Crews will tackle a dozen special stages and 196.30 competitive kilometres in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas. The event will also count towards the new Junior and Master Championships for Drivers.

Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Candido Carrera head the field after winning the opening three rounds of the season in Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. They will be aiming to defend a 31-point lead over Rakan Al-Rashed and Hugo Magalhães in their respective MERC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ Championships. The record 16-time winner of the event lays trust in his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

A total of eight Rally2 machines grace the entry list: defending regional champion Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, the 2023 MERC champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi, Qatari Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya, Bassal Abu Hamdan, and the Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez and Ihab Al-Shorafa complete the list. Both local drivers have entered Škoda Fabias.

Oman’s Zakariya Al-Aamri and Abdullah Al-Zubair are currently locked in their battle for supremacy in the FIA MERC2 category in a pair of Subarus, and they head a list of seven crews aiming for showroom class honours.

Local knowledge may favour the defending regional champion Shaker Jweihan, while Kuwait’s Jassim Al-Muqahwi and Salem Al-Dhafeeri, Lebanon’s Shadi Al-Fakih, and Palestine’s Hamada Uda round off the MERC2 field. All five challengers to the front-running Omani duo wheel out Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs.

Qatari Rashid Al-Mohannadi has a commanding lead in the two-wheel drive FIA MERC4 category after three rounds. He faces competition from young Qatar Academy drivers, Mohammed Al-Marri and Saad Al-Harqan, and Indian driver Payyakkal Panikkaveettil (Ford Fiesta). All three Qataris drive French-built Peugeot 208s.

The local duo of Shadi Shaban and Mohammed Al-Shorafa and Lebanon’s Joanna Hasoun round off the entry in a trio of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IXs. All but two of the 22 entrants are registered for the MERC.

This year’s event is supported by Zain Jordan, Guarantee Travel Group, Hala and Bliss FM, Markazia, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Jordan.

2025 Jordan Rally – entry list:

1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP)                                     Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2

2. Rakan Al-Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhães (POR)                                                Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2

3. Abdullah Al-Rawahi (OMA)/Ata Al-Hmoud (JOR)                                              Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2

4. Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN)                                          Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2

5. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL)                                                 Citroën C3 Rally 2

6. Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez (JOR)/Vili Oslaj (SLO)                                                     Škoda Fabia Rally 2

7. Ihab Al-Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR)                                                   Škoda Fabia Evo Rally 2

8. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN)                                                      Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2

9. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMA)/Taha Al-Zadjali (OMA)                                            Subaru Impreza N14

10. Shaker Jweihan (JOR)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU)                                            Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

11. Jassim Al-Muqahwi (KUW)/Suleiman Al-Helal (KUW)                                     Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

12. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN)                                                        Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

13. Zakariya Al-Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed Al-Mazroui (OMA)                             Subaru Impreza N14

14. Salem Al-Dhafeeri (KUW)/Waleed Al-Dhafeeri (KUW)                                   Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X*       

15. Hamada Uda (PAL)/Mustafa Juma (JOR)                                                         Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X         

16. Rashid Al-Muhannadi (QAT)/Gary McElhinney (IRL)                                       Peugeot 208 Rally 4

17. Payyaakkal ‘Saneem’ Panikkaveettil (IND)/Musa Sherif (IND)                        Ford Fiesta Rally 4

18. Mohammed Al-Marri (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA)                                Peugeot 208 Rally 4

19. Saad Al-Harqan (QAT)/Pierre Delorme (FRA)                                                  Peugeot 208 Rally 4

20. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR)                                                              Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)

21. Mohammed Al-Shorafa (JOR)/Yazan Juma (JOR)                                            Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)*

21. Joanna Hassoun (LBN)/Sami Fleifel (JOR)                                                       Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)

*denotes not registered for the MERC

The post Jordan Motorsport’s Ambitious Plans for the Jordan Rally appeared first on NRI News.

There are a lot of challenges that must be addressed for motorsport to reach massive heights in India. Formula One opened up Indian motorsport to the world through several Formula One races held in India between 2011 to 2013. 

India was finally taking its rightful place in the comity of motorsport destinations. However, an unpredictable vicissitude appears to have split the relationship between Formula One and India.

What are some of the challenges facing motorsport in India?

• Unfavorable Government Policies

Motorsport faces some form of opposition from India’s government. The major problem for Formula One in India was that the Indian government did not consider it a sport but rather a form of entertainment. 

So, rather than subject Formula One to the same criteria as cricket, the Indian government demanded that the Formula One promoters pay taxes and other levies ascribed to entertainment bodies. Without government support for motorsport, investors will not be encouraged to commit resources to Indian motorsport.

• Economic Challenges in India

Motorsport can only be sustained when it gets adequate patronage. Much money goes into motorsport investments, and low turnouts to motorsport events cannot sustain it. India’s patronage of motorsport events is low.

