Jaipur,June, 2026.

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters,celebrated the 10^th anniversary of Hero MotoSports Team Rally at its Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT), Jaipur, marking a decade of India’s rise on the global rally racing stage. This milestone celebration brought together top racing stars including, 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion (W2RC) Ross Branch, South America's Nacho Cornejo, South African rally-raid and motocross rider Michael Docherty, and India’s motocross and supercross riderShlok Ghorpade,alongsideIndia's pioneering professional women bikers Somyya “Moksha’ Chaudhary.

The event was attended by key team architects of Hero MotoSports Team Rally including its Head of MotoSports and Team Manager, Wolfgang (Waffi) Fischer, and Spanish rally expert AND Head of National MotoSports,Jordi Grau,along dealers, partners and MotoSports fraternity.

As Hero MotoSports Team Rally enters its second decade, the Companyhas announced three strategic initiatives that will shape the future of its rally racing journey.  First, the Company renewed its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization organizers of the iconic Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. Marking the milestone occasion, Dr.Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp announced ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ (INDH) – a first-of-its-kind program designed to identify and develop India’s next-generation of rally - raid talent. Concluding the announcements, the team formally welcomed rising Indian off-road racer Shlok Ghorpade into the Hero MotoSports Team.

Hosted at the Company’s state-of-the-artResearch and Developmentfacility, at Jaipur, the event also featured an exclusive showcase of Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s Dakar machines and riders. Thisincludeda special off-road performance by the team’s stars, offering guests a thrilling glimpse into the relentless skill, endurance, and spirit that have defined Hero MotoSports’legendary decade on the world’s toughest rally stages.

Speaking on this milestone, 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 talentwaiting 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.”

Established in 2016, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was founded by Hero MotoCorp to test its cutting -edge technology on the world's toughest terrains and to elevate India’s presence in the international rally circuit. The team has since established itself as one of the world’s leading rally-raid outfits, competing at the highest levels of international motorsport, including the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. Over the past decade, the team has delivered multiple podium finishes and landmark victories, firmly cementing India’sposition on the global rally racing map.

Strengthening a Long-Term Global Partnership

As part of its commitment to the future of rally-raid racing, Hero MotoCorp announced the extension of its partnership with ASO (Amaury Sport Organization) for 5 years. The renewed association reflects the shared commitment of Hero MotoSports Team Rally and ASO towards advancing the sport globally, while creating greater opportunities for emerging rally talent.

Launch of ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ (INDH)

Building on a decade of rally-raid expertise and Hero MotoCorp’s successful national racing programs, Hero MotoSports Team Rally launched ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ (INDH). The program is focused on identifying, training and nurturing India’s top young off-road racing talent through a structured journey from national racing to the international rally-raid stage.  Participants will undergo a rigorous two-to-three-year development program focused on riding technique, navigation, physical conditioning and endurance training required to compete at the highest level of international rally racing.

This initiative builds upon Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s existing rider development ecosystem, leveraging the team’s decade of global rally experience to nurture and train the next generation of champions.The first milestone of this journey was achieved in September 2025, when national racing ace Arun Thayappa made his international rally-raid debut at the Cierzo Rally in Spain. Competing aboard the Hero 450 Rally prototype, his debut marked a landmark moment for Indian motorsport.

Shlok Ghorpade Joins Hero MotoSports Team Rally

As a significant step in its long-term talent development strategy, Hero MotoSports has signed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra. Shlok hascompletely swept the National India Supercross circuit, claiming every major title available to him and finishing as the fastest national racer in the India Supercross League. As part of his development program, Shlok has already begun training alongside FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and the 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 to Dakar Rally.

As Hero MotoSports Team Rally embarks on its second decade, these initiatives collectively reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to advancing Indian motorsport, strengthening its global rally presence and building future generations of Indian riders to compete among the world’s best.