INDIA in F1

Category: National Rally Championship

  • Defending champ Rajendra begins 2025 season with a win; Aishwarya tops Ladies class

    Defending champ Rajendra begins 2025 season with a win; Aishwarya tops Ladies class

    Indore, 4 May 2025: TVS Racing star and defending champion, Rajendra RE, began his 2025 campaign with a comfortable victory in the first round of the MRF Mogrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers here on Sunday. He clocked the fastest times in two of the three Special Stages organised by AW events and promoted by Godspeed Racing headed by 7-time former National champion Shyam Kothari.

    The 39-year-old from Shivamogga, Rajendra, overcame some hiccups in the second special stage and polished off the narrow gap of one second to emerge victorious by 10.518 seconds. Astride a TVS APACHE RTR 450, he clocked an time of 48 minutes, and 24.257 seconds for his Overall triumph over teammate and Udipi rider Samuel Jacob, who lost about 8 second in the final stage.

    Meanwhile, Aishwarya Pissay, TVS Racing, won the Ladies class with ease and grace. Hailing from Bengaluru, she has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a world title in motorsports and after a hiatus of two years she is back in the ladies class. She dominated the Indian National Rally Championship, winning six consecutive titles from 2017 to 2022 and is a strong contender this year too. Somyya Chaudhary A of Jaipur came second followed by Ernakulam’s Misriya KS.

    Abdul Waheed Tanveer, also from TVS Racing, completed a podium sweep for the Hosur factory team in the premier Superbike Pro-Expert Group A class, with former TVS rider Nataraj R in Overall fourth for the VM Sports Foundation. Mysoreโ€™s Nataraj, backed by Vamcy Merla, won the Superbike Expert Group A class followed by Bengaluru teammate, Naresh VS, the Indian Bruce Lee, also from VM Sports. Privateer Aman Pawde from Nagpur completed the podium in the Expert class.

    Astride a Hero Impulse, Abdul Reheman of Shivamogga topped the Class 3 Supersport 165cc Group B, to get another Class victory for Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, which swept all the podium places in this class. He clocked 55min, 56.6sec and was streets ahead of second placed teammate Bharat L from Bengaluru. Another Bengaluru rider, Varun Kumar A, also on a Hero Impulse took the final step on the podium for VM Sports.

    Talented youngster from Meghalaya Banteilang Jyrwa of TVS Racing put paid to the hopes of Hero MotoSports, as he clinched the victory in Class 4, ahead of Hassan’s T Arun, who managed a lone podium for Hero MotoSports. Another TVS rider from Mysore, Imran Pasha took third place.

    Rajesh Narajan Swami of Raigad Pen won Class 5 while Syed Asif Ali led a podium sweep of the Scooter class for TVS Racing. Karthik Naidu of Bengaluru and Shamim Khan of Nashik finished second and third.

    Jagadeesh of Coimbatore won Class 8 while popular Devaraj Venkatesh of Tribal Cafe in Bengaluru clinched the victory in Class 9. Local star Shadab Karim Chisthi won the Star of Madhya Pradesh cup.

    Provisional Final Results:

    (#Bike number) (All privateers unless mentioned)

    Overall: (top-10 riders)

    1. #1 Rajendra RE (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48 minutes, 24.257 seconds);

    2. #3 Samuel Jacob (Udupi, TVS Racing) (48:34.775);

    3. #2 Abdul Waheed Tanveer (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48:38.729);

    4. #28 Banteilang Jyrwa (Meghalaya, TVS) (50:15.448);

    5. #24 Arun T (Hassan, Hero MotoSports) (50:35.159);

    6. #23 Imran Pasha (Mysore, TVS) (50:53.694);

    7. #4 Nataraj R (Mysore, VM Sports Foundation) (52:20.108);

    8. #30 Karan Kumar (Bengaluru, Hero MotoSports) (52:57.952);

    9. #6 Naresh VS (Bengaluru, VM Sports) (53:18.674);

    10. #29 Yuva Kumar (Bengaluru, Hero MotoSports) (53:23.721).

    Class 1: Superbike Pro-Expert upto 500cc Group A:

    1. #1 Rajendra RE (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48 minutes, 24.257 seconds);

    2. #3 Samuel Jacob (Udupi, TVS Racing) (48:34.775);

    3. #2 Abdul Waheed Tanveer (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48:38.729).

    Class 2 Superbike Expert upto 500cc Group A:

    1. #4 Nataraj R (Mysore) (52:20.108);

    2. #6 Naresh VS (Bengaluru) (53:18.654);

    3. #10 Aman Pawde (Nagpur) ( 53:57.413).

    Class 3 Supersport 165cc Group B:

    1. #14 Abdul Reheman (Shivamogga) (55:56.646);

    2. #20 Bharat L (Bengaluru) (57:17.171);

    3. #17 Varun Kumar A (Bengaluru) (57:18.295).

    Classs 4: Supersport 165 to 260cc Group B:

    1. #28 Banteiling Jyrwa (Meghalaya, TVS) (50:15.448);

    2.  #24 T Arun (Hassan, Hero MotoSports) (50:35.159);

    3. #23 Imran Pasha (Mysore, TVS) (50:53.694);

    Class 5: Supersport 261 to 400cc Group B:

    1. #34 Rajesh Narajan Swami (Pen) (53:38.498);

    2. #40 Syed Aquib (Mudigere, Karnataka) (57:33.846);

    3. #39 Hemanth M (Bengaluru) (58:42.284).

    Class 6: Scooters up to 210cc Group B:

    1. #42 Syed Asif Ali (Bengaluru, TVS, NTorq) (59:37.706);

    2. #43 Karthik  Naidu (Bengaluru, TVS, NTorq) (01:00:16.041);

    3. #44 Shamim Khan (Nashik, TVS, NTorq) (01:01:36.944).

    Class 7: Womenโ€™s Class Group B:

    1. #49 Aishwarya Pissay (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (01:02:32.112);

    2. #48 Somyya Chaudhary A (Jaipur) (01:04:46.807);

    3. #51 Misriya KS (Ernakulam) (01:08:28.522).

