Hero MotoCorp strengthens Global Rally ambitions as Hero MotoSports turns 10

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, commemorated the 10th anniversary of Hero MotoSports Team Rally at its Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, celebrating a decade that has seen India emerge as a respected force on the global rally-racing stage.

The landmark occasion brought together some of the sport’s most accomplished competitors, including 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) winner Ross Branch, South American rally star Nacho Cornejo, South African rally-raid and motocross rider Michael Docherty, and Indian motocross and supercross racer Shlok Ghorpade. Joining them was Somyya “Moksha” Chaudhary, one of India’s pioneering professional women bikers.

The celebration was attended by key figures behind the success of Hero MotoSports Team Rally, including Wolfgang “Waffi” Fischer, Head of MotoSports and Team Manager, and Jordi Grau, Spanish rally expert and Head of National MotoSports, alongside dealers, partners and members of the wider motorsport fraternity.

As the team embarks on its second decade, Hero MotoCorp announced three strategic initiatives designed to shape the next phase of its rally-racing journey.

Foremost among these was the renewal of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the organisers of the legendary Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. Marking the milestone, Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, also unveiled India’s Next Dakar Hero (INDH), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at identifying, developing and nurturing the country’s next generation of rally-raid talent.

Completing the trio of announcements, Hero MotoSports Team Rally formally welcomed rising Indian off-road racer Shlok Ghorpade into its ranks.

Hosted at Hero MotoCorp’s state-of-the-art research and development facility in Jaipur, the event featured an exclusive display of the team’s Dakar machinery and riders. Guests were also treated to a special off-road performance by the team’s stars, offering a vivid demonstration of the skill, endurance and determination that have defined Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s remarkable decade competing on some of the world’s most demanding rally stages.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Over the past decade, Hero MotoSports Team Rally has evolved from a bold ambition into a globally respected rally racing team, proudly representing India on the world stage. This milestone celebrates our past achievements while firmly defining our vision for the future.

The renewal of our partnership with ASO strengthens our long-term commitment to global rally racing. Furthermore, the India’s Next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motosports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to build a sustainable pathway for homegrown Indian riders to compete and excel at the highest levels of the sport. Together, these initiatives represent the next chapter in our journey to create a lasting rally-raid legacy for India.”

Founded in 2016 by Hero MotoCorp, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to test cutting-edge technology across the world’s most challenging terrains while elevating India’s presence within the international rally ecosystem. Since then, the outfit has evolved into one of the leading rally-raid teams globally, competing at the highest levels of motorsport, including the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.

Over the past decade, the team has secured multiple podium finishes and landmark victories, reinforcing India’s growing stature on the global rally-racing map.

Hero MotoCorp Extends Strategic Partnership with ASO

Underscoring its long-term commitment to rally-raid competition, Hero MotoCorp announced a five-year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO).

The renewed collaboration reflects a shared vision between Hero MotoSports Team Rally and ASO to further strengthen the sport globally while simultaneously creating new opportunities for emerging rally talent.

India’s Next Dakar Hero Programme Aims to Develop Future Champions

Building on ten years of rally-raid expertise and Hero MotoCorp’s successful national racing initiatives, Hero MotoSports Team Rally officially launched India’s Next Dakar Hero (INDH).

The programme has been designed to identify, train and develop India’s most promising young off-road racers through a structured pathway that bridges national competition and the international rally-raid arena.

Selected participants will undertake a rigorous two-to-three-year development programme covering advanced riding techniques, navigation skills, physical conditioning and endurance training—core competencies required to compete successfully at the highest levels of international rally racing.

The initiative further strengthens Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s existing rider-development ecosystem, leveraging a decade of global rally experience to cultivate future champions.

A significant milestone in this journey was achieved in September 2025 when national racing star Arun Thayappa made his international rally-raid debut at the Cierzo Rally in Spain. Competing aboard the Hero 450 Rally prototype, his appearance marked a notable moment for Indian motorsport on the global stage.

Shlok Ghorpade Joins Hero MotoSports Team Rally

In a significant move aligned with its long-term talent-development strategy, Hero MotoSports Team Rally has signed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra.

Ghorpade has dominated the National India Supercross circuit, capturing every major title available to him while emerging as the fastest national racer in the India Supercross League.

As part of his development programme, he has already commenced training alongside FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s core rider line-up. He is also scheduled to participate in an intensive race-simulation programme in Morocco, forming part of a dedicated pathway towards competing in the Dakar Rally.

As Hero MotoSports Team Rally enters its second decade, the newly announced initiatives collectively reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to advancing Indian motorsport, strengthening its international rally presence and creating a sustainable pipeline of Indian riders capable of competing with the very best in the world.