South India Rally 2026 in Chennai: Gaurav Gill, Karna Kadur in APRC & INRC Season Opener

Chennai, April 16, 2026: The 49th edition of the South India Rally is set to roar into action on Friday, bringing together top domestic and international rally talent for a high-stakes motorsport weekend. The three-day event, organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club, will be held at the iconic Madras International Circuit, featuring a ceremonial start followed by two loops of the Super Special Stage.

The rally serves a dual purpose this year, doubling as the second round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and the opening round of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, setting the tone for the 2026 rally season in India.

All eyes will be on former champions Gaurav Gill and Karna Kadur, who headline the entry list in what promises to be an intense battle for early championship momentum. Delhi-based Gill, a three-time APRC champion and five-time national titleholder, returns to the INRC after skipping the 2025 season, aiming to reclaim his dominance. Kadur, a former national champion from Bengaluru, is equally determined to reassert his credentials in the championship.

Both drivers will compete in Volkswagen Polo machines and have also entered the APRC category. Gill will be partnered by co-driver Srikanth Gowda, while Kadur teams up with experienced navigator Kumar Ramaswamy, representing Arka Motorsports.

The rally has attracted 35 entries, including 10 in the APRC category and six female competitors, highlighting the event’s growing diversity. Adding an international dimension are two husband-wife teams: Spain’s Edgar Vigo Lopez and Fatima Ameneiro Teijeiro, and Singapore’s Raghuvaran Veerappan with Amanda Chew, both competing across categories.

Among other key contenders are Hyderabad’s Jeet Jhabakh, fresh off a strong outing in New Zealand, and Naveen Puligilla, who brings experience from global rally circuits. Notably, co-driver Musa Sherif is set to mark his 350th career rally during the event, a significant milestone in Indian motorsport.

The rally also features rising and established talent, including INRC2 champion Jason Saldanha and promising driver Harkrishan Wadia, both expected to challenge for top honours in their respective classes.

The event begins with a ceremonial flag-off and a 1.45 km Super Special Stage at the Madras International Circuit, before shifting to competitive Special Stages over the weekend. In total, drivers will tackle 129.32 km of timed stages across varied terrain, combining fast, flowing sections with technically demanding stretches.

With a mix of seasoned champions, emerging stars, and international participants, the South India Rally 2026 promises a thrilling start to the APRC and INRC seasons, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most anticipated motorsport events in the region.