Key Highlights:
In what will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Indian motorsport, Hemant Mudappa of Mantra Racing stunned the drag racing world by defeating 13-time world champion Ricky Gadson at the FMSCI-approved Valley Run 2025, held at Aamby Valley.
Racing on his BMW S1000RR, Mudappa delivered a jaw-dropping performance, finishing in 9.477 seconds, the fastest time recorded at the entire event.
A Battle of Titans – Mudappa vs Gadson
The main event in the Superbike category saw a head-to-head showdown between two elite riders:
- Hemant Mudappa – 15-time Indian national champion
- Ricky Gadson – 13-time world champion from the United States
While Gadson, astride a Gen3 Suzuki Hayabusa, delivered a respectable 9.756 seconds, it was not enough to match Mudappa’s explosive launch and perfect top-end control.
The Indian racer’s dominance on home soil was on full display as he crossed the finish line to roars of applause, etching his name into the annals of global drag racing history.
Mudappa’s Reaction – A Humble Champion Speaks
Post-race, Mudappa expressed pride and humility:
“There’s a lot to learn from a 13-time world champion. Ricky is a legend of the sport. But it’s a very happy and humbling moment for me and my team, Mantra Racing, as we beat him today,” said Mudappa.
He added that knowing the track inside out was an advantage:
“These are our home tracks. The infrastructure in the U.S. and here is very different, but that’s racing. Today’s a happy day for India.”
More Than Just a Win – A Statement for Indian Motorsport
This victory wasn’t just about numbers on a stopwatch. It was a statement of intent, showcasing that Indian racers are now ready to compete with — and beat — global champions.
Key Takeaways:
- Fastest run of the event: 9.477 seconds by Hemant Mudappa
- Second-fastest: 9.756 seconds by Ricky Gadson
- Mudappa’s BMW S1000RR outperformed Gadson’s Gen3 Hayabusa
- Over 1,000 participants competed in the Superbike category
- Event approved by FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India)
Mantra Racing – The Power Behind the Performance
Backed by Mantra Racing, Mudappa’s training, strategy, and bike tuning were meticulously tailored for high-performance racing.
His team’s consistency and expertise have played a key role in maintaining his dominance in Indian drag racing circuits.
Global Eyes on India After Aamby Valley Win
The fact that a world-class champion like Gadson competed in India shows how far Indian motorsport has come.
With Mudappa now proving his mettle on such a global stage, expectations are rising for:
- More international racers participating in Indian events
- Potential invitations for Mudappa to compete in global drag championships
- Greater sponsorship and media visibility for Indian motorsports
What’s Next for Hemant Mudappa?
With this monumental victory, the spotlight is now firmly on Mudappa. While his next race calendar is yet to be revealed, racing fans and experts alike believe:
- He could be heading to international circuits soon
- A title challenge at an Asian or World Drag Racing Championship could be in the cards
- More collaborations between Indian and global teams could emerge following this breakthrough
A Victory for India
This Hemant Mudappa beats Ricky Gadson result is not just a personal win — it’s a victory for Indian motorsport enthusiasts. It proves that with the right mix of talent, preparation, and support, India can produce champions who can take on the world — and win.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
