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.