MUMBAI: Formula 1® and Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited announce the launch of India’s first Official F1® Sim Racing Championship. Held under an agreement that grants Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official Formula 1® sanctioned sim racing competition, the F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026 will establish a national competitive platform for emerging talent across the country. The Championship is designed to create a structured pathway from virtual competition to professional motorsport, offering young drivers a credible first step into the wider racing ecosystem. This also marks the first time Formula 1® has introduced a programme of this nature, exclusively for India.

The announcement comes at the perfect time, as conversations around bringing Formula 1® back to India gain momentum and fan interest in the sport continues to surge. With e-sports now officially recognised under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, initiatives like the F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026 connect India to the global driver pathway of F1®, tapping into a rapidly growing motorsport ecosystem.

Conducted under an agreement granting Mumbai Falcons the rights to host an official F1-sanctioned sim racing competition in India, the Championship will be played on F1®25, the official game of the FIA Formula 1® World Championship, featuring identical circuits, competitive formats, and team liveries as the global series. Registrations are set to commence on 30th April, 2026, on the MFRL App (available on Play Store and Apple Store). Participants will be able to compete via PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox. Online qualifiers in the coming months will lead to city-based simulator rounds, culminating in a national final in Mumbai in November.

On this occasion, India’s first Formula 1®Driver, Narain Karthikeyan, commented, “India has long been central to the global growth story of Formula 1®. With 78.8 million fans and a generation raised on F1®gaming, the time is right to introduce an official, competitive Sim Racing Championship here. Mumbai Falcons are the ideal partner, having invested years in building India’s motorsport pipeline. This initiative is unique, globally exclusive, and will set a new benchmark for talent development.”

“When we founded Mumbai Falcons in 2019, our ambition was to place India firmly on the global motorsport map and build a pipeline for world-class talent. Mumbai Falcons became the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international racing Championship. We have also supported the early careers of future Formula 1®stars. Partnering with Formula 1®to bring the F1®Sim Racing India Open 2026 to life is yet another significant initiative in that direction,” said Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director, Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.

Mumbai Falcons brings to this programme a track record that few organisations in the world can match. The team has previously supported the early careers of drivers who went on to reach the pinnacle of the sport, including Jehan Daruvala, Kush Maini, Arthur Leclerc, Dino Beganovic, Sebastian Montoya, Rafael Camara, James Wharton, Freddie Slater, Kean Nakamura Berta, Oleksandr Bondarev, Kimi Antonelli, Arvid Lindblad, and Oliver Bearman. It is this foundation of proven talent identification and development that positions Mumbai Falcons to build and deliver India’s first scalable motorsport pipeline.

The post Formula 1® and Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited Unveil India’s First Official F1® Sim Racing Championship appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Indian motorsport continues to gather global momentum, and at the heart of that surge stands Mumbai Falcons Racing League (MFRL), leading the charge in developing world-class racing talent from India. The team delivered a statement performance at the 2025-2026 UAE ROTAX MAX Championship, securing two championship titles, five top-three finishes, and the overall Teams’ Championship, underlining its role as a premier platform nurturing India’s next generation of international racing talent.

Leading the charge, Tyla Harris clinched the DD2 Championship with 1123 points, while Maurits Knopjes dominated DD2 Masters with 941 points. Together, they established Mumbai Falcons’ authority at the top tier of competition in one of the Middle East’s most competitive karting championships.

For India, the most compelling story lies in the rise of its young drivers. Mitansh Jain emerged as Junior Max Vice-Champion, delivering a season defined by consistency, composure, and front-running pace. His 960-point campaign firmly positioned him as one of the most promising Indian racers on the global karting stage.

Close behind, Arhaan Koreishi secured third overall in Junior Max, showcasing remarkable progression through the season. His late-season surge not only earned him a podium finish but also reinforced the depth of Indian talent within the Mumbai Falcons program. Adding to the team’s multi-category success, Nathan Kappen finished third overall in Senior Max, completing a championship campaign that saw Mumbai Falcons excel across divisions.

