalty but finished a fighting fourth. Yet, it was in Round 4 that the greatest challenge arose. During the race, Sarah suffered a crash, resulting in a fractured wrist. Despite the injury, she refused to quit.
After the race was red-flagged, Sarah rejoined the competition, starting from the pitlane and defying the odds, he finished in P7. It was a gritty performance, one that showcased her unrelenting spirit. Even with the fractured wrist, she was determined to continue racing.
In the final round, Round 5, Sarah made a remarkable comeback. Despite struggling with her pace due to wrist pain, she qualified in P5. However, Sarah fought through the adversity and delivered a spectacular performance. In a hard-fought battle, she claimed victory in the race, securing enough points to finish the season as the vice-champion.
Sarah Khan with the machines that she raced in 2024 Reflecting on the season, Sarah acknowledges that none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of her mom and brother. โI wasnโt even sure if Iโd be able to race this season.” Sarah said. โBut their support gave me the strength to keep going. It’s funny to think that there was a time when they were against me to become a motorcycle racer but now I’m happy they’re very proud.”
The season has been a journey of highs and lows, but through it all, Sarah demonstrated a remarkable ability to persevere in the face of adversity. With a vice-champion tag to her name and an inspiring story to match, Sarah Khan has scripted a remarkable journey in the 2024 TVS One-Make Championship.
Note: This article is part of Indian ‘Women in Motorpsots’ series which profiles the best performances of women riders and drivers of the 2024 season.
