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Tag: Aishwarya Pissay
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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 move—aiming to sweep the podium in one of the most tightly contested categories of the season.
Yuva Kumar – 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 Hero’s Class 4 campaign. Yuva’s strategic mindset and mentorship are also key assets for his younger teammates.
T Arun – 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 – 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 Hero’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 – 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 Café, 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.
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Aishwarya Pissay secures third Bajas World Cup medal
Dubai, December 2, 2024: Ace Indian rider Aishwarya Pissay, a proud product of TVS Racing, has once again made history by securing third place in the 2024 FIM Bajas World Cup. The season concluded with the grueling Dubai International Baja, the eighth and final round of the championship, on Sunday.
Aishwarya Pissay receiving the honours after winning her third World Championship medal in Dubai on Sunday night. INDIAinF1 photo by special arrangement Competing in the 450cc and Ladies’ classes, the Bengaluru rider faced technical challenges, including navigation system issues during the final round which kept her out of the final classification. Despite these setbacks, her points from earlier rounds were enough to secure her a second runner-up spot on the Bajas World Cup leaderboard, reinforcing her status as a pioneer in Indian motorsport.
Reflecting on her achievement, Aishwarya said: “This rally was a true test of resilience. Unfortunately, technical issues with the navigation system on both days kept me out of the general classification, but every challenge brings a valuable lesson. Rally life often throws the unexpected at you, and this experience has only fueled my determination to come back stronger. Despite the setbacks, I’m immensely proud to have secured 3rd place in the World Championship for India. This marks my third World Championship podium in the history of the sport, and I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my team, fans, and everyone who continues to believe in me.”
Aishwarya Pissay, the 7-time National Champion in action at Dubai Baja. Aishwarya, who became the first-ever Indian to win a World Championship in motorsport with her 2019 Bajas World Cup victory, now holds three World Cup medals, a record-breaking feat in 2W motorsport. Her journey continues to inspire as she remains a trailblazer, achieving consistent success on the world stage.
Her remarkable efforts have been supported by TVS Racing, as well as co-sponsors IIFL, Micro Labs, and Surana College.
Aishwarya Pissay, a proud product of TVS Racing About Aishwarya Pissay
Aishwarya Pissay, a 29-year-old motorsports icon from Bengaluru, is a pioneer in Indian two-wheeler racing. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2017 FMSCI’s Outstanding Woman in Motorsports Award. With a career marked by grit, perseverance, and historic achievements, Aishwarya continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations in motorsport.
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Aishwarya Pissay of Sherco TVS Rally team all set for FIM Bajas WC final round
Dubai, Nov. 28, 2024: TVS Racing’s star racer, Aishwarya Pissay, the only World Cup winner from India in motorsports is raring to go at the final round of the FIM Bajas World Cup here from Friday.
The Bengaluru champion who re-launched her international campaign at the Baja Spain Aragon, the third round and finished a creditable second, also took part in the gruelling 590-km of Hungarian Baja this year and kept her good standing on the table.
The Baja season will end with the medal ceremony for the winners of the FIM Bajas World Cup in the Moto, Quad, Women, Junior, veteran and Trail categories on Sunday. Twenty-nine bikes will line up on the start on the final weekend in the Dubai desert.
After a long break due to an injury, Aishwarya worked hard on rehabilitation and plunged into high-performance training abroad for about 45 days. The final round of the FIM Bajas World Cup is set to be an exhilarating showdown, with Aishwarya Pissay aiming to cement her place among the elite. Competing in the Women’s Category, she brings a wealth of experience and adaptability to varying terrains, which will be crucial in this climactic event. This round will feature gruelling stages that test navigation, endurance, and strategy, providing a platform for Aishwarya to showcase her growth and determination. With 29 riders set to participate in the race, she will be a part of Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team. The winner of 2019 World Cup Baja is all geared up for the final hurray and is eager to make the podium of the World Cup once again.
