Hero MotoSports makes big announcement in Dakar: completes 10 years

Hero MotoCorp celebrates the 10th anniversary of Hero MotoSports Team Rally by announcing a five-year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), promoter of the Dakar Rally and 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 inclusion of 18-year-old Indian racer Shlok Ghorpade in the Hero MotoSports Team Rally setup. These announcements were made during a commemorative event held at Hero MotoCorp’s Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. The INDH program aims to identify and develop Indian off-road racing talent for international Rally-Raid competition. Selected riders undergo a two to three-year structured training program covering navigation, horsemanship skills, endurance, fitness and race preparation. The initiative aims to create a pathway for Indian riders to progress from domestic competitions to events such as the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship.Hero MotoSports said the program is based on the experience gained during its decade-long involvement in international rally racing. The company had already taken a step in this direction in September 2025, when Indian rider Arun Thyappa made his rally-raid debut at the Sierzo Rally in Spain aboard a Hero 450 Rally Prototype.As part of its talent development efforts, Hero MotoSports has signed Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra. The youngster has won several national supercross titles and has emerged as the fastest Indian rider in the India Supercross League. He has already begun training with World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and other factory riders, as well as a race simulation program in Morocco as 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 as well as Indian rider Shlok Ghorpade and professional biker Somya “Moksha” Choudhary. Team manager Wolfgang Fischer, Head of National Motosports Jordi Grau, dealers, partners and members of the motorsport community were also present.Established 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, achieving numerous podium finishes and race wins. One of the team’s greatest 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 to a globally respected rally racing team that proudly represents 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 reinforces our long-term commitment to global rally racing. Furthermore, India’s next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India has immense untapped motorsports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to create a sustainable pathway for domestic 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.