Royal Enfield has concluded the inaugural season of India’s first retro-racing championship - JK Tyre presents Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup 2021 - at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore this weekend.  

Anish Damodar Shetty from Hubli emerged as the National Cup Champion, with 64 points accumulated over four rounds, followed by Allwin Xavier with 61 points, and Anfal Akdhar with 40 points. 

The event witnessed “phenomenal response” from the two-wheeler racing community, the company said in a release.  

B. Govindarajan, Executive Director, Eicher Motors Ltd. said, “The success of the first season of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup stands as a testimony of our efforts to bring accessible track-racing close to those budding and aspiring racers in the country. The championship aims to inculcate the competitive spirit of these riders and provide an opportunity to learn and improve their riding skills on track. The impressive performance of the close-to-stock Continental GT-R650 only goes to prove the potential of this brilliant cafe racer. In line with our efforts to nurture passion, skill and the spirit of competition, we shall also introduce track schools to provide professional training access to enthusiasts. Congratulations to the winners and I would also like to express my gratitude to every participant, crew member, and our partners who have contributed to the massive success of this season.” 

The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup 2021, made its debut on the race track in September 2021, under the aegis of Federation of Motorsports Club of India (FMSCI). The championship racing event, conducted as part of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship 2021, was staged across four rounds. Royal Enfield has retained everything under the skin of the Continental GT 650 stock motorcycle and minimally modified the vehicle with a retro fairing, stiffer suspension, a more committed riding posture and stainless steel exhausts suited for track racing, the release said. 

The championship received entries from nearly 500 racing enthusiasts from all across the country. The selection process had participation from over 100 riders and the 18 fastest riders made it to the final grid. The track-ready Continental GT-R650, with its minimalistic, yet purpose-built modifications provided an un-intimidating, agile and spirited performance on the track. 

For the majority of the race, it was a three-way battle between Anish, Allwin and Meka Viduraj where Allwin won the final round followed by Meka Viduraj and Anish in second and third place respectively.
However, Anish Damodar Shetty continued to dominate in the first three rounds and secured the top spot, securing maximum points to win the overall championship. 

The champion, Shetty is a 27-year-old professional motorcycle racer, software engineer and a fitness enthusiast. Both Allwin and Anfal are young racers from Thrissur, Kerala. Anish was closely followed throughout the season by Allwin, a 22-year old adrenaline junkie who loves to be around motorcycles all the time. Anfal, only 21 years old, has started practicing on tracks since 2019 and has already left a big mark in his debut year in racing competitions. 

Shetty said, “Holding the first ever Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup Championship trophy is an absolute honour, in fact, it is like a dream come true. Royal Enfield has done a commendable job with the championship and especially the Continental GT-R650, which has performed beyond expectations. It was quite an adrenaline rush to compete with the selected racers on the first ever race-ready motorcycle from Royal Enfield. This first season of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup has further enhanced my racing skills and I am really looking forward to the next season.” (MT)

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Zelio E-Mobility has announced its first major sports partnership, joining Punjab Kings as the team’s Official EV Partner for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The agreement includes branding rights, digital media integration and in-stadia activations throughout the tournament. The company intends to use the platform to increase brand awareness in Tier 2 markets and support its expansion across India.

As part of the association, the manufacturer will showcase its X Men 2.0 and the newly released X Men+ models. These electric two-wheelers will be featured across various team touchpoints, including jersey branding and social media campaigns. The partnership follows Zelio E-Mobility’s recent initial public offering, which raised INR 783.4 million to fund its growth operations.

The company currently maintains a network of over 350 dealer outlets across 20 states and union territories. Its portfolio includes electric two-wheelers under the Zelio brand and the Tanga line of e-rickshaws, serving a total customer base of more than 200,000 riders. The management indicated that the partnership aligns with a strategy to invest in brand equity alongside its manufacturing scaling.

Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Cricket continues to be one of the most powerful platforms to connect with audiences across India. Our association with Punjab Kings allows us to engage with a wide consumer base while strengthening Zelio’s brand presence in a culturally relevant environment. As we scale our operations, such partnerships play a role in aligning visibility with growth momentum.”

Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer, Punjab Kings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Zelio Electric Scooters as our Official EV Partner for the season. This partnership reflects the growing synergy between sport and sustainable innovation. As a franchise, we are committed to aligning with forward-looking brands that resonate with today’s consumers, and Zelio’s focus on electric mobility and accessibility makes them a strong strategic fit for Punjab Kings. Through this association, we aim to create meaningful fan engagement while contributing to the broader narrative around clean and responsible mobility.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a price reduction for the Dominar 400, making the motorcycle more accessible at INR 203,214 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The updated model is equipped with a 350cc engine and is priced approximately INR 37,000 lower than the previous iteration. This adjustment results from a lower upfront cost and the passing of GST benefits to customers without altering the vehicle's touring capabilities.

The motorcycle is designed to function as an all-rounder, suitable for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

By repositioning the Dominar 400, Bajaj Auto aims to increase the adoption of sports and touring motorcycling in India. The mechanical specifications are intended to maintain the power and endurance associated with the Dominar nameplate while lowering the total cost of ownership for enthusiasts.

This strategic shift follows the company's objective of democratising the touring segment. The new price point is expected to attract riders transitioning from lower-capacity segments who require a vehicle capable of sustained high-speed travel and comfort over distance.

Sarang Kanade, President - MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, "Dominar has always stood for our touring DNA - powerful, capable, and built for the long road. With the new Dominar 400 with 350cc engine we are staying true to that promise while making it significantly more accessible. Riders get the same Dominar experience they love, but now with a much lower cost of ownership, including meaningful savings. This is a decisive step towards democratizing touring and sports motorcycling in India."

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Ducati India has initiated the brand's global 100-year anniversary celebrations with an exclusive DRE Track Day at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Founded in 1926, the Italian manufacturer is marking a century of operations with a series of events intended to engage its community of owners.

The gathering at BIC saw over 70 riders participate in track sessions, while 150 enthusiasts attended a concluding evening event.

The track day provided owners with open sessions and three levels of structured training comprising Intro, Evo, and Master categories.

These were conducted by certified instructors including Rishi Agarwal, Anand Dharmaraj and Dilip Lalwani, the latter of whom holds the lap record for a production superbike at the circuit. The event was further highlighted by the first Indian performance from official Ducati stunt rider Emilio Zamora, who conducted a showcase for the assembled participants and their families.

Ducati has operated in India for over a decade and currently maintains a network of nine dealerships alongside two exclusive service workshops in Goa and Ahmedabad. The Indian market is a component of the brand's broader growth strategy in Asia, focusing on the premium motorcycle segment.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, stated, “As Ducati commemorates 100 years globally, India stands as a crucial market where the brand’s passion continues to intensify year after year. The DRE Track Day at BIC, coupled with Emilio Zamora’s electrifying performance and our sundowner celebration, is more than an event; it represents a celebration of our community, our rich heritage, and the distinctive thrill that defines every Ducati. Our Ducatisti are central to all our endeavours, and this centenary year is dedicated to fostering their connection with the brand through unforgettable experiences.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has reintroduced the Pulsar 180 motorcycle in India, citing consistent demand from riders and social media interest.

The reintroduction coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Pulsar brand, which launched in 180cc and 150cc formats in 2001. The updated model now features new graphics and integrated technology to align with current market standards.

The updated motorcycle incorporates a light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp, LED blinkers and a digital console with Bluetooth connectivity. Bajaj Auto has positioned the vehicle as a transition for owners of 150cc to 160cc motorcycles, providing a shift in performance and design. The Pulsar 180 is intended to maintain the balance between sport-oriented riding and daily commuting that established the nameplate's presence in the segment.

Engineering updates for this iteration focus on refined performance and modernised electronics while retaining the styling characteristic of the original series. The inclusion of connected features via the digital console allows for smartphone integration, a feature increasingly common in the performance commuter category.

Sarang Kanade, President, MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Pulsar brand has always stood for pushing limits and redefining performance motorcycling in India. The return of the Pulsar 180 is a response to the strong and consistent demand, as well as a groundswell of love on social media. As we mark 25 years of Pulsar, bringing back this iconic nameplate feels especially meaningful. Reimagined for a new generation, it continues to embody our ‘Definitely Daring’ philosophy combining power, precision and contemporary design to deliver an experience that is both exhilarating and accessible.”

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