The multiple Indian National rally champion who became the first Indian woman to make her international debut at Baja Spain in 2018 at the age of 22, this will be Aishwarya’s third shot at the World Cup. The Indian rider supported by TVS Racing, co-sponsored by Scott, Ultrahuman, IIFL and Micro Labs, looks to turn tables astride a Sherco 450 SEF. She trained hard, setting up a short base in Dubai, to fine-tune her physical fitness and riding skills.
“Getting back into shape both mentally and physically, is of utmost importance. It was a high-performance training focussed on fitness and mental conditioning but also on identifying and fine-tuning my riding skills and learning the terrain and the art of navigation. Staying focussed and calm are some other interesting aspects that I learnt and enjoyed,” said Aishwarya, who continues to get support from Surana College, her alma mater.
“The training abroad has given me much confidence and now is the time to utilise these skills and continue learning. I will focus on the Baja for the next three days. Every incident has taught me lessons and made me stronger and I am ready to go,” said the 28-year-old, who bounced back after the life-threatening accident in 2018 to bag the World Cup.
On Thursday, The riders did the administrative and technical checks at Dubai Festival City Mall and then took part in the start ceremony. On Friday, a short 4.32km Prologue will determine the starting order for the first 195km special stage on Saturday.
On December 1, at the finish of the second stage, which will also run for 195km, the winners of the various categories will be crowned after a long season in Europe and the Middle East. Only the best six results will be counted towards the final standings from the eight Bajas.
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Indian team on podium in FIM e-Xplorer World Cup; Sandra Gomez excels for Indian team
E-Xplorer season opener dominated by newcomers with Team HRC and INDE Racing in the top three.
Honda Racing Corporation (Team HRC) has claimed victory in its native Japan at the opening round of the 2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, stamping its authority in electric off-road racing in only its first competition.
As a new entry in the all-electric off-road motorcycle series, Team HRC entered the competition surrounded by formidable opponents, many of whom have an entire year’s worth of experience in the inaugural 2023 championship.
However, with consistently strong performance throughout the day of racing in Osaka, Team HRC managed to not only keep up with its rivals but also finish Round 1 at the top of the tables.
Team HRC’s competitors were not giving the newcomer an easy ride however, and with 132 championship points, Round 1 was secured by the factory team by just one point.
Hot on their heels and finishing the weekend in second place was Robbie Maddison Racing (renamed from Madwill in 2023) achieving 131 points. RMR riders Zaragoza and Germond pushed Team HRC right to the end but were ultimately pipped to the post.
Just behind RMR in third place came the second of the new 2024 teams, INDE Racing with 121 points. Achieving a podium position on debut laid down a strong marker for the Indian-based outfit and they will look to retain their pace throughout the season.
HRC riders Francesca Nocera and Tosha Schareina battled 14 other riders over three individual races at Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, putting in consistently fast times despite the unique conditions and challenges.
Despite the cold weather, Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka prefecture joined the inspiring crowd of 1750 motorsport fans who attended the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park to watch E-Xplorer Season 2 kick-off.
The success of the event must also be credited to the cohesive relationship between the FIM and FMJ who sanctioned Round 1.
In the rider stakes, INDE Racing’s Sandra Gomez took the honours as the weekend’s fastest female rider, while RMR’s Jorge Zaragoza stood on the top spot as the fastest male rider.
Topping off a momentous day, Gomez taking the honours in the female standings marked the first victory for an FIM-sanctioned Indian motorsport team in a global series.
With close racing from start to finish, there was all to play for in Japan and the result came down to the final race in both male and female categories.
Despite Osaka’s narrow track, the male riders managed a clean and tidy start with all riders making it onto the main track without incident. With a near-perfect start, RMR’s Zaragoza got to the front and stayed there for a clear win.
Congestion at the start of the women’s first of three races caused an altercation between AUS-E rider Jess Gardiner and Team HRC’s Nocera, pushing both riders to the back of the pack. That left Gravity’s Tanya Schlosser and Gomez to fight it out for first with the INDE Racing entry crossing the line first.
With another clean start, Schareina led at the start of the men’s second race but had the lead snatched from him at turn two as a dominant Zaragoza capitalised on small errors. As the RMR rider defended the front spot, a second battle emerged in the mid-pack with Alex Andreis of Gravity, Bonnell rider Dylan Woodcock and INDE’s Spenser Wilton exchanging places right up to the line.
