Hero MotoSports makes big Dakar announcement: Completes 10 years

Hero MotoCorp has marked the 10th anniversary of Hero MotoSports Team Rally by announcing a five-year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the promoter of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, while also launching a new rider development initiative called ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ (INDH).The company also confirmed the induction of 18-year-old Indian racer Shlok Ghorpade into the Hero MotoSports Team Rally setup. The announcements were made during a commemorative event held at Hero MotoCorp’s Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. The INDH programme is aimed at identifying and developing Indian off-road racing talent for international rally-raid competition. Selected riders will undergo a structured training programme spanning two to three years, covering navigation, riding skills, endurance, fitness and race preparation. The initiative is intended to create a pathway for Indian riders to progress from domestic competition to events such as the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship.Hero MotoSports said the programme builds on the experience gained during its decade-long participation in international rally racing. The company had already taken a step in this direction in September 2025, when Indian rider Arun Thayappa made his rally-raid debut at the Cierzo Rally in Spain aboard the Hero 450 Rally prototype.As part of its talent development efforts, Hero MotoSports has signed Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra. The youngster has won multiple national supercross titles and emerged as the fastest Indian rider in the India Supercross League. He has already started training alongside reigning World Rally-Raid champion Ross Branch and other factory riders, with a race simulation programme in Morocco forming part of his preparation for future Dakar participation.

The anniversary event was attended by several members of the team’s international rider line-up, including Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty, along with Indian rider Shlok Ghorpade and professional biker Somyya “Moksha” Chaudhary. Team Manager Wolfgang Fischer, Head of National MotoSports Jordi Grau, dealers, partners and members of the motorsport community were also present.Founded in 2016, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to compete in international rally-raid events while serving as a platform for technology development under extreme operating conditions. Since then, the team has competed in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship, securing several podium finishes and race victories. One of the team’s biggest achievements came in 2024 when Ross Branch won the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship title. Hero MotoCorp said the latest announcements are aimed at strengthening its long-term presence in global rally racing while creating opportunities for Indian riders to compete at the highest level of the sport.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, 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.”