    Class 8: Super Stock above 165cc to 260cc Group D:

    1. #55 Jagadeesh G (Coimbatore) (59:24.178);

    2. #61 Navaneeth Kumar (Puducherry) (59:43.070);

    3. #53 Nitish Chaudhari (Mumbai) (59:48.482).

    Class 9: Super Stock above 260cc upto 460cc Group D

    1. #67 Devaraj Venkatesh (Bengaluru) (01:02:14.777);

    2. #69 Chetan B Hosatti (Hubli) (01:03:13.711);

    3. #71 Durgesh J (Bengaluru) (01:03:41.373).

    Class 10 Star of Madhya Pradesh:

    1. #74 Shadab Karim Chisthi (Indore) (01:10:37.968);

    2. #73 Ravi Patidar (Indore) (01:31:39.037);

    2. #75 Harshith Chourasiya (Gurugaon) (01:48:52.170);

    Editor’s Note: All results are provisional and as per Live Timings and are NOT official until audited.

  • TVS Racing gears up for dominant start to MRF Mogrip 2w National Rally Championship

    TVS Racing gears up for dominant start to MRF Mogrip 2w National Rally Championship

    Indore, 3 May 2025: The fight for the crown in the 2025 season will be among the TVS teammates in the premier Pro-Expert class as defending champion Rajendra RE, Samuel Jacob and 2023 overall title holder Abdul Waheed Tanveer are expected to be top runners in the MRF Mogrip fmsci National Rally Championship (formerly 2w INRC) for two-wheelers which kicks off on Sunday in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Organized by AW Events and promoted by Godspeed Racing, the championship’s first round promises high-octane action, with TVS Racing poised to continue its legacy of dominance.

    With a record entries of about 75 and with top stars in the country descending in Indore, the event is expected to throw high-octane action on Sunday. Some of the regulars in the lower classes like Amogh Nag, Naresh VS, Jatin Jain, Sanjay Somasekhar and Amin Pawde have entered in Class 2 and are expected to ride the top class KTM 450EXCF. Along with them newcomers like Mihaan Mudaliyar, Kousthubha M and lady rider Ishita Gupta are also ona the powerful KTM 450EXCF and with 10 entries, the Class 2 is expected to provide high competition for the riders and equally high thrills to the fans.

    Hero MotoSports: Veteran Power in Class 4

    Hero MotoSports has thrown its full weight behind Class 4 this season, fielding a formidable trio led by the experienced rally star Yuva Kumar, alongside talented riders T Arun and Karan Kumar. Known for his consistency and aggressive riding style, Yuva Kumar brings years of rallying expertise that will be key in navigating the competitive field. Arun and Karan, too, have proven their mettle in previous events and now join forces under the Hero banner to dominate Class 4. However, a stiff fight is expected from Sachin D and Banteilang Jyrwa of the TVS team, both on a TVS Apache, who can spoil the Hero party and start as favourites.

    With Hero MotoSports opting out of the premier classes, TVS will not face any direct competition from them in the top-tier categories. However, the spotlight now shifts to the emerging VM Sports Foundation team, backed by Vamcy Merla, which is expected to challenge the veterans and shake up the leaderboard with fresh energy and determination. In this context, Hero’s focus on Class 4 signals a tactical moveโ€”aiming to sweep the podium in one of the most tightly contested categories of the season.

    Yuva Kumar โ€“ The Veteran Leader

    A stalwart of Indian motorsports, Yuva Kumar brings unmatched experience and skill to Hero MotoSports. With numerous podiums and a reputation for calm under pressure, he is widely respected in rally circles. His technical riding ability, especially in rough terrain, makes him the ideal lead rider for Heroโ€™s Class 4 campaign. Yuvaโ€™s strategic mindset and mentorship are also key assets for his younger teammates.

    T Arun โ€“ The Consistent Contender

    Known for his smooth, controlled riding style and reliability, T Arun has steadily built his reputation across national rally events. A former podium finisher in multiple southern circuits, Arun is often praised for his technical discipline and ability to perform in high-pressure stages. In Hero MotoSports, he plays the perfect supporting role to Yuva, while being a serious podium threat himself.

    Karan Kumar โ€“ The Young Gun

    The youngest in the team, Karan Kumar brings raw speed and hunger to the Hero lineup. With a few breakthrough performances in regional rallies under his belt, Karan is seen as a rising star. Under the guidance of veterans like Yuva and Arun, he is expected to mature quickly and contribute crucial points in Heroโ€™s push for Class 4 dominance.

    TVS Racing: A Legacy of Excellence

    TVS Racing, the factory team of TVS Motor Company, enters the new season with a remarkable track record. The team has secured multiple consecutive titles in various categories of the INRC, showcasing their technical prowess and the exceptional skills of their riders.

    Star-Studded Lineup

    Leading the charge is Rajendra RE, the reigning Super Bike Pro Expert champion, known for his consistent performances and technical expertise. Joining him is Abdul Waheed Tanveer, who clinched victory in Round 2 of the 2024 season, demonstrating his competitive edge and determination and finally finishing runners up in 2024. He was the 2023 overall champion.

    Samuel Jacob, another formidable contender from Udipi, has previously secured top positions in the Super Sport 260cc category, highlighting the depth of talent within the team.

    Syed Asif Ali, the defending champion in the Scooter class is expected to dish out competitive stuff once again astride his TVS NTorq.

    Aishwarya Pissay: Breaking Barriers

    Aishwarya Pissay, India’s first female motorsport athlete to win a world title, continues to inspire. With multiple national titles under her belt, she remains a strong contender in the Ladies Class, aiming to add another championship to her impressive resume of six titles. She took a break and moved to a higher class, but is back and looking hungry to get one more title.

    Anticipation Builds

    As the engines rev up in Indore, all eyes are on TVS Racing to set the pace for the season. Their blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents positions them as the team to watch in the 2025 INRC.

    Some top players

    R.E. Rajendra is a distinguished Indian rally rider hailing from Shivamogga, Karnataka, and a prominent member of the TVS Racing team. With multiple national titles to his name, he has consistently showcased exceptional skill and determination in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC).