German rider Schlosser’s consistently fast and flawless starts shot the Gravity rider into the lead during the second of the women’s heats, but Nocera’s aggression and experience soon closed the gap and the Italian rider passed to take the lead, while Gomez also managed to push past into second.
However, Nocera held onto the lead and claimed a win in the second heat, securing Team HRC’s first-ever win in an electric series and a historic milestone in the venerable brand’s motorsport story.
An unstoppable Zaragoza quickly established the lead in the third and final Men’s race, finding his way to the front and staying there. Despite a consistently paced ride from Schareina and Woodcock, the Spanish RMR rider pulled out an impressive 20-second lead over the eight-minute race.
The women’s final race for the day appeared to be a carbon copy of the second with Schlosser blasting into the lead at the start before being hunted down and passed by Nocera. Simultaneously, a fired-up Gomez overtook third-place Bonnell rider Kristie McKinnon for wall-to-wall action across the track.
In the individual standings, Gomez dominated for an overall first place, Nocera finished the day in second, while Schlosser was the day’s third fastest female rider.
Both Gomez and Schlosser ran on Stark, giving the manufacturer a double podium in the Women’s individual category.
With almost unbeatable pace, Zaragoza was the fastest male rider, Schareina ended the day in second place while Woodcock took third place on the podium – a particularly impressive feat given the British rider had switched to a less powerful spare bike for the day.
With the first round of the 2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup successfully wound up, all eyes look to round two which returns to Europe and Norway in early May.
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Petronas TVS Racing talent Aishwarya Pissay, eyes her 6th straight National title
Nashik, 4 Feb 2023: PETRONAS TVS Racing factory rider, Aishwarya Pissay, the only FIM World Cupper from India is all set for the final round of the MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Rally Championship (INRC-2w) 2022 .
The Bengaluru racing star, is eyeing her record sixth consecutive National Rally crown when action begins after a gap of over two months with the Rally of Nashik, the sixth and final round of the GodSpeed Racing’s MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Racing Championship – 2W 2022 here on Sunday.
The 2019 FIM Bajas World Cup champion in the Ladies class, after her brief stint in the ‘Big Boss Kannada’, was back in November to do what she loves the most – biking, and won the fifth round in Pune to set-up a grand finale. Later, the final round here was put off and the multiple-National title holder, Aishwarya Pissay is leading the championship table in her class, despite missing a round earlier, and is raring to go to defend her title once again. She has put in over a month’s training on her reliable TVS TR 200R, including on tarmac sessions, and is ready for the final hurrah.
Supported by PETRONAS TVS Racing, Aishwarya, who is also backed by Micro Labs, IIFL and Surana College, won the first round in Chikkamagaluru by a mile after which the 27-year-old missed the second round. Pissay then came back strongly to reclaim the title-lead with splendid victories in the next three rounds in Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Pune respectively.
“I am eagerly waiting to get back into competitive racing. The terrain will be broken tarmac and very technical. I have trained hard during this long break on my much-accomplished TVS TR 200R that is based on the TVS Apache RTR 200. I thoroughly enjoyed riding the motorcycle, all thanks to which I am going strong into the last race of the season. I will be giving my 100 per cent to win one more National title,” said the talented Bengaluru rider.
The MRF Rally of Nashik will have a 17.5-Km Special Stage (SS) run thrice from Nandgaon Kolikharwal, all in forward direction, for a combined competitive distance of over 52.5 km, mostly broken tarmac. Along with a transport section of about 70 km, the total rally distance will be 122.5 km. The ceremonial flag-off from Amboli Holiday Home, Opp Amboli Dam, Tal Trimbakeshwar will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday while the Special stages will be held on Sunday.
The six-round MRF MoGrip FMSCI National Rally Championship for two-wheelers (INRC-2w)2022 promoted by GodSpeed Racing is one of the 12 Nationals conducted in various motorsports disciplines by FMSCI.
