Hemanth Muddappa Shines with Triple Wins as Hanuman Pawshe Steals Spotlight in Drag Nationals Opener

Chennai, September 27, 2025 – Defending champion Hemanth Muddappa stamped his authority once again at the opening round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2025, powered by Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, at the Madras International Circuit. The Bengaluru ace secured three wins from four starts, further strengthening his legacy as India’s drag racing king.

Muddappa, racing for Mantra Racing, clinched top honours in the Super Sport 4-stroke 551–850cc, 851–1050cc and 1051–1650cc categories, extending his supremacy in classes where he already holds National titles.

The day, however, also witnessed the rise of fresh challengers. Mumbai businessman Hanuman Pawshe made a dream debut, winning the premier Unrestricted Super Sport category with a blistering 8.055 seconds run, beating former champion Alimon Saidalvi in a thrilling contest. The 38-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Monday, called the victory “a perfect early gift” and was crowned Fastest Rider of Round 1.

Adding to Mumbai’s celebrations, Shahrukh Khan of Mantra Racing bagged a double by dominating both the 361–550cc single-cylinder and twin-cylinder Indian bike categories. His performance also earned him the title of Fastest Rider of the Day (Indian bikes).

Young talent was also in the spotlight, with Syed Imran of Bengaluru (Fast Track Racing India) taking home two victories in the 2-stroke up to 130cc and 131–165cc categories, while teammate Syed Mateen was adjudged Best Tuner of Round 1.

The women’s field saw a promising start as MS Lapis Lazuli from Nagercoil won the Girls’ Super Stock (65cc) race ahead of Hyderabad’s Shanti Chandra, marking a memorable debut.

The championship resumes with Round 2 on Sunday, promising another high-octane day at the Madras International Circuit.

Round results (Provisional – all 4-Stroke unless mentioned):

Unrestricted (Super Sport): 1. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) (08.055 secs); 2. Alimon (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.232s); 3. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, pvt) (08.235s).

1051cc – 1650cc (Super Sport): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.202s); 2. Mujahid Pasha (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (08.275s); 3. HV Sumanth (Bengaluru, Pvt) (09.061s).

851cc – 1050cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.173s); 2. Niranjan R Kumar (Bengaluru, pvt) (08.267s); 3. Hanuman Pawshe (Mumbai, Fast Track Racing India) (08.447s).

551cc – 850cc (SS): 1. Hemanth Muddappa (Bengaluru, Mantra Racing) (08.471s); 2. Adithya Acharya (Bengaluru, pvt.) (09.356). 

Girls (Super Stock Up to 165cc): 1. MS Lapis Lazuli (Nagarcoil, Team C2 Racing) (16.629s); 2. Shanti Chandra (Hyderabad, Team C2 Racing) (17.122s).

361cc – 550cc Single Cylinder (SS 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).

361cc – 550cc Twin Cylinder (SS 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).

166cc – 225cc (SS): 1. Ali Hussain (Mumbai, pvt) (13.656s); 2. Govardhan R (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (13.983s); 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (14.063). 

Up to 165cc (SS Indian): 1. Abdul Shaikh (Mumbai, pvt) (14.332s); 2. Madhan Kumar R (Chennai, ACCSYS India Rockers Racing team) (14.345s); 3. Prasanth K (Chennai, Team 99 Racing) (14.483s).

2-Stroke 131cc – 165cc (SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing) (13.130s); 2. Farvez Ali (Bengaluru, Pvt) (13.381s); 3. Mohammed Touheed (Bengaluru, pvt) (13.448s).

2S Up to 130cc (SS): 1. Syed Imran (Bengaluru, Fast Track Racing India) (13.543s); 2. Shahrukh Khan (Mumbai, Pvt) (13.708s); 3. Balasubramanian (Chrompet, Chennai, pvt) (14.072s).