Pune: The inaugural round of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) kicked off at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Sunday, transforming the Balewadi Stadium into a battleground for off-road daredevils. The venue, adorned with dirt tracks, resonated with the roar of 450cc engines and the distinctive scent of gasoline.
Supercross, a captivating variant of motocross, unfolded within the stadium’s confines, featuring riders navigating steep jumps and obstacles. The unique layout of supercross tracks, characterized by shorter straights and tighter turns, set it apart from traditional motocross setups.
The competition witnessed the participation of both international and Indian riders, spanning three rounds that would ultimately determine the champion rider and team. The six competing teams in the ISRL are Gujarat Trailblazers, BB Racing, SG Speed Racers, Bigrock Motorsports, Mohite’s Racing Team, and Reise Motorsports.
These teams boast affiliations with renowned names in motorsport, with Gaurav Gill, a multiple car rally champion, partnering with Team Gujarat Trailblazers. Additionally, CS Santosh, an icon in Indian motorsport and Dakar finisher, owns Bigrock Motorsports.
The rider lineup featured a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, such as multi-time French Supercross Racing Champion Thomas Ramette, who raced for Reise Motorsport in the 450cc class. In the 250cc Indian and Asia mix category, young talents like India’s Ikshan Shanbhag from Team BigRock Motorsports showcased their skills.
The roots of Indian supercross date back to the prestigious Rodil Trophy in Pune in 1984, injecting an ‘international flavor’ into the nation’s motorsport scene. The Indian Supercross Racing League aims to reignite that excitement, captivating fans with thrilling displays of skill and speed.
Against the backdrop of star-studded teams, the ISRL provided a stage for budding talents, with 10-12-year-old riders capturing audiences’ attention in the 85cc Junior category. As the league progresses, the excitement is set to soar, promising a spectacle of speed, skill, and daring stunts.
Following the Pune round, the league will rev its engines in Ahmedabad on February 11 before culminating in Delhi on February 25.
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