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Abdul Tanveer, Rajendra renew battles; Aishwarya, Sarath raring to go
Bengaluru, 12 August 2022: Defending champion Abdul Wahid Tanveer, who is leading the table will renew his battle with Petronas TVS Racing teammate Rajendra RE, in the iconic K1000 rally, the fourth round of the fmsci MRF MoGrip National Rally Championship for two-wheelers which begins at Tribal Adventure Cafe, near Devanahalli, near here on Saturday.
With the championship throwing three different winners from the first three rounds, Tanveer has taken the Overall lead with 43 points followed by 2019 champion Rajendra on 37 points while Samuel Jacob of Mangalore, also from TVS is in third position with 33 points. Sarath Mohan is leading the Superbikes Expert class while Aishwarya Pissay, also from TVS, is way ahead in the Ladies class and is gunning for her sixth straight National title.
Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC), with the support of sponsors MRF, have made sure that all arrangements are in place, including a technically-challenging terrain. Promoted by GodSpeed Racing, the premier two-wheeler round of the Indian Rally Nationals, has attracted 87 entries from all over the country. “KMSC is the oldest motorsports club in India hosting the Indian National Rally Championship for over 45 years and we are glad to bring back its more popular cousin, the K1000 two-wheeler National rally. All the safety protocols are in place and KMSC wishes the very best to all the riders for a safe and successful rally. We have also re-introduced the Star of Karnataka for the benefit of local riders,” said Gautham, President of KMSC.
“Due to rains, the terrain has become more challenging and with the season at the mid-way stage the competition is at its peak and we are expecting a thrilling rally,” said 7-time National champion, Shyam Kothari of GodSpeed Racing, the Promoters.
Petronas TVS Factory Racing team have dominated all the classes they have taken part and two of its leading lights former champion Rajendra RE of Shivamogga and defending champion Abdul Wahid Tanveer of Mysore will be the strong contenders for overall lead along with Mangaluru privateer Adnaan Ahmed. With no time to fix the fuel pumps as per new regulations, TVS opted out of the back-to-back second round in Mangaluru, which was won by Adnaan Ahmed.
Kerala privateer Sarath Mohan has dominated the Superbikes Expert class. The Mallapuram rider who missed the last year’s title due to an injury, is back with a bang winning all the rounds. Chalass K Bose, Imran Pasha, Naresh VS, Pinkesh Thakkar and veteran Venu Ramesh are the other riders to watch in their classes.
Sarath Mohan, who is leading the Superbikes Expert class after three rounds. Meanwhile, the star attraction of the event will be the only World Cup winner from India in motorsports, Aishwarya Pissay, who is on a quest for sixth consecutive National title in Ladies class. The 2019 FIM WC Bajas winner, is fresh from her exploits in Baja Aragon Spain. Talented Fazeela of Kochi, who is leading the table, will be another lady rider to watch out for.
On Sunday, the riders will cover a total distance of 154 kms which includes six Special Stages comprising 57 kms of competitive rally distance on dirt tracks at the Tribal Adventure Cafe, near Devanahalli. The ceremonial flag-off will be on Saturday. The Championship will conclude with two back-to-back rounds in Pune and Nashik in November.
The results are being presented Live by Zeitmesser India. Watch the race through live results here:
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Sherco’s Goncalves takes lead; Harith, Aishwarya begin 6-km Prologue
Teruel, 22 July 2022: Rui Gonçalves has started his participation in the Baja España Aragón AVATEL Trophy with victory in the prologue stage that has been played in the surroundings of Teruel. The pilot de Sherco was the fastest in the six timed kilometers of the special.
The Portuguese rider has thrown in 3’6” Tosha Schareina (KTM) while Lorenzo Santolino has occupied the third position at 5’2”.
“This Baja is very intense, it It goes very fast and physically it is very hard. Starting position for tomorrow is good and I hope I don’t have dust on a day when many things can happen,” he said. Santolino.
In the Quads category, Jerome Connart has set the best time with 19” of advantage over Dani Vila and Kevin Giroud, second and third respectively in this prologue stage. Today, Friday, has also been the opportunity to see the premiere of the category Trail, with Iván Cervantes leading in the Trail 600cc while Joan Pedrero has led in the Maxi Trail.