    2024: The Super Bike Pro-Expert defending champion (class 1)

    2022: Super Bike Pro-Expert Champion (Class 1)

    In the 2022 INRC season, Rajendra clinched the Super Bike Pro-Expert (Class 1) title, amassing 112 points. His dominance was evident as he secured victories in four consecutive rounds, even after a modest start with a fourth-place finish in Round 1 and a non-start in Round 2. His performance was further bolstered when his closest competitor, Abdul Wahid Tanveer, withdrew early in the final round, paving the way for Rajendra’s championship win.

    2020: Group A Upto 500cc Class Winner

    At the final round of the 2020 INRC held in Hampi, Karnataka, Rajendra secured the top position in the Group A Upto 500cc category, riding the TVS RTR 450 FX. This victory contributed to TVS Racing’s clean sweep across all categories that season.

    2019: Overall INRC Champion

    Demonstrating consistent excellence, Rajendra emerged as the overall INRC champion in 2019. His decisive win at the Rally De Mangaluru in Puttur, where he outpaced his nearest rival by over seven minutes, rendered the final round in Bengaluru inconsequential for the championship outcome.

    2018: Super Sport (260cc) Group B Champion

    In the 2018 season, Rajendra showcased his versatility by winning the Super Sport (260cc) Group B category, riding the TVS Apache RTR 200. His performance was instrumental in TVS Racing’s dominance that year, securing championships in four out of five categories.

    Riding Style and Strengths

    • Technical Proficiency: Rajendra’s ability to navigate diverse terrains with precision sets him apart.
    • Consistency: His track record reflects a commitment to maintaining top performance throughout each season.
    • Adaptability: Whether transitioning between bike classes or adjusting to varying race conditions, Rajendra exhibits remarkable adaptability.

    Legacy and Impact

    Rajendra’s journey from Shivamogga to national acclaim serves as an inspiration to aspiring motorsport enthusiasts across India. His achievements underscore the potential of talent nurtured through dedication and the support of teams like TVS Racing. But his goal of getting into Dakar is yet to be fulfilled, and he is determined to overcome the obstacles and continue to perform to the best of his ability.

    Abdul Wahid Tanveer

    Abdul Wahid Tanveer, a seasoned campaigner from Bengaluru, has been a cornerstone of TVS Racing since his debut in 2014. Specializing in rally and motocross disciplines, Tanveer has consistently delivered top-tier performances. Notably, he clinched the championship victory in 2023 with a splendid win in Round 2 that caught the eye. He showcased his prowess on challenging terrains. His international experience includes participation in the Panafrica Rally, representing India with distinction. Tanveer’s dedication and skill continue to make him a formidable contender in both national and international rally events. He is also the runner up in 2024

    Aishwarya Pissay

    Aishwarya Pissay, hailing from Bengaluru, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a world title in motorsports by clinching the FIM Bajas World Cup. Her journey began with circuit racing, securing titles in the Honda and TVS One Make Championships. Transitioning to rallying, she dominated the Indian National Rally Championship, winning six consecutive titles from 2017 to 2022. Despite facing setbacks, including a significant crash in the 2018 Baja Aragon Rally, Pissay’s resilience and determination have solidified her status as a trailblazer in Indian motorsports. She is back after a couple of years hiatus and begins as a strong favourite to win one more National title in Ladies class.

    Samuel Jacob

    Samuel Jacob, a dynamic rider from Udupi, has rapidly ascended the ranks in Indian rallying. Representing TVS Racing, he secured his first overall victory in the 2021 INRC season at the Rally of Chikmagalur. Continuing his momentum, Jacob dominated the 2024 season opener at the MRF Rally of Nashik, leading from the first stage and fending off challenges from seasoned teammates. This round win provided him an A seed ranking. His consistent performances and competitive spirit mark him as a rising star in the rallying circuit.

    Sinan Francis

    Sinan Francis, a veteran in the Indian rally scene, boasts a career spanning over two decades. A four-time national champion, Francis has demonstrated versatility and tenacity across various competitions. His notable achievements include a runner-up finish in the 2022 Rally of Himalayas and a strong performance in the K-1000 Rally, where he secured second place in the Superbike Expert class. Francis’s enduring presence and consistent performances underscore his dedication to the sport and his role as a mentor to emerging talents.

    Ishita Gupta โ€“ Rising Star in Indian Off-Road Rally Racing

    Ishita Gupta is an emerging talent in India’s off-road rally racing scene, making her mark in the MRF MOGRIP FMSCI National Rally Championship. Competing as a privateer, she has showcased commendable performances, notably in Round 3 of the 2023 season, where she participated riding a GasGas motorcycle. Her dedication and skill are evident in her competitive timings across various stages of the rally.

    Beyond her racing endeavors, Ishita plays a pivotal role in the motorsports community. She was instrumental in managing race affairs for fellow racer Jatin Jain during the Safari 1000 Rally in South Africa in 2024, highlighting her multifaceted involvement in the sport.

    Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation

    Nataraj R – Class 1;

    Naresh VS – Class 2;

    Pinkesh Thakkar – Class 3;

    Abdul Raheman – Class 3;

    Bharat L – Class 3;

    Varun Kumar A – Class 3;

    Yogesh P – Class 4;

    Rajesh Swami – Class 5;

    Hemanth M – Class 5;

    Goutham N – Class 6;

    Ryhana Bee – Ladies Class;

    Sneha CC – Ladies Class.

    R Nataraj

    R Nataraj now leads a bunch of 12 riders from VM Sports Foundation. Astride a KTM 450EXCF, he wants to mount a challenge to his former teammates at TVS in Class 1. Backed by Vamcy Merla, the rider is a tough nut to crack on his day. He stands as one of India’s most accomplished rally riders. A product of TVS Racing, he clinched the Super Bike (Pro Expert) Class Group A title in the 2018 INRC season, riding the RTR 450 FX. His expertise extends to challenging events like the Raid-de-Himalaya, where he showcased exceptional skill and endurance. Nataraj’s experience and tactical acumen continue to inspire both teammates and aspiring riders across the country.