Further reinforcing this success, the team also celebrated title victories in the IAME UAE Championship, where Mitansh Jain was crowned IAME UAE Champion under the Juniors category, while Rayan Koreishi secured the Vice Championship under the IAME UAE Seniors category. These achievements also earned the team a coveted ticket to the IAME World Finals.

Anjum Shaikh, Team Principal of MFRL’s Karting Programme, shared, “This season reflects the level of consistency and performance we expect as a team competing at the highest level. At the same time, seeing Indian drivers step up and secure podium finishes in such a competitive field is a clear signal that India is ready to produce the next generation of global racing stars. Indian motorsport is entering a defining phase, and we remain committed to building stronger, more structured pathways that can consistently deliver excellence.”

MFRL’s overall performance at the championship reflects a structured, high-performance ecosystem built in India for a world-stage competition. Across the season, Mumbai Falcons demonstrated not just winning ability but depth, resilience, and consistency—qualities essential for developing future champions.  The significance of these achievements extends beyond the standings. The UAE Rotax Max Championship serves as a gateway to the Rotax MAX Championship Grand Finals, placing Mumbai Falcons drivers within the global talent pipeline. Competing—and succeeding—at this level signals India’s growing influence in international karting.

Mumbai Falcons has steadily positioned itself as a launchpad for young drivers, combining international exposure, technical excellence, and race-winning capability. With Indian drivers like Jain and Koreishi delivering standout performances against a highly competitive international grid, the message is clear: India is no longer an emerging presence in global karting; it is becoming a force.

As the 2025–2026 season concludes, Mumbai Falcons continues in its endeavour to actively shape India’s racing future and build a pathway for the country’s brightest young talents to become tomorrow’s global stars.

The post Unveiling the Success of Mumbai Falcons at the 2025-2026 UAE Rotax Max Championship appeared first on NRI News.

INDONESIA: The IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team riders battled through a challenging and action-packed Round 4 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Indonesia’s iconic Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, concluding a weekend defined by fierce competition and intense racing.

The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, displayed consistent efforts and determination while competing in the highly competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Kavin Quintal started Race 1 from the 17^th position on the grid for the 10-lap contest but couldn’t finish the race. Navigating intense competition with persistence, he finished the Race 2 at 19^th place with a total time of 18:18.251, and his best lap time was 1:47.847.

Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started Race 1 from 25^th on the grid and delivered a strong run, registering consistent lap times on the challenging Mandalika circuit. He crossed the chequered flag in 16^th place with a total time of 18:27.73,3 and his best lap time was 1:48.302. In Race 2, Reeves finished in 22^nd with a total time of 18:21.752.

Their cumulative team total stands at 6 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit tested me all through the weekend. Yesterday was a setback, but today I managed to complete the race in 19^th place. It wasn’t easy, but every lap added to my experience, and I am determined to come back stronger in the next rounds.

Johann Reeves added, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit was a real test from start to finish – it pushed me on every front. I managed to gain crucial experience for myself and the team. There is still plenty to work upon, and I am focused on coming back sharper in the subsequent rounds.”

The post Highlights from a Challenging Round 4 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) proudly welcomes Indewheelers Motorsports Pvt. Ltd. as the newest franchise team to the Season 2 grid. As Pune’s second franchise, Indewheelers Motorsports is set to make the league more competitive while boosting the city’s already established position as a national motorsport hub. Founded by motorsport veteran Vikram Dhar and co-owned by young entrepreneur Ajay Agrawal, the team blends racing pedigree with next-generation business leadership, ready to make its mark on India’s premier Supercross league.

