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Key Points

Goa's Vaibhav Marathe made a spectacular start to the 2025 Indian National Autocross Championship by clinching top honors in the Unrestricted Class at Chikmagalur Gravel Fest. The JK Tyres driver showcased exceptional skill, narrowly defeating teammate Syed Salman with a timing of 02:57.876 seconds. The event, sanctioned by FMSCI, is part of a seven-round championship where drivers must compete in at least two rounds to qualify for the Grand Finals. With intense competition across multiple classes, the Chikmagalur event demonstrated the high level of talent in Indian motorsports.

Key Points: Vaibhav Marathe Tops Chikmagalur Gravel Fest Autocross Round

  • Marathe defeats teammate Syed Salman in Unrestricted Class
  • Multiple class victories highlight competitive autocross event
  • FMSCI sanctioned championship with seven qualifying rounds
  • Drivers must compete in minimum two rounds to qualify
2 min read

Goa's Vaibhav Marathe emerges fastest at Indian National Autocross Championship round 1

JK Tyres driver Vaibhav Marathe wins INAC Unrestricted Class in thrilling motorsport showdown at Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025

"The competition was fierce, but skill prevails - Vaibhav Marathe"

Chikmagalur, May 4

Goa’s Vaibhav Marathe finished on top of the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025, Round 1 of the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025 which was held here at Survey 85 on Sangnipura Road in Kurvangi Grama.

Marathe representing JK Tyres fended off a tough fight from his teammate Syed Salman to finish with a timing of 02:57.876 s in the INAC 1 Unrestricted Class. Aeman finished third with a timing of 03:01.786 s while Salman finished in 02:59.687 s. The Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025 served as the qualifying round of FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship 2025.

Syed Salman later won the INAC 1 2000 CC class finishing with a timing of 02:59.169 s while Chetan Shivram and Aeman finished second and third respectively. Vaibhav Marathe could only manage a fourth place finish in this class.

Ashad Pasha finished on top of the INAC 2 1650 CC class while Aeman and Syed Salman finished second and third. Syed Salman then went on to win the INAC 2 1450 CC class and followed it up with another victory in the INAC 2 1100 CC.

The INAC 2 800 CC class was won by Azveer. Zeeshan Mohammed won the INAC 3 category while Shameena CP finished on top in the Women’s category with a timing of 03.41.004.

Sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and conducted under the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code and relevant FMSCI regulations, the Gravel Fest in Chikmagalur is one of seven qualifying rounds that form the INAC Cup circuit.

To qualify for the Grand Finals, each driver must participate in at least two rounds. Only the top five finishers in each class will secure a berth in the final championship face-off, where the best of Indian autocross will be crowned. The event was promoted by Octane Pits by Lokesh Gowda and organized by the Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an exciting event! Vaibhav Marathe truly showed his skills on the gravel. As a motorsports fan from Pune, I'm thrilled to see Indian autocross getting more competitive. JK Tyres seems to have a strong team this year. Can't wait for the next round! 🚗💨
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Priya M.
Syed Salman had an amazing performance across multiple categories! Winning three classes is no joke. But I wish there was more coverage of Shameena CP's victory in Women's category - we need to highlight female racers more. Great to see diversity in Indian motorsports.
A
Arjun S.
The timing differences are so close! Just 2 seconds between 1st and 3rd in the Unrestricted Class. This shows how competitive Indian racing has become. Chikmagalur's terrain must have been challenging - kudos to all participants. Hope FMSCI organizes more events in South India.
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Sneha R.
As someone from Chikmagalur, we're proud to host such events! The gravel tracks here are perfect for autocross. But I wish the organizers had better arrangements for local spectators - many of us couldn't get proper viewing spots. Still, great boost for our town's tourism!
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see how Vaibhav dominated the Unrestricted Class but couldn't replicate in 2000CC. Shows specialization matters in racing. Also good to see multiple winners across categories - proves depth in Indian motorsports talent. More corporate sponsors should come forward!
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Neha P.
The article mentions FIA regulations but doesn't explain how this helps Indian racers internationally. Would love to know if winners get opportunities to compete abroad. Otherwise, fantastic coverage! Maybe next time include some driver interviews? 😊

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