    Naresh VS

    Known as the “Indian Bruce Lee” for his agility and precision, Naresh VS boasts an impressive track record. A 10-time national champion, he secured the Bullet class title in the 2021 Indian National Rally Sprint Championship. His recent victory in the CHAMPIONSHIP GRPA C2-Upto 550cc (Pvt) category further cements his reputation.

    Pinkesh Thakkar

    Hailing from Pune, Pinkesh Thakkar has made significant strides in the Scooter Class. He emerged victorious in the opening round of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Sprint Championship. His consistent performances have made him a notable contender in his category.

    Abdul Raheman

    Representing VM Sports Foundation, Abdul Raheman clinched the Class 3 title in the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Rally Championship-2W, 2024. His dedication and skill have been instrumental in his recent successes.

    A two-time national champion, Yogesh P has showcased his versatility in off-road events. Beyond racing, he contributes as an off-road trainer at Tribal Adventure Cafรฉ, nurturing the next generation of riders.

    Rajesh Swami

    With multiple national titles under his belt, including the National Rally Champion 2024 and National Dirt Track Champion 2024, Rajesh Swami stands out in the rallying community. His consistent performances have earned him accolades and respect among peers.

    Goutham N

    As the President of Ablaze Motorsports, Goutham N has a rich history in motorsports. A freestyle stunt rider and two-time National Gypsy Champion, he also clinched the INRC 4 title, showcasing his diverse talents.

    Ryhana Bee

    Ryhana Bee’s journey reflects a blend of talent, perseverance, and passion, making her a prominent figure both in rallying and Indian motorcycle racing and a role model for aspiring racers. She is also a former Sprint Nationals champion.

    Chennai’s own Ryhana Bee has reasserted her dominance in the Indian motorcycle racing scene, particularly in the Girls category (Stock 165cc) of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. After a three-year hiatus from the national title, she made a compelling comeback in September 2024, securing a lights-to-flag victory at the Madras International Circuit. Her performance was marked by topping both practice and qualifying sessions, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. However, she lost the title by a narrow margin after the last round fall injured her fingers.

  • Karna Kadur, Musa Sherif clinch APRC Round 1, along with INRC for a grand double

    Karna Kadur, Musa Sherif clinch APRC Round 1, along with INRC for a grand double

    Chennai, 27 April 2025: After a lapse of three years, Bengaluruโ€™s reigning National champion Karna Kadur of Arka Motorsports won a round of the FIA-Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2025 at the Madras International Circuit, here on Sunday.

    It was a near-flawless drive in the Volkswagen Polo by the 36-year-old Kadur who was greatly aided by his experienced co-driver Musa Sherif from Kasargod as the duo combined beautifully to also clinch the crown in the first round of the Blueband Fmsci Indian National Championship 2025.

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

    Wadia, who drove brilliantly today, made a lot of ground to make up a two-minute penalty he had received yesterday for an early check-in at the Start Time Control to win the Junior APRC (28 years and younger) class ahead of overnight leader Arnav Pratap Singh (Rohit N) and Abhin Rai (Moideen Jasheer KM).   

    Kadur attributed his success to a judicial blend of caution and aggression. โ€œAfter a long time, we had a trouble-free run. The car was great and just about everything fell into place. We had carefully planned our strategy, and it was executed flawlessly. We could have gone faster, but in view of the rising temperature, we had to exercise some caution. A few competitors suffered as they did not back off and having seen this, I kept something in reserve in case I needed to push hard. Anyway, itโ€™s a good start to the season. Also, my co-driver Musaโ€™s calls were spot-on, and it greatly helped,โ€ he said.

    Ghosh had to overcome a misbehaving VW Polo which was put together about three days before the event after his Mahindra XUV 300 packed up during testing. โ€œWe had issues with the car throughout the weekend. Today, we lost the clutch, and it slowed us down. But considering everything, including having only a few days to prepare this VW Polo, we did pretty well.โ€

    Wadia could hardly believe his luck in finishing third in APRC and topping the INRC2 category. โ€œThe two-minute penalty I copped yesterday for early check-in at the start, hurt me a lot. Though I was on pace through the two days, two minutes kept getting added to my time. However, I guess, I got lucky in the end with Philippos retiring while I made 50-plus seconds on my rivals today.โ€

    Another notable performance came from Bengaluru-based Tarushi Vikram (Vybhav Mukund Rao) who took the honours in the Women INRC class, displaying good pace and control.

    Out of the 49 cars that started the rally, 13 cars failed to finish.

    Provisional Final classification:

    FIA-APRC (Asia Cup): 1. Kadur / Musa Sherif (Arka Motorsports) (02 hours, 03 mins, 44.0 secs); 2. Amittrajit Ghosh / Ashwin Naik (Arka Motorsports) (02:04:35.8); 3. Harkrishan Wadia / Kunal Kashyap (Arka Motorsports) (02:07:38.5) (including 2min penalty).

    Junior APRC: 1. Harkrishan Wadia / Kunal Kashyap (Arka Motorsports) (02:07.38.5); 2. Arnav Pratap Singh / Rohit N (SNAP Racing) (02:09:25.9); 3. Abhin Rai/ Moideen Jasheer KM (Pvt.) (02:10:16.9).

    INRC Overall: 1. Kadur / Sherif; 2. Ghosh / Naik; 3. Fabid Ahmer / Milen George (Chettinad Sporting) (02:06:09.5).

    INRC1: 1. Kadur / Sherif; 2. Ghosh / Naik; 3. Suhem Kabeer / Vinay Padmashali (Pvt.) (02:12:15.2).

    INRC2: 1. Fabid Ahmer / Milen George (Chettinad Sporting) (02:06:09.5); 2. Pragathi Gowda/ Chandramouli M (Pvt.)ย (02:07:23.5); 3. Wadia / Kashyap;.

    INRC3: 1. Arnav Pratap Singh / Rohit N (SNAP Racing) (02:09:25.9); 2. Vishak B / Chiranth Jain (Chettinad Sporting) (02:09:27.4); 3. Abhin Rai / Moideen Jasheer KM (Pvt.) (02:10:16.9).

