Hero MotoSports Celebrates 10 Years of Global Rally Racing Excellence; Extends ASO Partnership and Launches 'India's Next Dakar Hero' Program
Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its MotoSports Team Rally’s tenth anniversary. The event, held at the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, formalized three key strategic initiatives designed to shape the future of India's global rally racing presence: extending its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), launching the 'India's Next Dakar Hero' (INDH) program, and inducting rising off-road racer Shlok Ghorpade into the team.The celebration gathered top motorsport figures, including 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo from South America, Michael Docherty of South Africa, Somyya 'Moksha' Chaudhary, and Shlok Ghorpade. The occasion brought together key architects of the team, including Head of MotoSports Wolfgang (Waffi) Fischer and Spanish rally expert Jordi Grau.
Strengthening Global Commitment with ASO
As part of its commitment to long-term global rally racing, Hero MotoCorp announced a five-year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the organizer of the iconic Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, emphasized that the renewal strengthens the company's long-term commitment to advancing global rally racing. He stated that the initiative reflects a deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motorsport talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured.
Launch of 'India's Next Dakar Hero' (INDH) Program
The Company unveiled 'India's Next Dakar Hero' (INDH), a specialized program designed as a first-of-its-kind initiative to identify and develop the next generation of rally-raid talent from India.INDH is focused on identifying, training, and nurturing top young off-road racing talent through a structured journey spanning national racing to the international rally-raid stage. Participants will undergo a rigorous two-to-three-year development program covering riding technique, navigation, physical conditioning, and endurance training required for high-level international competition. This initiative builds upon the team’s decade of global experience, which aims to create a lasting rally-raid legacy for India.
The significance of this talent development pathway was underscored by the milestone achieved in September 2025 when national racing ace Arun Thayappa made his international rally-raid debut at the Cierzo Rally in Spain aboard the Hero 450 Rally prototype.
Shlok Ghorpade Joins Team Rally
In a critical step for its long-term talent strategy, Hero MotoSports formally welcomed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade into the team. Mr. Ghorpade is noted as a top performer in the National India Supercross circuit, having swept every major title and finishing as the fastest national racer in the India Supercross League.As part of his development journey, Ghorpade has begun training alongside FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and core Hero MotoSports Team Rally riders. He is also scheduled to participate in an intensive race simulation program in Morocco as part of a dedicated pathway toward the Dakar Rally.
A Decade of Indian Ascent
Established by Hero MotoCorp in 2016, the MotoSports Team Rally was created to test cutting-edge technology on the world's toughest terrains and elevate India’s presence on the international rally circuit. The team has successfully established itself as a leading rally-raid outfit, competing at the highest levels of motorsport including the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. Over the last decade, the team has secured multiple podium finishes and landmark victories, solidifying India's position in global rally racing.HEROMOTOCO Stock Price Movement
Today, Hero MotoCorp Limited shares edged higher to close at ₹4983.70, finishing up 0.28% in market trading. The stock saw strong activity, with a volume of 569,422 shares traded during the session.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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