With over two decades in the off-road motorsports ecosystem, Vikram Dhar is a true trailblazer. Founder of MXSTORE.in, India’s leading off-road gear platform, he combines professional racing expertise with corporate leadership at Indewheelers Motorsports. A passionate off-roader since 2006, Vikram is the 2017-18 Emirates Desert Championship Champion and has competed across global terrains, while also holding senior regional director roles in multinational corporations. Co-owner Ajay Agrawal, a dynamic entrepreneur and Chartered Accountant, brings sharp financial acumen and global distribution experience, representing the new wave of leaders transforming industries. Indewheelers Motorsports has also partnered with global infrastructure major Arabian Coast Group. This partnership underscores growing interest from international investors in India’s evolving motorsport ecosystem.

said Vikram Dhar, Founder & Team Principal.

ISRL is quickly becoming a cultural movement among India’s youth, blending high-octane action with aspirational appeal. The addition of Indewheelers Motorsports as Pune’s second team, alongside BB Racing, elevates the city’s competitive depth while cementing its status as a motorsports hub. Having two teams transforms the city into a talent pipeline for Indian Supercross racing, boosting competition and fan engagement. This expansion nurtures emerging riders at the grassroots level, laying the foundation for India’s motorsport future while driving infrastructure investments that position the city at the heart of India’s racing evolution.

Eeshan Lokhande, Co-Founder & Director, ISRL, said,

The Indian Supercross Racing League has already captured national attention with Bollywood megastar Salman Khan onboard as the official Brand Ambassador and an Investor in the league.

Indewheelers Motorsports will make its debut as the league kicks off, strategically positioned at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and enterprise. With a shared passion for racing excellence and a focus on building a passionate fan base, the team is expected to play a defining role in ISRL’s continued evolution.

With Season 2 kicking off in October 2025, ISRL is set to deliver bigger races, enhanced fan experiences, and unprecedented brand integration. Franchise owners now stand at the intersection of sport, business, and entertainment, as India embraces motorsports as a mainstream commercial property.

Join the excitement and follow ISRL on social media using #FlirtWithDirt!

The post Discover INDEWHEELERS MOTORSPORTS: The Newest Addition to Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 appeared first on NRI News.

MALAYSIA: The IDEMITSU Honda Racing India riders faced a challenging and intense Round 2 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the iconic Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, closing out a weekend full of high-speed action and fierce competition.

The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, completed today’s race with grit and consistency in the fiercely competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Kavin Quintal, the 19-year-old rider, started the 8-lap race from the 19th grid position for race 1. He finished at 18th position with a total time of 19:43:239. In Race 2, Kavin mounted a strong comeback and, despite fierce competition, demonstrated resilience and tactical racing skills to hold his ground. He completed the race in 15^th position after a tough battle, crossing the finish line with a total time of 19:44.506 and setting his fastest lap at 2:25.412.

Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started from 24^th on the grid in Round 2 of ARRC. In Race 1, Johann delivered a strong performance, maintaining steady lap times and gaining valuable experience on the challenging circuit. He crossed the finish line in 19^th place with a total time of 19:44.679. In Race 2, Reeves defended his position well, completing the race at 20^th place with a total time of 20:07.715 and recording his fastest lap at 2:29.021.

Kavin earned 1 point in round 2 at Malaysia, bringing their cumulative team total to 5 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “Today’s race at Sepang Circuit was challenging from start to finish. The technical track demanded complete focus and tested every move. It was a tough battle out there. I am taking away important lessons and remain determined to come back stronger in the upcoming races.”

Johann Reeves added, “Today’s race at Sepang Circuit pushed me on every level. The competition was intense, and the track demanding. I have gained valuable experience for the team. There’s a lot to build on. With the completion of Round 2, I am focused on coming back stronger in the upcoming races.”

The post IDEMITSU Honda Racing India: A Fierce Battle in Round 2 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), the world’s first franchise-based Supercross league, is back with a bang! The much-anticipated Season 2 kicks off with the opening of rider registrations on 24^th April, 2025 – promising even higher-octane action, new international faces, and the return of celebrated talent from across the globe.

Following a phenomenal inaugural run that brought together over 100 elite riders from nine countries and electrified fans across Indian cities, ISRL is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for global motorsport talent and investors. Season 2 is poised to reach greater heights with enhanced ambition, a bigger format, and added star power, most notably with superstar Salman Khan joining hands with the league as the official brand ambassador to amplify its reach and visibility. With inquiries already pouring in from international athletes and a strong homegrown lineup raring to go, the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in the ISRL story.