This Saturday the rest of the categories will start at 7:46 a.m. on a day that It will have two specials and 400 timed kilometers. Nasser Al-Attiyah, four-time winner will be one of the favorites in the car category along with Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Dutchman Erik Van Loon. “I am very happy to be here again and I have come to enjoy the race again. It’s a really tough ride but I’m going to fight for victory”, stated the Qatari at the official press conference held this afternoon at the Exhibition and Congress Pavilion of Teruel.
Early report
The 38th edition of the Baja España Aragón got underway today afternoon from 17.34 hours (9.04pm IST) with the 6-km prologue stage for only bikes where Sherco TVS factory Racing team riders from India, Aishwarya Pissay and Harith Noah took the start on Friday.
After the teams have completed the second and final day of technical and
administrative checks, the bike category kicks off the race with a 6-kilometre prologue stage on a route close to Teruel and the Service Park.From Saturday early morning, the rest of the field will join the action with a day of 402 kilometres against the clock divided into two special stages. It will be the longest day of the rally.
On Sunday, the crews will tackle a 159-kilometre special stage, the last one of the 38th edition.
The Baja España Aragón Trofeo AVATEL will run through 38 municipalities in the regions of Teruel, Jiloca and Albarracín. We would like to advise all spectators stay in high and safe places while following the race and respect the indications of the marshals along the track.
Sherco TVS Racing bikes #11 of Harith Noah, #1 of Lorenzo Santolino and Rui Goncalves get ready for the Prologue on Friday evening. Earlier on 18 July, Monday the 38th Edition was presented:
The 38th edition of the Baja España Aragón Trofeo AVATEL, which will take place from 22nd to 24th July, has been presented to the public. The official presentation of the event took place in the Salón de la Muralla of the Government of Aragon’s headquarters in Teruel, in the presence of Arturo Aliaga, Vice President of the Government of Aragon and Regional Minister for Industry, Competitiveness and Business Development of the Government of Aragon. “This event has been organised keeping in mind that we all have to work to project the image of being capable of organising one of the best of the eight World Cup events. We hope the Baja will live up to its reputation.”
The presentation was also attended by Manuel Rando, President of the Provincial Council of Teruel, Manuel Aviñó, President of the Spanish Automobile Federation, Javier Domingo, Councillor for Tourism, Education and Festivities of the City Council of Teruel, Xavier Bartrolí, President of Octagon Esedos and Roche Murciano, President of the Provincial Association of Teruel Tourist Entrepreneurs.
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Aishwarya Pissay, only woman in FIM WC Baja Aragon
Teruel (Spain) 21 July 2022: Petronas TVS Factory Racing’s star Aishwarya Pissay, the only World Cup winner from India in motorsports, is all set to re-launch her international campaign with the Baja Aragon, the fourth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup to be held here from Friday.
Come July, the beautiful region of Aragón gets busy and Aishwarya Pissay, the Indian pride, is the only woman in the FIM field and being a World Cup Baja winner, adds to the competitive nature of the event as she arrived in Teruel on Tuesday. After her accident in Jordan Baja in March 2021, the talented rider, a product of TVS, worked hard on rehabilitation and bagged another National title in the last one year, before plunging into high-performance training abroad for about 90 days this year, under her acclaimed mentor Michael Metge and his team.
On Friday, more than 70 motorcycle and quad riders will take the start of the race, including 18 motorcycles and eight quads competing for points in the FIM Bajas World Cup. Pissay will be part of Team Sherco TVS which registered four riders. Lorenzo Santolino, who was third last year, Rui Gonçalves, Harith Noah and Aishwarya Pissay, the winner of 2019 World Cup Baja winner, make up the Sherco-TVS team.
