Mascarenhas–Karumbaiah Clinch Dominant Victory at Robusta Rally in Kodagu

The top three teams of the Robusta Rally 2025 pose with their cars after securing podium finishes in Ammathi, Kodagu (Photo by: Special Arrangement.)

Ammathi: Team TSI Racing’s Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah delivered a commanding victory at the Robusta Rally 2025, the third round of the Blueband Sports FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), concluding in Ammathi on Sunday(16 November). The duo mastered treacherous dirt tracks cutting through Kodagu’s dense coffee estates, a route that saw several top contenders falter.

Mascarenhas, driving an imported Peugeot 208 Rally4 backed by PH Sport and supported by Sidvin, said the opportunity came with both excitement and responsibility. “Getting a car all the way from France, along with the MRF tyres combination, is a blessing. Every stage has been a learning curve,” said the Mangaluru-based driver. His Kodagu-born co-driver Karumbaiah added, “It has been challenging, but we are really enjoying the sport now.”

The pair’s calculated aggression and mechanical discipline earned them a winning time of 01:36:59.4, giving them a comfortable lead and securing both the Overall and INRC1 titles.

Behind them, Chettinad Sporting teams put up a strong fight. Sheshank Jamwal and Raghuram Saminathan claimed second place overall with 01:43:51.9, also topping the INRC3 category. Their teammates Vishakh Balachandran and Chiranth Jain finished third overall in 01:44:24.5, taking second place in INRC3.

In INRC2, Arka Motorsports’ Philippos Matthai and Harish KN posted a composed effort to win their class in 01:46:41.2, followed by SNAP Racing’s Syed Salman Ahmed and Rishabh BK.

The INRC 3T category saw Hyderabad’s Naveen Puligilla and Santhosh Thomas emerge victorious in 01:47:36.1. Puligilla is set to compete in the WRC round in Saudi Arabia later this month.

ALSO READ: Mascarenhas–Karumbaiah Dominate Day 1 of Robust Rally 2025 in Kodagu

Madikeri’s young driver Abhin Rai, partnered by Moideen Jasheer KM, shone with a double podium, winning the Junior INRC class with 01:49:58.0. The Ladies Class saw Kottayam’s pairing of Athira Murali and Arun Pankajakshan return strongly from a break to claim victory.

The classic and Gypsy categories added nostalgia and excitement to the weekend. SNAP Racing’s Siddhartha Santosh and Sawan Sathyanarayan won the FMSCI Classic Challenge, while the Gypsy Challenge was topped by Aneesh Sangma and Dinky Varghese.

The championship now moves to Tumakuru for the K1000 Rally, the fourth round of the six-event INRC calendar.

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