Eeshan Lokhande, Co-Founder, Indian Supercross Racing League, said, “ISRL Season 1 was just the beginning. With the kind of global traction and home-grown talent we witnessed, we’re entering Season 2 with renewed energy and confidence. Salman Khan coming on board as brand ambassador adds to the momentum, bringing his unmatched charisma to the world of Supercross. Our goal is to build a global mega-platform that gives Indian motorsport its rightful place on the world stage. We’re thrilled to welcome back many of our international riders and see an even bigger talent pool lining up. This is going to be one wild ride.”

Rugved Barguje, 3-time Indian National Supercross Champion, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Racing in Season 1 of ISRL was an unforgettable experience. The support from the crowd, the level of competition, and the chance to race on real Supercross tracks in India—it was a dream come true. The league has changed the game for Indian motorsport, making it more organized and structured, creating a professional platform for motorsport athletes to thrive. Season 2 is going to be even more epic, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Jordi Tixier, World Champion MX2 (2014), added, “Season 1 blew my expectations out of the water. The tracks, the fans, and the constant improvements by the organizers made it truly special. India showed real passion for Supercross, and I’m looking forward to being back. I’m super excited to make more memories in Season 2.”

Brendan Sipple, International Rider for Reise Motosports, echoed the excitement: “From the fans to the tracks, everything about Season 1 was world-class. The energy, the teams, and the entire vibe were electric. I feel lucky to have raced in India, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Season 2. ISRL is creating something amazing here.”

Season 1 featured some of the biggest names in global motocross, including Jordi Tixier (World Champion MX2, 2014), Matt Moss (9-time Australian MX & SX Champion), Thomas Ramette, Hugo Manzato, and many more. From Australia to France and Thailand to South Africa, the talent was unmatched. Indian champions like Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanth, Sarthak Chavan, and Shlok Ghorpade raced shoulder-to-shoulder with global pros, making history on tracks designed to world-class standards.

The rider registration process covers four competitive categories:

• 450cc International Riders
• 250cc International Riders
• 250cc India-Asia Mix
• 85cc Junior Class

Interested riders can register now to be part of the mega auction, where teams will build their dream squads for the 2025 season. Please note, registration does not guarantee participation—it is the first step in joining the official rider pool for team selection during the auction process.

ISRL’s inaugural season set new benchmarks for motorsport events in India with a physical attendance of over 30,000 and a viewership of 11.5Mn in just 3 days of broadcast, establishing a new global record for a Supercross event.

Team BigRock Motorsports, led by India’s Dakar pioneer CS Santosh, emerged as champions, setting a high standard for competition. The first season successfully demonstrated India’s appetite for world-class Supercross action and laid a strong foundation for the sport’s growth.

The post Rider Registration Now Open for Season 2 of the Indian Supercross Racing League appeared first on NRI News.

The launch event brought together prominent figures from the motorsport industry, including Mr. Arindam Ghosh, President of FMSCI; Mr. Vicky Chandhok, Council Member and Former President of FMSCI, Mr. M.R. Dastur, Chairman of the FMSCI 2-Wheeler Racing Commission; Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India; and Mr. Sirish Vissa, Director of ISBL.

With a vision to harness home-grown talent and elevate the country’s motorsports ecosystem, the ISBL, a franchise-based league, will feature multiple motorcycle classes alongside exemplary racing infrastructure. The ISBL envisions establishing a structured pathway for riders to demonstrate their potential on the national stage. The league will have each franchise competing across all categories, which include:

• Pro Categories (Two Classes)
• Amateur Class
• Female Riders Class
• Rookie Class

Speaking on the vision of the league, Pranav Bakre, Director, of the Indian Superbike League, said, “The Indian Superbike League is designed to be a transformative force in Indian motorsports. It is aimed at establishing a dynamic ecosystem constructed to empower riders, technicians, and support staff with a robust and sustainable platform to develop their skills, push boundaries, and form lasting careers. Simultaneously, ISBL is committed to producing a world-class sporting spectacle, uplifting the stature of Indian motorsports on the global stage while harnessing a culture of excellence, innovation, high-octane entertainment, and world-class content creation.”

