Chennai, April 27, 2025 – Goa’s proud motorsport talent, Shri Vaibhav Marathe, an elite National Motocross and INRC Champion, made a mark at the prestigious Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) held from April 25–27, 2025, at the world-class Madras International Circuit, hosted by the esteemed Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC).
The event, officially titled the Indu Chandhok Memorial Champions Trophy, was sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as part of the prestigious APRC calendar, attracting top drivers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
This year, Goa had strong representation, with Shri Vaibhav Marathe leading the way. Known for his exceptional skills, speed, and consistency, Vaibhav delivered a commendable performance over the three-day event. The rally featured a challenging mix of high-speed circuit runs and demanding gravel stages, thoroughly testing the technical abilities of both drivers and machines.
Although narrowly missing a podium finish, Vaibhav showcased outstanding grit and resilience, ultimately securing a 5th place in the overall standings. His performance earned him a cash prize of ₹1 lakh (awarded as ₹50,000 + ₹50,000). This remarkable achievement further cements his reputation as one of Goa’s most promising motorsport talents.
Other Goan participants, including Mr. Aditya Naik and Mr. Omkar Naik, also exhibited strong performances. Unfortunately, both faced technical setbacks; Aditya Naik’s car suffered a major breakdown midway through the race, forcing him to withdraw, and Omkar Naik faced a similar fate.
The Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Govind Gaude, graced the event as the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony. He was warmly welcomed by Shri Vamsi Merla, the event’s sponsor, along with the President of the Madras Motor Sports Club and other distinguished dignitaries.
The Hon’ble Minister, who has previously witnessed and supported multiple state-level rallies in Goa, spent two hours at the Madras International Track, enthusiastically observing the thrilling action and international-level competition. In his address, Shri Govind Gaude expressed his excitement at the level of talent displayed, particularly by Goan drivers like Vaibhav Marathe. He further announced plans to develop a dedicated motorsport track in Goa, reinforcing the state’s potential as a hub for motorsport tourism and providing more opportunities for local talent to compete at national and international levels.
Congratulating Shri Vaibhav Marathe for his performance and cash prize, the Hon’ble Minister assured that the Government of Goa will extend all necessary support to nurture motorsports in the state and encourage more young athletes to excel in this dynamic field.
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