For the 26-year old Bengaluru lass, a five-time Indian National rally champion, who became the first Indian woman to make her international debut at Baja Spain in 2018 at the age of 22 years, this will be her third Baja Aragon Spain. The Indian rider supported by Scott, Ultrahuman, IIFL and Micro Labs, looks to turn the tables astride a Sherco 450 Enduro, the same bike that she trained hard in France and Spain fine-tuning her physical fitness and riding skills. “It was a high-performance training not just focussing on physical fitness and mental conditioning but identifying and fine-tuning certain riding skills and consistently learning the terrain and the art of Road Book. Staying focussed and calm are some other interesting aspects that I enjoyed,” said Aishwarya, who continues to get support from Surana College, her alma mater.
“I have learnt a lot in the training sessions abroad under Metge and to be able to utilise these skills and continue learning is my goal. I am not looking at World Cup right now but my focus is on the Baja for the next three days. I will take it event by event,” said the 26-year old, who rose like a phoenix after the life-threatening accident at the same Baja on the last day in 2018. “Every incident has taught me lessons and made me stronger. Now I am well-prepared and ready for the event,” the confident TVS talent, said ahead of the grueling event.
Administrative and technical checks will take place in Teruel on Friday while the six-km Prologue will be run from 5pm (8.30 pm IST) in order to determine the starting order for the first selective section the next day.
On Saturday, July 23rd, riders will tackle two selective sections and a third on Sunday morning for a total of 435 competitive kilometres and 342km of liaison, the transport section.
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Aishwarya Pissay, Harith Noah set for FIM Baja Aragon
Teruel, 21 July 2022: Fastest rider at Dakar from India, Harith Noah and the only World Cup winner from Indian motorsports, Aishwarya Pissay, relaunch their international campaign after an year and are all set for the FIM Baja Spain Aragón, the fourth round of the FIM Bajas World Cup beginning here on Friday.
The 38th edition of Baja España Aragón Trofeo AVATEL will see two of the top Indian Cross-Country enduro riders in Harith Noah and Aishwarya Pissay. While Kerala’s Harith Noah is the fastest from India at the Dakar, Aishwarya Pissay is the only Indian to win a World Cup in motorsports, men or women. Noah became the third Indian to finish Dakar after CS Santosh and KP Arvind, both from Bengaluru.
Read the preview and archives of Aishwarya Pissay here.
Dakar star Harith Noah exploits can be found here.
Petronas TVS Racing’s Harith Noah will begin his 11th year with the factory team. He successfully completed his third Dakar becoming the only rider from India to fly the Tricolour at the the 44th Dakar Rally, the prestigious annual cross-country endurance rally-raid race which concluded in Jeddah on January 14 earlier this year. He also set the fastest stage time by a rider from India, 18th in Stage 11, beating his own record set in 2021 (20). He is the third rider from India to complete Dakar after CS Santosh and KP Aravind, both from Bengaluru.
On Friday, more than 70 motorcycle and quad riders will take the start of the race, including 18 motorcycles and eight quads competing for points in the FIM Bajas World Cup.
Team Sherco is registered with four riders who are aiming for the podium: Lorenzo Santolino 3rd las year, Rui Gonçalves, Harith Noah and Pissay Aishwarya, the only woman in the FIM field, make up the team.
David Casteu, sporting director of Team Sherco, also has a “Team Casteu” team manager’s cap on and is supporting four private riders with crucial assistance.
There are three riders aiming to take the top step of the podium in the Junior category: the young Pole Konrad Dabrowski, Neels Theric – whose father won one of the first editions of the Baja Spain Aragón – and Kevin Giroud, who rides a quad. Dabrowski (KTM Duust Rally) is currently leading the Junior category and holds second overall in the FIM Bajas World Cup with 50 points behind Emirati Mohammed Al-Balooshi.
In the Veteran category, seven riders will take the start: Klyver, Gaits, Howe, Grignac, Argoud, Lardon and Vingut.
Eight competitors will line up in the quad section and they include Alexandre Giroud, winner of the 2022 Dakar, the Spaniard Toni Vingut and the Saudi rider Abdulmajeed Al-Khulaifi.
Administrative and technical checks will take place in Teruel on Friday, July 22nd from 08.00hrs to 13.30hrs and the six-kilometre Prologue will be played out from 17.00hrs in order to determine the starting order for the first selective section the next day
On Saturday, July 23rd, riders will tackle two selective sections and a third on Sunday morning for a total of 435 competitive kilometres and 342km of liaison.