    INRC 3T (Turbo): 1. Ramcharan C / Vignesh Mahalingam (Falkon Motorsports) (03:15.3); 2. Naveen Puligilla / Santosh Ritchy Thomas (Pvt.) (02:28:34.9); 3. Jeet Jhabhak / Sekar V (Pvt.) (02:59:09.9).

    Women INRC: 1. Tarushi Vikram / Vybhav Mukund Rao (Chettinad Sporting) (02:17:07.0); 2. Phoebe Nongrum Dale / Nash Ross (Pvt.) (02:20:17.9); 3. Anushriya Gulati / Karan Aukta (Arka Motorsports) (02: 48:58.8).

    Junior INRC: 1. Abhin Rai / Moideen Jasheer (Pvt.) (02:10:16.9); 2. Ajay Shankar / Venu Ramesh Kumar (Falkon Motorsports) (02:11:47.0); 3. RB Kharbirymbai/ Dhanush CP (Snap Racing) (02:14:26.1).

    Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Sanjay Agarwal / Dheeraj Manae (Pvt.) (02:22:23.0); 2. Kariappa Mekerira / Supreeth Sagar (Pvt.) (02:24:49.7); 3. Pankaj Dutt / Jibran Ahmed (Pvt.) (02:33:15.9).

    Fmsci Classic Challenge: 1. Pramod Raman / Dheeraj KV (Pvt.) (02:21:01.0); 2. Siddhartha Santhosh / Sawan Satyanarayan (Pvt.) (02:22:13.6); 3. Satish P / Dr. Dinesh S (Pvt) (02:31:54.8).

  • Slideways Industries Gears Up for South India Rally; Reigning champ Shroff to miss Ro1

    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 Parmarโ€”all sitting out this round due to personal commitmentsโ€”Slideways 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 teamโ€™s 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 everythingโ€”from logistics, testing, and car prep to full service supportโ€”so that drivers can focus solely on what they do best: driving. Itโ€™s 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, Indiaโ€™s 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 teamโ€™s 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 Indiaโ€™s most-loved rally teams hits the ground running in the 2025 INRC season!

  • To SIR with love: From Singapore Streets to South India Stages – Meet Rallyโ€™s Newest Couple

    To SIR with love: From Singapore Streets to South India Stages – Meet Rallyโ€™s 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 donโ€™t think of gravel roads, rally-spec cars, or jungle trails. But for husband-and-wife duo Raguvaran and Amanda, rallying is more than just motorsportโ€”itโ€™s 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 Puneโ€™s formidable Slideways Industries team. Theyโ€™re the only international team on the entry listโ€”and 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. โ€œThere were no rally events. Just no space,โ€ says Amanda, who caught the rally bug long before she ever got behind the wheel. โ€œBut 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. โ€œAmanda had this undying interest in rallies,โ€ Ragu smiles. โ€œSo I said, โ€˜Letโ€™s go for itโ€™โ€”though 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 Indiaโ€™s 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. โ€œAll 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, theyโ€™re backing a team thatโ€™s perhaps their most unique yetโ€”Ragama Racing, a name inspired by the coupleโ€™s 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 Singaporeโ€™s 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. โ€œWe only just sat in a rally car for the first time,โ€ Amanda admits. But theyโ€™re undeterred. โ€œOur goal is simple: finish the rally, have fun, and make friends.โ€

    As temperatures soar in Chennai, the coupleโ€™s biggest challenge might just be the Indian summer. But spirits are high. โ€œThis is a dream come true for us,โ€ says Ragu. โ€œIโ€™m particularly stoked for Amanda. Sheโ€™s 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 navigatorโ€™s seat, while Ragu takes the wheel. Itโ€™s a trial by fire in one of the INRCโ€™s toughest events, but itโ€™s 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 โ€œRagama Racing.โ€ Stop by. Say hi. Theyโ€™ll 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: โ€œThis 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 isnโ€™t just a rallyโ€”itโ€™s the start of something incredible.ย As their team name denotes, it’s music on four wheels!

  • Sizzling Gaurav Gill wins Robusta Rally, back in contention for INRC title

    Sizzling Gaurav Gill wins Robusta Rally, back in contention for INRC title

    Ammathi (Kodagu), 24 Nov. 2024:Seven times National champion Gaurav Gill displayed enough speed and skill to emerge triumphant in the Robusta Rally, the fifth and penultimate round of the Blueband Sports fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2024 organised by Robusta Adventure and Sports Academy here, on Sanday.

    Notching up his second straight win after the success in the Rally of Hyderabad last month, Arjuna Awardee Gill, along with co-driver Aniruddha Rangnekar, was in superb form and exhibited controlled aggression on the final day for a comfortable win and bagged full 40 points.

    The win saw Gill drawing closer to table topper Karna Kadur (Musa Sherif) of Arka Motorsports, who finished second overall. 2021 champion Aditya Thakur (Virender Kashyap) upped the game in the last stage to pip local favourites Jason Saldanha (Thimmu Uddapanda) by a second to take overall third place.

    โ€œIt is a nice feeling to win back-to-back. I must thank my team, probably the smallest with just four mechanics, who have put in a lot of hard work to give me a perfect car. JK Tyre also deserves commendation for the tyres they specially developed for my car. I think I am getting better as a driver. I would say I was in total control in both Hyderabad and here. My first aim this season has been to bring the car home and I am happy that I managed to do that in two consecutive rallies this season.โ€

    Himachal Pradesh duo Aditya Thakur and Virender Kasyap won the INRC2 class beating the Karnataka pair of Jason Saldanha and Thimmu Uddapanda while Mangaluruโ€™s Dean Mascarenhas (Gagan Karumbaiah) powered his way from 11th to third in the class.

    In INRC 3 class, Daraius Shroff (Mumbai) and Arjun Dheerendra of Chettinad Sporting, the championship leaders won by over a minute to stay at the top. Gurugram-Bengaluru pair of Arnav Pratap Singh and Rohin N of Snap Racing came second and Jeet Jhabakh of Hyderabad with Sekar of Erode as co-driver, also from Chettinad Sporting, pushed his way to the third place. Arnav Pratap also won the Junior INRC.