• Lack of a strong Motorsport base

Motorsport development is almost non-existent in India. At the grassroots level, the interest in motorsport keeps waning, especially as there is no support from the Indian government and private sector. India used to have a very vibrant motorsport audience in the early 90s, but that has not been sustained up till now. As a result, India has lost many of its motorsport enthusiasts to other countries.

• Challenging Investment Landscape for Manufacturers

Kart racing and rallies are still gaining momentum in India, but finding the right gear and equipment is a major challenge. Trying to outsource them from outside India is also a big issue. The manufacturing landscape in India is not favorable for investors to come in and set up manufacturing plants to meet these needs.

Conclusion

India has experienced relative motorsport success over the years. Still, India is at a critical spot right now, and how the country responds to the challenges will determine Indian motorsport’s future. 

The situation is bad, but it can be salvaged if organizations like The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Indian Government come together to develop a framework for the success of motorsport in India.

Photo by Borna Bevanda on Unsplash

The post Challenges Facing Motorsports in India appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) witnessed an overwhelming response for the inaugural race at Pune, BigRock Motorsport lead stood first as a team at the event. Jordi Tixier from France of BB RACING riding the Honda secured first place in the 450 cc international race welcoming the Pune crowd. Australian racer Reid Taylor of BigRock Motorsport riding the Kawasaki led the 250 cc international race taking the team ahead. Thanarat Penjan from Thailand of BigRock Motorsport riding the Kawasaki won the 250 cc India Asia Mix providing additional support to the team.

BigRock Motorsport surprised the Pune crowd by taking the podium in all categories at the first CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a pioneering franchise-based Supercross competition, held at Pune.

Season 1 first race held at Pune displayed an impressive line-up of international champions and emerging Indian stars across four categories: 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the fiercely competitive 85cc junior class. With top riders from around the world converging in India, the series will serve as the ultimate proving ground for global Supercross supremacy. The league is committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Veer Patel, Co-founder and Director of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, expressed his enthusiasm after the first race of Season 1, stating, “We are overwhelmed by the response we received from the Pune crowd and the enthusiasm was unbeatable. The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League will establish India as the focal point for Supercross for the world. The riders displayed their unmatchable skills and commitment to the sport. We appreciate the strong participation and grit to win the race by all individuals. We congratulate the winners and the teams for their amazing participation. At CEAT ISRL, we look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for fans in Ahmedabad.”

Commencing with a spectacular debut in Pune, where 10,000 spectators flocked to the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, the action will shift to Ahmedabad on February 11 at the EKA Arena, Transstadia. The league’s final event will take place in the capital, New Delhi. The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League will conclude its thrilling season with the last race scheduled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on the 25th of February 2024.

The post BIGROCK MOTORSPORT LED BY CS SANTOSH LEADS THE INAUGURAL RACE FOR THE CEAT INDIAN SUPERCROSS RACING LEAGUE appeared first on NRI News.

Mark your calendars! The ISRL roars into action with its first race on January 28^th, 2024, bringing together renowned Supercross champions from across the globe.

Eeshan Lokhande, Director and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL expressed his excitement: “The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League is not just about racing; it’s a journey to redefine the very fabric of motorsports in India. This inaugural race, featuring 48 riders competing for the podium, with almost 80% international representation, showcases the global appeal of CEAT ISRL. This franchise-based Supercross race is a first-of-its-kind, and we aim to turn India into the center stage of the Supercross world.”

The league has resonated globally, with over 100 riders from around the world registering for the recently concluded rider auction, out of which 48 riders found homes in the six franchise teams of the CEAT ISRL, making it a fiercely competitive event. Accredited by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), CEAT ISRL promises to be a game-changer in the world of Supercross.

Veer Patel, Director and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL, added, “The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League has set a precedent in the world of motorsports, and the inaugural season is poised to be a game-changer. As we gear up for this historic race, the league is not just about races; it’s a celebration of talent, passion, and the spirit of competition. India is on the cusp of becoming a global hub for Supercross, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this movement.”

The race is set to unfold in four thrilling categories: 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the highly competitive 85cc junior class. The diverse line-up of riders will showcase their skills on class-specific bikes, each category promising unique challenges and excitement.

With the eyes of the motorsports world on India, the CEAT ISRL is set to usher in a new era of motorsports, combining high-octane racing excitement with star-studded music extravaganzas. The league’s commitment extends beyond the racetrack, emphasizing community engagement, talent development, and environmental sustainability, making it a cultural phenomenon.

With three iconic cities—Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune—set to host the races, the CEAT ISRL promises not only heart-stopping Supercross action but also star-studded music extravaganzas, creating an unparalleled entertainment experience.

The post India Makes Motorsport History with CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League as High-Octane Action and Global Superstars Ignite Pune for Inaugural Season appeared first on NRI News.