03 December 2024

KTM FACTORY RACING INDIA CONQUERS 2024 MRF DIRT TRACK FMSCI NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

• KTM Factory Racing India rider Shlok Ghorpade clinches Class 1 National Championship with near-perfect performance.
• KTM unveils state-of-the-art off-road junior training facility in Bengaluru, accelerating rider development and Motorsports growth in India.

Pune, India – 3rd Dec, 2024 -- KTM, the World's #1 premium motorcycle brand and global powerhouse in Motorsports with over 341 World Championship titles, has officially launched KTM Factory Racing in India. Under the leadership of Selvaraj Narayana, Executive Director of KTM North America Inc., the division has swiftly asserted its dominance in the Indian Motorsport arena.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, KTM Factory Racing India has claimed victory in the prestigious 2024 MRF Dirt Track FMSCI National Championship – Class 1, merely five months after its debut. Rising star Shlok Ghorpade, astride his KTM 250 SX-F, showcased exceptional prowess by securing an impressive 157 out of 160 available points across four championship rounds, clinching victory in seven out of eight races.

Rising star Shlok Ghorpade, astride his KTM 250 SX-F, showcased exceptional prowess by securing an impressive 157 out of 160 available points across four championship rounds, clinching victory in seven out of eight races.

True to KTM's "Ready to Race" philosophy, the brand is not just competing but revolutionizing the Motorsport landscape in India. KTM has established an exclusive off-road training facility in Bengaluru, featuring:

• A challenging riding area with diverse obstacles
• SX-F bike rental options for aspiring riders
• A comprehensive train-the-trainer program to develop coaching expertise

To ensure world-class training, KTM has enlisted national champion Devraj Venkatesh as the mentor for its off-road training academy, bringing valuable expertise to nurture emerging talent.

Furthermore, KTM's commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in its Junior Racing Training program. This initiative offers budding riders the opportunity to hone their skills on 50cc, 65cc, and 85cc bikes at an accessible fee, paving the way for the next generation of Motorsport champions.

KTM's global track record in developing world-class athletes across various disciplines is unparalleled, having introduced talents like Manuel Lettenbichler (Enduro world champion), Tom Vialle (Motocross world champion), and Pedro Acosta (Moto2 World Champion) to the international stage.

Selvaraj Narayana, Executive Director, KTM North America Inc., commented on KTM Factory Racing's success:

"KTM's DNA is deeply rooted in Motorsports. Recognizing India's burgeoning passion for racing, we were determined to play a pivotal role in shaping its future. For years, we've been quietly mentoring athletes behind the scenes. Today, I'm elated to witness our athlete's remarkable success within months of our official launch in India, proudly flying the Indian flag high. Our investments and ambitions for India are substantial, and this is merely the beginning. I'm confident that we'll empower more Indian athletes with the competitive spirit to reach international standards in the world of Motorsports."

KTM Factory Racing's entry into India transcends mere competition; it's about cultivating a vibrant Motorsport culture and empowering local talent to reach unprecedented heights. As KTM continues to build its legacy in India, the brand is poised to inspire a new generation of riders and Motorsport enthusiasts across the country on multiple platforms.

About KTM India

True to its "Ready to Race" philosophy, KTM has an unparalleled legacy in Motorsports, with over 341 world championships since 1953. Since its entry in 2012, KTM India has grown its presence to more than 450 stores across the country. KTM has built a strong customer base of over half a million biking enthusiasts, making India the largest global market for KTM. The partnership of Bajaj Auto Limited and KTM was inked in 2007, with Bajaj Auto Limited now owning a significant stake in KTM AG