Raipur, 7 Nov 2025: The heart of Chhattisgarh is set to pulse with adrenaline this weekend as Raipur hosts its maiden MRF MOGRIP FMSCI National Supercross Championship round — the first-ever motorsport Nationals in the state. The event, promoted by Godspeed Racing under the aegis of The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), is organised by the Western India Sports Association (WISA) and the Chhattisgarh Motor Sports Association (CMSA). The action will unfold on a specially built 800-metre dirt track at the Budhapara Outdoor Stadium, crafted by seven-time national champion Shyam Kothari, promising a true test of skill, stamina, and technical finesse.
Backed strongly by the Chhattisgarh Government, the two-day extravaganza has been positioned as a landmark sporting showcase. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, spearheading a state-backed Road Safety Awareness campaign, rode through Raipur’s streets last week to promote the event. “Motorsport reflects discipline, courage, and respect for rules — the same qualities we need on our roads,” he told the media, aligning the excitement of racing with responsible road behaviour.
National talent takes centre stage
The Raipur round marks Round 4 of the six-leg National Supercross calendar, following Baroda (May), Coimbatore (August), and Nashik (October). CMSA’s collaboration with the veteran WISA promises a high-calibre competition as India’s top riders clash across nine categories — from the premier SX1 (up to 500cc) and SX2 classes to Novice, Indian Experts, Private Experts, and Junior SX1–3 divisions.
Leading the SX1 championship is multiple national champion Rugved Barguje of Pune, representing Petronas TVS Racing. Closely chasing him are teammates Ikshan Shanbhag of Satara and Prajwal Vishwanath of Bengaluru, setting up an all-TVS duel for top honours. Defending champion Shlok Ghorpade currently sits fourth in the standings and will look to make up lost ground in Raipur.
In the SX2 (up to 500cc) category, Basil Sunny of Ernakulam, astride his #7 Kawasaki KX250, leads the table with consistent podiums. His nearest rival, Manikandan K of Coimbatore, is determined to narrow the gap, while former champion Nithyan L remains in striking distance in third. Two 10-lap motos on Sunday will decide who conquers Raipur’s rhythm-filled track as Sunny looks for his first double points win.
Rising stars and fierce rivalries
Competition remains fierce across other classes. In Class 3, Shilesh Kumar holds a slim seven-point lead over Abhi S Nath, while Imran Pasha and Sachin D of TVS Racing resume their fierce duel in Class 4, with Pasha enjoying a 20-point cushion. In Class 5 (Private Experts Group B), Abhi S Nath is ahead, but Arfaz Ahmed trails by just eight points as the title race intensifies.
The Junior SX1 category showcases India’s next generation. Young gun Jinendra Sangave from Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur, riding the #97 Kawasaki for Jolle Group, dominates the standings with 117 points. With backing from VM Motorsports and Race Dynamics, Jinendra remains focused: “My goal is to reach expert-level pace — results will follow.” Ector Ezak and former champ Akshat Hupale are expected to challenge hard on Sunday.
In Junior SX2, Chaitanya Joshi of Pune leads with 117 points on his Gas Gas MC85, followed by Sujan J of Coimbatore with 90. Promising youngsters like Darshit Chavan and Bengaluru’s Aleena Shaikh, the talented lady rider, add depth to the grid. The Junior SX3 battle is led by Vismaay Ram of Bengaluru (117 points), ahead of Armaan Khan of Mysuru and Rithin Sai of Coimbatore.
Track, officials, and safety
Sunday’s races begin at 5:30 PM, with tickets starting at ₹499 on BookMyShow. Prize distribution will follow the final motos at Budhapara Stadium.
The Clerk of the Course, Shyam Kothari, brings decades of expertise as racer and promoter. Veteran official Sameer Burkule, serving as Chief Steward, leads race control and safety operations. The organising committee comprises Vishnu Shrivastava, Atul Shrivastava, Ujjwal Deepak, Ashuthosh Dubey, Satya Jeet Nayak, Vicky (CRO), and Kannan (Chief Track Marshal), coordinating local logistics and security, not to mention umpteen volunteers and officials all showing a spring in their step for the historic event in Raipur.
The 800-metre circuit, built on natural soil, features tight rhythm sections, tabletops, and compact jumps — optimised for maximum visibility inside the stadium’s 70,000-capacity gallery. Safety provisions include two ambulances with paramedical teams, firefighting units, and track marshals trained to FMSCI standards. “It’s one of the biggest and fastest tracks this year,” said SX1 contender Ikshan Shanbhag. Junior leader Jinendra Sangave agreed: “The jumps are huge and it’s very technical — can’t wait to take it on!”
Government and corporate synergy
The Raipur Supercross exemplifies effective public-private collaboration. Title sponsor MRF Tyres continues its long-standing association with India’s premier off-road racing series, while the Chhattisgarh Government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare and Tourism Board provide vital infrastructure and logistical support.
A recent LiveMint feature spotlighted Chhattisgarh’s growing vision to become an adventure sports hub. “Our youth can learn both thrill and responsibility from motorsport,” Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai noted, highlighting how such initiatives boost tourism, create local employment, and foster community engagement.
What’s ahead
Following Raipur, the Championship is scheduled to head to Vizag, Andhra Pradesh and the final round is scheduled to be run in Kerala.
As anticipation peaks, all eyes turn to Budhapara Stadium on Sunday evening, where speed, skill, and safety converge under floodlights. With national champions, rising stars, and government support all uniting for a historic debut, Raipur is ready to script its first great chapter in Indian motorsport.
