From Near Miss to National Glory: Tanveer’s Inspiring Journey to the 2025 Rally Championship

For Abdul Wahid Tanveer, the road to glory was not easy. The talented rider from Mysuru had come heartbreakingly close to winning the national championship in 2024 but lost the title by just three points. For many athletes, such a narrow defeat can be discouraging. However, for Tanveer, it became the fuel that powered his determination. In 2025, riding for Petronas TVS Racing, Tanveer delivered an extraordinary performance at the Rally of Chikmagalur, proving that persistence and dedication can turn disappointment into triumph. With incredible speed and control, he dominated the rally from the very beginning and emerged as the undisputed champion.Dominance at the Rally of ChikmagalurThe Rally of Chikmagalur witnessed a masterclass from Tanveer. From the very first stage, he set the pace and maintained his lead throughout the competition. Impressively, he recorded the fastest time in all seven stages of the rally. His consistency and precision helped him build a comfortable lead over his competitors. Tanveer eventually secured the round victory and the 2025 National Championship title in the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Championship 2W category, finishing with a commanding 19-second lead over teammate Samuel Jacob. Samuel Jacob, also from Petronas TVS Racing, put up a strong fight and finished second overall. Meanwhile, defending champion Rajendra RE delivered a steady performance but suffered a crash during the fourth special stage (SS4), which pushed him down to third place, finishing 20 seconds behind the leader. The rally also showcased other talented riders. Tumkuru’s Arun T, riding for Hero Motorsport, finished in fourth place with a gap of 1 minute and 19 seconds, while Imran Pasha from Petronas TVS Racing completed the top five with an additional 13-second difference.A Challenging Rally FormatThe rally route around the scenic outskirts of Chikmagalur tested both skill and endurance. Two main stages formed the backbone of the competition: Palya and Vasant Cool. The Palya stage was run three times in the forward direction, while the Vasant Cool stage was tackled four times forward. These rugged terrains and challenging turns required exceptional concentration and stamina from the riders. Promoted by God Speed and organised by the Mysore Sports Car Club (MSCC), the rally provided a perfect stage for India’s top rally riders to demonstrate their abilities.Success Across CategoriesTanveer’s dominance was not limited to the overall standings. In the Super Bike Pro Expert up to 500cc Group A category, the podium results mirrored the overall classification. Tanveer once again finished first, followed by his teammate Samuel Jacob in second place, while Rajendra RE completed the podium in third. This strong performance highlighted the exceptional strength of the Petronas TVS Racing team. Another notable performance came from Nataraj R of VM Motorsports. Despite being the lone participant in the Super Bike Expert up to 500cc Group A category, he impressed by finishing eighth overall, proving his competitive spirit. Tanveer’s journey in motorsport is deeply connected to his passion for motorcycles. For him, a bike is not just a machine; it is a partner. As a young rider in Mysuru, he spent countless hours learning about motorcycle mechanics, understanding how every component works and how to maintain a racing bike at peak performance. Long night rides through the rugged countryside and wide roads around Mysuru became some of his most memorable experiences. Those thrilling rides eventually transformed into a serious pursuit. Tanveer realised that if he truly loved riding, he should aim to become a professional racer.The Making of a ChampionRally racing demands far more than speed. Endurance, intense focus, physical fitness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial qualities for success. Tanveer embodies all these traits. His discipline and commitment to training have played a key role in his rise as a top rider in the country. His achievements also reflect the strong support he has received from TVS Racing, which has backed him throughout his journey. The team’s mentorship, technical support, and faith in his abilities have helped shape him into the champion he is today.Looking AheadWinning the 2025 National Championship is a significant milestone for Tanveer, but for him, it is only the beginning. With growing experience and increasing confidence, he is now preparing for more international rallies. His journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and passion. From a young boy fascinated by motorcycles in Mysuru to a national champion dominating the rally circuit, Tanveer’s story is an inspiration for aspiring racers across India. If his current momentum continues, the world of international rally racing may soon witness even greater achievements from this determined rider.