Hemanth Muddappa kicked off the new season in style at the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship. The defending champion from Bengaluru dominated the opening round at Chennai’s Madras International Circuit on Saturday, grabbing three wins in four races. He took victories in the Super Sport 4-stroke categories for bikes from 551–850cc, 851–1050cc, and 1051–1650cc—classes where he already holds national titles.
But the day wasn’t just about the favorites. Mumbai’s Hanuman Pawshe stole the show in his debut, winning the premier Unrestricted Super Sport category with a lightning-fast time of 8.055 seconds. The 38-year-old businessman edged out former champion and teammate Alimon Saidalvi in a thrilling finish, earning him the title of Fastest Rider of Round 1. "This is the perfect early birthday gift—I’m turning a year older on Monday," Pawshe said. He added, "My first time in the drag nationals, and beating such tough competitors feels like a dream come true."
Mumbai riders shone bright overall. Shahrukh Khan from Mantra Racing scored a double win in the Indian bike segment, claiming the 361–550cc single-cylinder and twin-cylinder classes. His steady speeds also made him the Fastest Rider of the Day for Indian machines.
Bengaluru’s young talent Syed Imran impressed for Fast Track Racing India, winning both 2-stroke categories—up to 130cc and 131–165cc. His strong showing helped his team snag the Best Tuner award for the round, with Syed Mateen getting the nod.
In the women’s races, debutant MS Lapis Lazuli from Nagercoil made waves by winning the girls’ Super Stock up to 65cc ahead of Hyderabad’s Shanti Chandra.
The action continues with Round 2 set for Sunday at the same Chennai track. Here’s a quick look at the provisional top results (all 4-stroke unless noted):
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Unrestricted Super Sport: 1. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) – 8.055s; 2. Alimon Saidalvi (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) – 8.232s; 3. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru) – 8.235s.
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1051–1650cc Super Sport: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) – 8.202s; 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) – 8.275s; 3. HV Sumanth (Bengaluru) – 9.061s.
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851–1050cc Super Sport: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) – 8.173s; 2. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru) – 8.267s; 3. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) – 8.447s.
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551–850cc Super Sport: 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) – 8.471s; 2. Adithya Acharya (Bengaluru) – 9.356s.
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Girls’ Super Stock up to 165cc: 1. MS Lapis Lazuli (Nagercoil, Team C2 Racing) – 16.629s; 2. Shanti Chandra (Hyderabad, Team C2 Racing) – 17.122s.
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361–550cc Single Cylinder Super Sport Indian: 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) – 12.672s; 2. Abhishekk Shinde (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) – 12.846s; 3. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) – 12.944s.
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361–550cc Twin Cylinder Super Sport Indian: 1. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) – 11.821s; 2. Jason D’Souza (Mumbai, Mantra Racing) – 12.052s; 3. Abhishek Shinde (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) – 12.976s.
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166–225cc Super Sport: 1. Ali Hussain (Mumbai) – 13.656s; 2. Govardhan R (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) – 13.983s; 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) – 14.063s.
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Up to 165cc Super Sport Indian: 1. Abdul Shaikh (Mumbai) – 14.332s; 2. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rockers Racing) – 14.345s; 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) – 14.483s.
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2-Stroke 131–165cc Super Sport: 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) – 13.130s; 2. Farvez Ali (Bengaluru) – 13.381s; 3. Mohammed Touheed (Bengaluru) – 13.448s.
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2-Stroke up to 130cc Super Sport: 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) – 13.543s; 2. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai) – 13.708s; 3. Balasubramanian (Chennai) – 14.072s.
This championship, powered by the Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, promises more high-speed thrills as riders chase glory in motorcycle drag racing across India.
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