National

Goa’s Aditya Samant Creates History with First-Ever Scooter Podium at Dakshin Dare 2025


Bengaluru, Aug 31, 2025

Goa’s motorsport scene witnessed a historic milestone as Aditya Samant from Kopardem, Sattari, became the first-ever scooter rider to secure a podium finish at the prestigious Dakshin Dare Rally 2025.

Held from 28–31 August in Bengaluru, Dakshin Dare is recognized as South India’s biggest cross-country rally, testing riders across extreme terrains with distances exceeding 2000 km.

A First for Scooters in Indian Motorsport

Competing on a race-tuned Aprilia scooter, Samant broke new ground in the motorsport fraternity by not just finishing the grueling rally but also standing on the podium in the newly introduced scooter class category.

His feat demonstrates not only his resilience and skill but also the growing popularity and acceptance of scooter-based racing in India.

Rally Highlights

  • Location: Bengaluru & surrounding terrains
  • Duration: August 28–31, 2025
  • Distance Covered: 2000+ km of off-road, rocky, and endurance testing tracks
  • Category: Scooter class (first-ever podium finish)

A Proud Moment for Goa & India

Samant’s achievement has put Goa firmly on the motorsport map. His success represents the passion, courage, and innovation of Indian riders venturing into diverse racing platforms.

As scooter racing gains traction globally, Samant’s podium finish at Dakshin Dare 2025 proves that determination can defy boundaries—whether on two wheels or four.

This victory will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of motorsport enthusiasts from Goa and across India.

Sports

Goa’s Vaibhav Marathe to Represent India at FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2025 in Indonesia


In a major boost for Indian motorsports, Vaibhav Marathe, a two-time Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) winner, is set to represent India at the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) 2025. The prestigious event will be held in Indonesia and is known locally as the IMI Sumatera Ultra-Rally Championship 2025.

Marathe, known for his razor-sharp reflexes and tactical driving, will be up against elite competition from across the Asia-Pacific region. The IMI-organised rally will comprise 12 special stages, covering a demanding distance of 200.60 kilometres through diverse terrain and extreme rally conditions.

Speaking about the opportunity, Marathe shared, “It’s an honour to represent India on a platform as significant as the APRC. This is a dream for every rally driver, and I’m proud to carry the tricolour.”

The rally will be conducted under the supervision of Ikatan Motor Indonesia (IMI), which is internationally recognised and affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Vaibhav’s selection is not just a personal milestone but also marks another big step forward for Goan and Indian rallying. As India continues to carve out its place in the international motorsport scene, drivers like Marathe are setting new benchmarks.

Fans and motorsport enthusiasts from across the country will be watching closely as Vaibhav powers through the gravel, mud, and glory of international competition.

Automobiles

Kichcha Sudeep Launches Bengaluru Team for Indian Racing Festival 2025


Bengaluru, July 2025 – Indian cinema meets motorsport in high gear as Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep enters the world of racing with the official launch of Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru (KKB), the Bengaluru-based franchise for the upcoming Indian Racing Festival (IRF) 2025.

Sudeep, known for his fierce screen presence and deep connection with Karnataka’s youth, is now putting his name and passion behind high-octane sport. The IRF is India’s premier city-based racing league, with teams from across the country including Goa, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.

“This is not just another team. It’s an emotion,” said Sudeep at the unveiling event.

“Racing, like cinema, is pure adrenaline. It’s about timing, control, instinct — and above all, heart. Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru is my tribute to the spirit of this city, its talent, its grit, and its youth.”

The Indian Racing Festival 2025 is slated to begin this August and promises edge-of-the-seat action across street circuits and racetracks nationwide. With its focus on entertainment, inclusivity, and city pride, the IRF brings a new dimension to motorsport — combining professional racing with the glamour of film and music industries.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), which organizes the league, welcomed Sudeep into the fold:

“The name carries legacy, pride, and influence that few can match. With KKB, we now have a team that represents the soul of the South — grounded, ambitious, and unapologetically passionate. This is what motorsport in India needs.”

The league emphasizes equal gender representation, celebrity-driven ownership, and grassroots talent development. With Kichcha’s star power and a growing motorsport culture in India, the Bengaluru team is expected to draw massive fan engagement, not only from the racing community but also from cinema lovers.

As anticipation builds, the launch of Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru is not just a team announcement — it’s a movement. A movement that blends engines and emotion, speed and spirit.

Watch out — the Kings are here to rule the racetrack.