Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s rally sensation Vaibhav Marathe, racing for JK Tyre Motorsport, delivered a stellar performance at the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025, clinching victory in the highly competitive INAC 1 Unrestricted Class. The event marked Round 1 of the prestigious JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025, held at Survey 85, Sangnipura Road, Kurvangi Grama.
Marathe clocked an impressive 02:57.876, narrowly edging out teammate Syed Salman (02:59.687) in a nail-biting finish. Aeman secured third place with a timing of 03:01.786. With this win, Marathe takes an early lead in his class and strengthens his bid for the INAC Grand Finals.
Highlights Across Categories:
• INAC 1 – 2000 CC Class:
Syed Salman claimed top honors with 02:59.169, followed by Chetan Shivram and Aeman. Marathe finished a close fourth in this fiercely contested class.
• INAC 2 – 1650 CC Class:
Ashad Pasha secured the win, with Aeman and Salman placing second and third respectively.
• INAC 2 – 1450 CC & 1100 CC Classes:
Syed Salman demonstrated exceptional versatility, winning both categories.
• INAC 2 – 800 CC Class:
Azveer took first place in this segment.
• INAC 3 Category:
Zeeshan Mohammed clinched the top spot.
• Women’s Category:
Shameena CP emerged victorious with a time of 03:41.004.
The Chikmagalur Gravel Fest, sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and held under the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code, is one of seven qualifying rounds in the INAC calendar. Drivers must compete in at least two rounds to qualify for the Grand Finals, with only the top five in each class advancing.
Promoted by Octane Pits (Lokesh Gowda) and organised by the Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC) in collaboration with JK Tyre Motorsport, the event drew strong participation across multiple classes.
Adding to his growing list of achievements, Marathe recently placed fifth at the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) at the Madras International Circuit, Chennai — a performance that also earned him a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Named the Fastest Driver at Chikmagalur, Marathe continues to solidify his reputation as one of India’s most promising young talents in autocross racing.