Sirish Vissa, Director, of the Indian Superbike League, added, “The Indian Superbike League is designed not just to expedite a racing revolution, but about positively revamping India’s motorcycle culture. There is palpable interest in two-wheelers across the country, especially in tier-II, and tier-III cities. The Indian Superbike League will be a sustainable career path not just for racers but for the whole ecosystem of motorcycle racing. We wish to create a framework that can take their interest, professionalize their ambitions, and lay out a pathway for them to move up the ladder and compete both nationally and internationally. We intend to promote not just local but also marginalized talent in all aspects of racing. Our vision is to cultivate a cultural change in the ecosystem by supporting riders, improving technical know-how, and elevating standards of Indian motorsports.”

Arindam Ghosh, President, of FMSCI, said, “India has long needed an organized platform to develop motorcycle racing talent, and ISBL looks set to be that game-changer. By offering a professionally managed, well-constructed racing environment, ISBL is setting the foundation for a flourishing ecosystem that supports riders and also advances technical expertise, safety standards, and career pathways within the sport. We are excited for this initiative as it takes Indian motorsports onto the global stage.”

Highlighting Ducati’s role in this project, Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, commented, “As a supplier of motorcycles for ISBL, we see this as an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of motorcycle racing in India. ISBL’s focus on performance, technology, safety, and rider development aligns seamlessly with our philosophy and we look forward to supporting the league in its mission to build a strong foundation for Indian motorsports.”

Over 400 riders have already signed up for ISBL, highlighting a strong pull for a high-calibre racing championship.

The four-wheeler motorsport ecosystem in India has a structured pathway for drivers to obtain necessary experience and exposure to transition into the international stage, but similar opportunities in motorcycle racing are limited. It is a glaring gap that the ISBL intends to fill to augment opportunities in this space. By bridging this gap, the ISBL will offer a professional platform where Indian riders can develop their skills, compete at a competitive level, and gradually progress to prestigious international championships like MotoGP and World Superbike.

As a long-term vision, the ISBL intends to stand alongside elite racing series such as the British Superbike and Japanese Superbike – competitions that have been constructed on the foundation of strong home-grown talent. Primarily, the ISBL is envisioned to nurture Indian riders, technicians, crew members, raising a comprehensive ecosystem that furnishes sustainable career opportunities within the sport.

In the initial few years, the focus will be directed towards developing Indian talent, paving the way for the country to produce its motorsport heroes. Transcending competitive racing, the ISBL remains competitive towards promoting a safe riding culture. The ISBL looks to shift the culture of motorcycling in India from the streets to a more controlled, professional racetrack environment, which boosts the skill levels of Indian riders and also ingrains a sense of greater discipline and safety amongst motorcyclists nationwide.

The post Indian Superbike League Launch appeared first on NRI News.

Race day at the Malaysian Grand Prix was a hot affair, hardly a cloud in the sky to block the intense sun which made for an even more demanding 20-lap contest. Action would be halted almost immediately as a multiple rider crash in the opening corners brought out the red flag. Fortunately, all involved avoided serious injury.

Running through the quick restart procedure, Luca Marini launched his Repsol Honda Team RC213V off the line for a second time – again gaining positions from the rivals around him. A consistent race followed for the #10 who managed his tyres well and was able to pass the likes of Nakagami and Raul Fernandez as he worked his way up the field into the points. The final laps of the race saw Marini defending against Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli, crossing the line in 15th and adding another point to his 2024 tally. But, Marini is hungry for more to be able to properly show his and his team’s efforts from throughout the year.

