How Did Ikshan Shine with a Triple Win While Banteilang Achieved a Double at the Motocross Nationals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ikshan Shanbhag dominates with a triple victory.
- Banteilang Jyrwa achieves a memorable double.
- Highlighting the sport’s inclusivity with Aleena Mansur Shaikh’s performance.
- Event signifies a revival of motocross in India.
- Promoter Abijit Shetty plans for more championship rounds.
Bengaluru, Sep 23 (NationPress) Teen prodigy Ikshan Shanbhag from Petronas TVS Racing captivated fans at the first round of the FMSCI Indian National Motocross Championship. He secured victory in all three motos, earning both the overall title and the Best Rider accolade at the custom-designed Tribal Adventure Café track near Bengaluru.
The 18-year-old from Satara demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from a crash on the opening lap of the first moto to achieve a spectacular comeback victory. Riding his TVS TR 300, Ikshan maintained the momentum into the subsequent two motos, executing bold overtakes and registering the fastest lap of the weekend at 01min, 06sec. His remarkable triple victory emphasizes his rising prominence, while multiple national champion Rugved Barguje finished as the runner-up, with Jinendra Sangave taking third place overall.
Teammate Banteilang Jyrwa from Shillong also contributed to the factory team's success, winning in both the Indian Open and Indian Expert classes to complete a noteworthy double. He narrowly surpassed Imran Pasha, also from TVS, in a fierce contest in the Open category and later dominated the Expert class ahead of Kathir and Faraz Pasha.
The championship also acknowledged emerging talents, with Bhairav winning the Junior MX1 (12–14 years, 85cc), and Vismay topping the Junior MX2 (U-11, 65cc). In the Indian Novice category, Shailesh edged out Kathir, while Faraz Pasha secured a podium finish ahead of veteran Sanjay Somashekar.
A standout moment was the impressive performance by Aleena Mansur Shaikh, the only female competitor, who achieved a podium finish in the second moto of Junior MX1, highlighting the growing inclusiveness of motocross.
This event, which revitalized the national motocross championship after two decades, was promoted by Auto Man’s Abijit Shetty, organized by Ramakrishna Race Performance Management and DJ Design Racing, with robust support from the VM Sports Foundation.
“We are planning four more rounds, with winners being crowned as the first-ever Motocross National Champions,” stated promoter Abijit Shetty. Riders commended the event's professionalism, despite a brief rain interruption. “The track was technically superb, and the schedule ran seamlessly,” remarked Ikshan.
The successful launch signifies a substantial revival for motocross in India, promising an exhilarating season for both riders and fans alike.