    Dehradunโ€™s Anushriya Gulati (co-driver Karan Aukta) won the Ladies class followed by talented Nikeetaa Takkale (Raghuram Saminathan) in second and Shillongโ€™s Phoebe Nongrum (Nash Ross).

    Provisional Final Results:

    INRC Overall:

    1. Gaurav Gill (privateers, Delhi)/ Anirudha Rangnekar (Pune) (01 hour, 40 minutes, 36.6 seconds);

    2. Karna Kadur (Arka Motorsports, Bengaluru)/ Musa Sherif (Kasargod) (01:41:57.0);

    3. Aditya Thakur (Chettinad Sporting Solan) / Virender Kashyap (Shimla) (01:44:27.3);

    INRC2:

    1. Aditya Thakur (Chettinad Sporting Solan) / Virender Kashyap (Shimla) (01:44:27.3);

    2. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (01:44:28.5);

    3. Dean Mascarenhas (Pvt. Mangaluru)/ Gagan Karumbaiah (Virajpet) (01:44:51.8);

    INRC3:

    1. Daraius Shroff (Chettinad Sporting, Mumbai)/ Arjun Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (01:45.02.4);

    2. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit N (Bengaluru) (01:46:10.3);

    3. Jeet Jhabakh (Chettinad Sporting, Hyderabad)/ V. Sekhar (Erode) (01:46:53.8);

    Ladies Class:

    1. Anushriya Gulati (Arka Motorsports, Dehradun)/ Karan Aukta (Jubbal) (01:52:20.9);

    2. Nikeetaa Takkale (Pvt, Pune)/ Raghuram Saminathan (Coimbatore) (01:55:07.3);

    3. Phoebe Nongrum (Snap Racing, Shillong)/ Nash Ross (Hyderabad) (02:05:49.0);

    Junior INRC:1. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit N (Bengaluru) (01:46:10.3);

    2. Abhin R Rai/ Arvind Dheerendra (Ideal Racing, both Bengaluru) (01:47:53.2);

    3. Arjun Rajiv (Chettinadu Sporting)/ Vinay Padmashali (Both Bengaluru) (01:49:14.6);

  • Gaurav Gill takes lead on Day1: INRC Robusta Rally

    Gaurav Gill takes lead on Day1: INRC Robusta Rally

    Ammathi (Kodagu), 23 Nov. 2024: Arjuna Awardee Gaurav Gill and co-driver Aniruddha Rangnekar overcame initial hiccups and performed admirably to take the lead after Day 1 in the Robusta Rally, the fifth and penultimate round of the Blueband Sports fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2024 organised by Robusta Adventure and Sports Academy here, on Saturday.

    The Speed Maestro from Delhi, Gill, was forced to start on a cautious note as their intercom failed resulting in no calls and he had to drive from memory. After losing 17.4 seconds to Karna Kadur, who was fastest in Stage 1, Gill bounced back brilliantly to clock the fastest times in the remaining five Stages and took a handsome lead of over 53 seconds by the end of the day.

    โ€œIt has been a perfect day. The stages were rougher than I expected with massive stones and boulders but we managed to overcome all odds as our tyres performed well. We had decent speeds and the goal is to bring back the car home tomorrow,โ€ said the seven-time National champion, Gill.

    Championship leaders Karna Kadur and co-driver Musa Sherif of Arka Motorsports were second overall followed by Hassanโ€™s Jason Saldhanha and local co-driver Timmu Uddapanda. He who overtook former National champion Aditya Thakur (Chettinad Sporting) in the final Stage of the day, was also leading in INRC2 class with Thakur in second place ahead of Jahaan Singh Gill of Snap Racing.

    Chettinad Sportingโ€™s Daraius Shroff from Mumbai, the championship leader in INRC3 category took a 20-second lead over Abhin Rai.

    Fabid Ahmer, Harkrishan Wadia, Philippos Matthai and Chetan Shivram were some of the top casualties on Day 1. Of the 61 cars that took the start, only 43 cars finished the day.

    On Sunday, the rally will run another six Special Stages at Woshully and Margoli estates.

    Provisional Results after Day 1 (Leg 1 – Saturday):

    INRC Overall:

    1. Gaurav Gill (privateers, Delhi)/ Anirudha Rangnekar (Pune) (00, 57 minutes, 35.1 seconds);

    2. Karna Kadur (Arka Motorsports, Bengaluru)/ Musa Sherif (Kasargod) (00:58:28.3);

    3. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (00:59:05.1);

    INRC2: 1. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (00:59:05.1);

    2. Aditya Thakur (Chettinad Sporting Solan) / Virender Kashyap (Shimla) (00:59:36.7);

    3. Jahaan Singh Gill (Snap Racing, Chandigarh)/ Suraj K Prasad (Bengaluru) (01:00:31.5);

    INRC3: 1. Daraius Shroff (Chettinad Sporting, Mumbai)/ Arjun Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (01:00.44.3);

    2. Abhin R Rai/ Arvind Dheerendra (Ideal Racing, both Bengaluru) (01:01:06.6);

    3. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit N (Bengaluru) (01:01:33.8);

    Ladies Class: 1. Anushriya Gulati (Arka Motorsports, Dehradun)/ Karan Aukta (01:04:08.0);

    2. Nikeetaa Takkale (Pvt, Pune)/ Raghuram Saminathan (Coimbatore) (01:05:52.8);

    3. Phoebe Nongrum (Snap Racing, Shillong)/ Nash Ross (Hyderabad) (01:08:18.2);

    Junior INRC: 1. Abhin R Rai/ Arvind Dheerendra (Ideal Racing, both Bengaluru) (01:01:06.6);

    2. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit N (Bengaluru) (01:01:33.8);

    3. Arjun Rajiv (Chettinadu Sporting)/ Vinay Padmashali (Both Bengaluru) (01:04:44.9);

    Fmsci Classic Challenge:

    1. Harish KN Gowda/ Mahesh Nandi (Privateers, both Bengaluru) (01:10:15.1);

    2. Praveen Dwarakanath/ Kariyappa (Kass Motorsports., both Bengaluru) (01:10:29.9);

    3. Thejas S Reddy/ Ravindra Kumar (Pvt. Both Bengaluru) (01:14:32.2);

    Fmsci Gypsy Challenge: 1. Darshan Nachappa/ Abinav Ganapathy (Pvt. Both Kodagu) (01:08:08.4);

    2. Sanjay Aggarwal/ Dheeraj Manae (Pvt. Both Bengaluru) (01:09:00.8);

    3. Dr Akarsh Sundar (Pvt., Chikmagalur)/ Ravi Kumar (Bengaluru) (01:10:14.8);

  • Gaurav Gill back to winning ways; Clinches Rally of Hyderabad: INRC Round 4

    Gaurav Gill back to winning ways; Clinches Rally of Hyderabad: INRC Round 4

    Hyderabad, 20 October 2024: Celebrated motorsports driver Gaurav Gill displayed high skills and admirable car control to come out triumphant in the Blueband Rally of Hyderabad, the fourth round of the Blueband FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2024, which concluded in Shamshabad, near here, on Sunday. The round of the Nationals was organised by Telangana Motors Sports Foundation and promoted Blueband Sports.

    The only Arjuna Awardee in motorsports, Gill, along with co-driver Anirudha Rangnekar, supported by JK Tyre, began the second day with a blistering run in the first stage and the seven-time National champion, eased off to nurture the car with superb consistency thereafter, and notched a well-deserving victory. โ€œThis is one of the hottest rallies and the terrain is treacherous. So, we were calm and consistent and that paid rich dividends. We had some new upgrades and new compounds and JK Tyre has been supporting me with a lot of faith and we are happy to get back a win in the middle of the year,โ€ said a visibly happy Gill. When asked if this win can change the fortunes, he paused for a second. โ€œYou never know. A win always changes the path to a positive one. If you have noticed, this season we had different winners in all the rallies. And two more rallies with more than 70 points to win. Despite not getting good results, JK has backed me thoroughly and it is time to get back to winning ways,โ€ was his parting shot.

    Former champion Chetan Shivram and co-driver E Shivaprakash of A & A Motorsports took an admirable overall second, with two stage wins, and they also won their class, INRC2. Keralaโ€™s ace driver, Fabid Ahmer and co-driver Milen George, supported by MRF, showed great resilience to grab an overall podium pipping a marauding Arka Motorsports pair, Karna Kadur and co-driver Musa Sherif, by a mere two seconds. However, Karna and Musa, supported by MRF, took the overall lead in the INRC 2024 championships with two more rallies to go.

    Gurugramโ€™s Arnav Pratap Singh and co-driver Rohit of Bengaluru won the INRC3 class and also came out on top in the Junior INRC. Anushriya Gulati of Dehradun with Karan Aukta as co-driver won the Ladies class while the Chikmagalur-Bengaluru pair of Dr Akarsh Sundar and co-driver Ravikumar won the gypsy class.

    “The husband-wife duo of Aneeshnath and Amitha Aneesh from A & A Motorsports won the FMSCI Classic Challenge Cup. ‘We are very happy to clinch victory in this tricky rally,’ said the Bengaluru pair. When asked about having his wife as a navigator, Aneesh replied, ‘It has been wonderful over the last few rallies, and she has played a big part in my success. We share great chemistry both inside and outside the car,’ he quipped, adding a sparkle to the eyes of his life partner.”

    Out of the 55 that took the start, 12 cars logged a DNF as the terrain proved treacherous for many drivers. The next rally will be in Coorg followed by season finale, the popular K-1000 at Tumkur, also in Karnataka.

    Final Provisional Results:

    INRC Overall:

    1. Gaurav Gill (privateers, Delhi)/ Anirudha Rangnekar (Pune) (01hour, 48 minutes, 18.7 seconds);

    2. Chetan Shivram/ E Shivaprakash (A&A Motorsports, Both Bengaluru) (01:49:39.4);

    3. Fabid Ahmer (Chettinad Sporting, Palakkad)/ Milen George (Kottayam) (01:51:06.1);

    INRC2:

    1. Chetan Shivram/ E Shivaprakash (A&A Motorsports, Both Bengaluru) (01:49:39.4);

    2. Fabid Ahmer (Chettinad Sporting, Palakkad)/ Milen George (Kottayam) (01:51:06.1);

    3. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (01:51:14.0);

    INRC3:

    1. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit (Bengaluru) (01:51:46.1)

    2. Daraius Shroff (Chettinad Sporting, Mumbai)/ Arjun Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (01:51.59.4);

    3. Arjun Rajiv (Chettinadu Sporting)/ Vinay Padmashali (Both Bengaluru) (01:52:00.2);

    Ladies Class:

    1. Anushriya Gulati (Arka Motorsports, Dehradun)/ Karan Aukta (01:55:26.0);

    2. Nikeetaa Takkale (Pvt, Pune)/ Arvind Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (01:58:23.3);

    3. Phoebe Nongrum (Snap Racing, Shillong)/ KP Aravind (Bengaluru) (02:11:00.7);

    Junior INRC:

    1. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit N (Bengaluru) (01:51:46.1)

    2. Arjun Rajiv (Chettinadu Sporting)/ Vinay (Both Bengaluru) (01:52:00.2);

    3. Abhin Rai (Ideal Racing)/ Moideen Jasheer (both Chikmagalur) (01:53:08.3);

    Fmsci Classic Challenge:

    1. Aneeshnath S (A & A Motorsports)/ Amitha Aneesh (Both Bengaluru) (02:03:48.0);

    2. Shaik Hussain Pasha (Addons Motorsports, Hyderabad)/ Ashfaque Afrid (Sattupalli, AP) (02:30:43.9);

    3. Praveen Dwarakanath (Pvt., Bengaluru). Arun V (Tirupur) (02:39:38.7);

    Fmsci Gypsy Challenge:

