Goa’s ace rally driver Vaibhav Marathe, representing JK Tyre Motorsport, delivered a standout performance at the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025, clinching the top position in the INAC 1 Unrestricted Class at Round 1 of the JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025. The event was held at Survey 85, Sangnipura Road, Kurvangi Grama, and served as one of the seven qualifying rounds for the national championship.
Marathe clocked a blistering timing of 02:57.876 seconds, fending off a fierce challenge from his JK Tyre team-mate Syed Salman, who came in second at 02:59.687 seconds. Aeman secured the third spot with a timing of 03:01.786 seconds.
The multi-class event saw intense competition across various categories:
INAC 1 – 2000 CC Class: Syed Salman stormed to victory with 02:59.169 seconds, while Chetan Shivram and Aeman finished second and third respectively. Marathe settled for fourth in this class.
INAC 2 – 1650 CC Class: Ashad Pasha took the top position, with Aeman and Salman finishing close behind.
INAC 2 – 1450 CC & 1100 CC Classes: Syed Salman showcased his versatility by winning both these categories.
INAC 2 – 800 CC Class: Azveer emerged victorious.
INAC 3 Category: Zeeshan Mohammed claimed the title.
Women’s Category: Shameena CP secured the top spot with a timing of 03:41.004 seconds.
The event, sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and conducted under the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code and relevant FMSCI regulations, is part of the prestigious INAC Cup circuit. To qualify for the Grand Finals, each driver must participate in a minimum of two rounds. Only the top five finishers in each class earn a berth at the national showdown.
The Chikmagalur round was promoted by Octane Pits (Lokesh Gowda) and organised by the Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC) in collaboration with JK Tyre Motorsport.
Adding to his list of accolades, Vaibhav Marathe recently secured fifth place at the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) held at the Madras International Circuit, Chennai, earning a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh. His consistent top-tier performances, including being crowned Fastest Driver at the Chikmagalur round, have firmly established his position as one of India’s most promising autocross talents.
With this victory, Marathe is now well on track for qualification to the grand finals, which will also feature the international championship finale.