The 38th edition of the Baja España Aragón-Trofeo AVATEL will once again be a record-breaking event in its ninth consecutive year in Teruel. 165 crews will line up for the start in the car category of the rally that counts towards the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas. Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, reigning champion of the Baja Aragón, will be one of the main favourites.
The Qatari will be joined by Yazeed Al-Rajhi in a Toyota Hilux, who is second overall in the World Cup behind Czech Miroslav Zapletal. A good result for the Saudi in Teruel would allow him to take the lead in the championship.
Other big names to start in this Baja España Aragón Trofeo AVATEL include
Dutchman Erik Van Loon and Argentinean Fernando Álvarez. Host country Spain will be represented by a huge contingent, spearheaded by Jesús Calleja, Félix Macías, José Antonio Ramos and Daniel Alonso. The latter two are the first two classified in the Spanish Cross-Country Rally Championship.
The 38th edition of the Baja España Aragón Trofeo AVATEL will see the first
participation of a WRC driver. Dani Sordo joins the populous field to take on yet another challenge in his sporting career. The Spaniard, who has announced hisretirement from the World Rally Championship at the end of the year, has decided totry his hand at cross-country rallies, with his current WRC co-driver, the Galician Cándido Carrera, on his side.Note: Courtesy FIM communications and Baja Aragon official site.
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Aishwarya Pissay begins quest for sixth National Rally title with a victory
Bengaluru, 20 May 2022: Petronas TVS Racing factory rider Aishwarya Pissay, the only Indian female World champion in motorsports, began her quest for a record sixth consecutive National Rally Championship crown on a winning note astride her rally-tuned TVS Apache RTR 200. Pissay conquered the Rally of Chikmagalur – the first round of the MRF Mogrip FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship (INRC) for two-wheelers on Sunday.
According to a press release said here on Friday, the 2019 FIM World Cup Champion in the Ladies class, put in a commanding performance that saw her win the 56-km first round. She clocked 1 hour 7 min 23.684 seconds to win the first round with the fastest timing in all the eight Special Stages (SS). While winning this class, she finished 32nd overall among 88 riders, including 79 men.
The TVS Racing talent who made a clean sweep of all the six rounds for her fifth National title in the Ladies class of the two-wheeler Rally Nationals last year, is eager to get back to bigger cross-country events, as she recovers from a major injury from last year’s Jordan Rally.
Aishwarya Pissay poses with her TVS Apache RTR 200. The disciplined motorsports athlete from PETRONAS TVS Racing, co-sponsored by Ultrahuman, IIFL, Micro Labs and Surana College, who bounced back into form, said, “ I am happy with our victory at the first round. The bike is lean and powerful. I thoroughly enjoyed riding my TVS Apache RTR 200 through the beautiful coffee estates and look forward to more of it. I have trained hard for the Nationals including a trip to France under acclaimed mentor Michael Metge. I look forward to learning more from each one of these races and my immediate goal is to bring home the sixth National title.”
The 26-year-old from Bengaluru rose like a phoenix from a life-threatening injury before her World crown and silenced her critics with creditable deeds on the track with a highly successful 2021.
The versatile rider, who began her biking career in late 2016, vaulted into the record books with a Road Racing National title, the TVS One Make Championship and several cross-country rally championships at Madras Motor Racetrack and cross country rallies in 2017. Due to her exhilarating performance at the TVS One Make Championship and her achievements in rallies, her talent was noticed by PETRONAS TVS Racing after which she was inducted into India’s first factory racing team’s stable. Thereon, she started tasting success in the Rally Nationals and never looked back after winning five Rally Nationals in a row for the Hosur-based team. Looking forward to the second round in Mangalore on May 22, she is determined and is gearing up to use the Nationals as a pedestal to jump-start her international activity once again.
The second round of two-wheeler Rally Nationals organised by Ace Events will have two Special Stages and will run three times each. For a Special Stage rally distance of 54.12 km and with a liaison section, the total rally distance will be over 90 km. The terrain is all gravel and rains can make it more challenging like last year.