    1. Dr Akarsh Sundar (Pvt., Chikmagalur)/ Ravi Kumar (Bengaluru) (02:02:51.2);

    2. Baljinder Singh Dhillon (A & A Motorsports, Delhi)/ Goutham CP (Chikmagalur) (02:04:39.8);

    3.Sachin Singh (Pvt., Hyderabad)/ Anand Raj (Erode) (02:05:47.5);

    Star of Hyderabad:

    1. Uday Pilani (Chettinad Sporting)/ Sheraz Ahmed (01:58.48.7);

    2. Amit Sanghi (Arka Motorsports)/ Dinky Varghese K (02:04:10.9);

    3. Sravan Kumar Kuttoor (pvt.)/ Nash Ross 02:04:32.7).

  • Gaurav Gill cruises into comfortable lead: INRC- Rally of Hyderabad

    Gaurav Gill cruises into comfortable lead: INRC- Rally of Hyderabad

    Hyderabad, 19 October 2024: Arjuna Awardee Gaurav Gill began with a bang and cruised into his wonted form to take the lead navigating the tricky and rough stages in the Blueband Rally of Hyderabad, the fourth round of the Blueband FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship 2024, which began at the Special Stages around the Liberty Statue in Shamshabad on Saturday.

    Gill, along with co-driver Anirudha Rangnekar, took the overall lead while the pair of Daraius Shroff and Arjun Dheerendra are leading the INRC3 class and Chetan Shivram and Shivprakash, INRC2 class.

    The final stage, SS4 was red flagged after only four cars crossed the finish flag as a few cars toppled out. Three top guns, 2021 champion Aditya Thakur, defending champ Arjun Rao Aroor and INRC2 leader Harkishan Wadia, suffered causalities. Daraius Shroff is leading INRC3 after three stages and Chethan Shivram tops the INRC2 class, also after three stages.

    Earlier, Delhiโ€™s speed maestro and 7-time National champion, Gill, clocked the fastest time in the first Special Stage and took a commanding lead of 17 seconds on former champion Chetan Shivram (co-driver Shivaprakash) of Bengaluru with Arnav Pratap Singh and Gulbargaโ€™s Rithesh Guttedar following the top guns in the first stage. Gill kept his momentum with a combination of caution and aggression in the next three stages to cruise into a comfortable lead after Day 1. Chethan was fastest in JVR2, the second Special Stage, by 6.2seconds, by Gill bounced back with another 15 seconds margin on Chethan in the third stage and retained his overall lead.

    Of the 55 cars that took the start, 15 cars failed to finish Day 1. However, 13 of them will take a restart on Sunday.

    Provisional Results: (Day 1) (All times after SS3 only)

    INRC Overall: 1. Gaurav Gill (privateer, Delhi)/ Anirudha Rangnekar (Pune) (00hour, 52 minutes, 11.9 seconds); 2. Chetan Shivram/ E Shivaprakash (A&A Motorsports, Both Bengaluru) (00:52:36.0); 3. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (00:53:29.5);

    INRC2: 1. Chetan Shivram/ E Shivaprakash (A&A Motorsports, Both Bengaluru) (00:52:36.0); 2. Jason Saldhanha (Arka Motorsports, Hassan)/ Thimmu Uddapanda (Kodagu) (00:53:29.5); 3. Ritesh Guttedhar (Pvt. Gulbarga)/ Suraj M (Bengaluru) (00:53:47.9).

    INRC3: 1. Daraius Shroff (Chettinad Sporting, Mumbai)/ Arjun Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (00:54.13.0); 2. Shashank Jamwal (Arka Motorsports, Himachal)/ Aseem Sharma (Chandigarh) (00:54.03.8); 3. Arnav Pratap Singh (Snap Racing, Gurugram)/ Rohit (Bengaluru) (00:54:07.6)

    Ladies Class: 1. Anushriya Gulati (Arka MS, Dehradun)/ Karan Aukta (00:56:43.2); 2. Nikeetaa Takkale (Pvt, Pune)/ Arvind Dheerendra (Bengaluru) (00:58:14.7); 3. Phoebe Nongrum (Snap Racing, Shillong)/ KP Aravind (Bengaluru) (01:06:35.6);

    Junior INRC: 1. Abhin Rai (Ideal Racing)/ Moideen Jasheer (both Chikmagalur) (00:54:55.6); 2. Arjun Rajiv (Chettinadu Sporting)/ Vinay (Both Bengaluru) (00:54:26.1); 3. Ajay Sankar (Pvt. Coimbatore)/ Vybhav Mukund (Bengaluru) (00:56:06.5);

    Note: Only five cars finished the SS4, the final stage of the day before the stage was red flagged. So all the rest of the cars were given scratch times based on SS2 times.

  • Dr KV Premlal suffers cardiac arrest, passes away during INRC at Coimbatore

    Dr KV Premlal suffers cardiac arrest, passes away during INRC at Coimbatore

    Coimbatore, 27 July 2024: KV Premlal, a doctor from Kannur, passed away due to a heart attack during the transport section after Special Stage in the third round of the Blueband fmsci Indian National Rally Championship for four wheelers here on Saturday.

    Dr Premlal, the rally driver who passed away during INRC round at Coimbatore.

    He was 47 and survived by his wife, Dr Smija Aravind, a neurosurgeon and two children, Vishnu Premlal and Anika Premlal. He was the son a famous doctor, late Dr A V Govindan and late K V Prema.

    After completing SS2, the duo stopped and Premlal had a gulp of water and suddenly collapsed, according to an eye witness. His co-driver Thrissurโ€™s KR Rishikesh, also a doctor, tried to revive him through resuscitation but in vain. He was driving an INRC3 spec Volkswagen Polo as part of Team Chettinad Sporting.

    Thyagarajan, Team Principal and all the team members of Chettinad Sporting conveyed their deep condolences to the bereaved family. Blueband Sports, the promoters of INRC, condoled the unfortunate death and conveyed their condolences to all the family, friends and teammates.

    The funeral will be held at Kannur on Monday, after his sister, who is in UK, arrives.