Joan Mir had made a lightning-fast start to the initial running of the Malaysian GP before the red flag and tried his hardest to emulate it on the second attempt. Able to match the pace of his teammate early on, Mir would ultimately fall victim to a crash at Turn 9. Unharmed, it leaves a disappointed taste in the mouth of the #36 who will once again pick himself up and prepare for the next race.

Now the MotoGP paddock will have a week to rest and recover after the most intense period of the season. One final race awaits for the Repsol Honda Team in what has been a complicated 2024 World Championship season before testing begins almost immediately after.

Luca Marini (15^th) “The race was a little bit hot. From the physical side, I am happy with my performance. The grip was quite low with the heat so we struggled for some traction during the race. With the quick start procedure, everything also got hotter which complicated some things for the second start. During the race, our tyre management was quite good and I was able to make up ground later, especially under braking. We started far back so it’s difficult to catch up. I am not happy with P15, the position doesn’t show all the work that we have done nor the race that I did today. Points are good, but we want more because everyone is working very hard inside Honda.”

Joan Mir (DNF) “I made a really good start with the first go of the race and I was running with the top ten! Unfortunately, I made some contact with Miller, so I was quite worried, it was a relief to see the images of him in pit lane and then I went to his box after and he was typical Jack. This is the most important. During the race, I wasn’t able to ride in a good way and I fell, unharmed, but our race was over. It hasn’t happened again, so we need to check and be sure. Like the last few races, I was able to overtake many of the riders but starting in the back complicates things. One more chance to do some more.”

Malaysian Grand Prix Race Results

Rider standings

The post Marini makes the points in Malaysia appeared first on NRI News.

MENGOUB-BOUÂRFA (MOROCCO): The Can-Am Factory Team’s Rokas Baciuška teamed up with Spaniard Oriol Vidal to clinch the Challenger category title in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) at a grueling five-stage Rally of Morocco.

The Can-Am Factory Team achieved outright victories at three of the five rounds in Abu Dhabi, Portugal, and Argentina. Still, Baciuška had one eye on the overall title in Morocco and erred on the side of caution in several instances during the demanding event across rocky terrain and dunes in North Africa. The success marked the Lithuanian’s third title in as many years in the W2RC after his back-to-back SSV successes in 2022 and 2023. 

The Can-Am Factory and South Racing Can-Am Team also used the Moroccan event to evaluate the new Can-Am Maverick R in a competitive environment before the cars entered active competition at the start of 2025. They were not eligible for the FIA event and ran in an ‘Experimental’ category.

Multiple Dakar winner Francisco Lopez teamed up with Argentina’s Sebastian Cesana and the Chilean topped the SSV times on the Prologue, stages one, two, and four.

His Can-Am Factory Team colleague Hunter Miller was partnered by fellow American Andrew Short in a second Can-Am Maverick R. He beat Lopez by seven seconds to win the third stage.

The Dutch duo of Erik van Loon and Henrie Verschuuren and the Argentine pairing of former quad front-runner Manuel Andujar and Bernardo Graue crewed the South Racing Can-Am Team-entered cars. Andujar was second quickest behind Lopez on stage four and set the fastest time overall in the last stage in the Experimental SSV section. Van Loon overcame fuel pump issues to finish a valuable test exercise for the team.

The South Racing Can-Am Team also ran three Maverick X3s for the American trio of Lawrence Janesky and Craig and Zacharie Lumsden and their respective co-drivers Bruno Jacomy, Jamie Lambert, and Shannon Moham. They gained valuable experience in the competitive Challenger category in one of the world’s most demanding racing environments.

South Racing Can-Am Team’s managing director Scott Abraham said: “It is a great way to end the W2RC season. This is the third consecutive time that Can-Am has won the Challenger or T3 category and has won four out of the last five years since its inception. It was a great year for Rokas.

I thank the dedication of the whole team for making this happen. Now we have a very short break before the team heads to Portalegre next week to defend the lead in the FIA Baja World Cup.”

The 25.45km Prologue near Marrakesh was used purely to determine the starting order for the opening loop stage out of Zagora although it caused its fair share of problems for several of the front-runners. Baciuška came home ninth amongst the Challenger competitors but it was a very encouraging start for Lopez in the SSV section: the Chilean was fastest.

Flash flooding and run-off water badly affected the road section between Marrakech and the night halt in Zagora. One road was blocked near Ouarzazate and many competitors arrived late into Zagora. As a result, race officials rearranged the schedule through the M’Hamid area, and the route of stage two was used for stage one and shortened to 177.17km and the opening stage was used for stage two.

Baciuška made a sensibly cautious start and came home seventh of the registered drivers in Challenger with Janesky the best of the three South Racing Can-Am Team entrants. Lopez would have been the quickest of the SSV drivers had he been eligible, as Van Loon, Andujar and Miller finished the stage without major problems, although Van Loon was later handed a one-hour penalty for missing route waypoints, Craig Lumsden was handed a 30-minute penalty for a similar issue and Zacharie Lumsden incurred penalties for failing to finish the special.

Stage two crossed the Chegaga dunes and sandy terrain in the Zagora region for 266.42km. Baciuška was eighth of the registered drivers through the tricky stage where a flying Lopez made it three wins three in the SSV class and finished well ahead of Andujar and Miller.

The route headed from Zagora to Mengoub-Bouârfa on day three and included a stage of 324.23km with large stretches of water prevalent between the Merzouga dunes after recent intense rainfall. Miller and Lopez again blitzed the SSV opposition in the development of Maverick Rs, while Baciuška finished the stage in eighth of the classified Challenger drivers and mathematically confirmed the Challenger title with two days to spare.

Baciuška said: “We started the stage on the 11th and finished the day on the eighth. We punctured near the end but I reached the finish and I was the World Champion for the third time. We have been working hard for this all season. It’s a little strange to celebrate before the end of the rally…”

The fourth 315.05km stage ran through the deserts surrounding Mengoub-Bouârfa. Andujar shadowed Lopez to the finish in the Experimental SSV section but Baciuška climbed to third in the virtual standings before stopping with technical issues 60km from the stage finish.

The final stage looped through the dunes around Mengoub-Bouârfa for 271.82km. Andujar and Lopez again showed the potential of the new Maverick R with superb stage times before the ceremonial finish in Mengoub-Bouârfa.

The South Racing Can-Am Team receives valuable support for the race program from BRP, Rotax, Method Wheels, Tensor Tires, Motul, J.Juan Brake Systems, Oakley, and Sparco.

The post Rokas Baciuška and the Can-Am Factory Team Claim W2RC Challenger Title in Morocco appeared first on NRI News.

CHENNAI: As the curtains went down for the 2024 season of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R, the young riders of Honda Racing India concluded the season with impressive performances, setting new benchmarks and gaining valuable experiences and learnings for the upcoming seasons.

Leading the entire season with an adrenaline rush was Malappuram’s Mohsin Paramban, who showcased exemplary performance and claimed victory this year. Throughout the season, Mohsin finished with seven wins in ten races.

In today’s final 8-lap race of the season, Mohsin got off to a strong start. However, his machine encountered a mechanical issue, causing him to slow down a bit. Savion Sabu then executed a decisive move and accelerated quickly to take the lead in the intense battle. Savion showcased a brilliant performance in the final race, crossing the chequered line in first position with a total time of 15:03.809 and his best lap time was 1:51.260. In his rookie year, Savion has emerged as one of the most promising riders in this category.

In the thrilling race, the battle for second and third positions intensified as Mohsin Paramban pushed his limits. With strong determination, he finished the race in second position with a total time of 15:10.876 and his best lap time was 1:52.171.

Following Mohsin was Beedani Rajender who maneuvered swiftly against all the other riders and claimed a podium finish by crossing the chequered line at the third position. He finished the race with a total time of 15:17.258 and a best lap time of 1:52.654.

The post Honda Racing India’s Mohsin Paramban wins 2024 season of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R appeared first on NRI News.