Amit Saraswat 
KTM initiated the ‘KTM CUP’ program in December 2022, aiming to democratise racing in India. Season 2 proved to be a resounding success, drawing participation from across the country. Over 860 racers, including an impressive 200 women, competed in the initial selection rounds held in Coimbatore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The top 66 from the Amateur and Women’s categories then advanced to the qualifiers.
The KTM CUP boasted a three-stage format: Selections, Qualifiers, and the grand Finale. The qualifiers, featuring 111 racers from 38 cities, emerged as the largest one-make race format event ever witnessed in India. KTM Race Academy, a prestigious training ground for aspiring racers, played a crucial role by grooming participants during the selection and qualifier rounds. The academy is led by the experienced ex-MotoGP racer Jeremy McWilliams and the accomplished 7-time INMRC championship winner, Emmanuel Jebaraj.
Beyond the coveted championship title, the winners received an unforgettable prize – a trip to Austria for the KTM Academy of Speed. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows them to train alongside KTM Pro instructors and rub shoulders with MotoGP legends.
The champions across the categories are:
Pro Category:
Winner: Rahil Pillari Shetty
1st Runner-up: Abhishek Vasudev
2nd Runner-up: Kayan Zubin Patel
Amateur Category:
Winner: Adam Feroz Backer
1st Runner-up: Mohd Yosuf
2nd Runner-up: Shashanka Sharma
Women Category:
Winner: Ann Jennifer
1st Runner-up: Lani Jena Fernandez
2nd Runner-up: Tanisha Sanjay Arora
KTM provided all participants with the KTM RC 390 GP machine throughout the championship. This race-ready machine boasts high-performance features like a trellis frame, WP APEX suspension, advanced technology like MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), and cornering ABS. These elements, combined with KTM’s exceptional power-to-weight ratio, ensure a confidence-inspiring ride and a true racer’s dream on the track.
KTM CUP’s Race Director, Jeremy McWilliams, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its significance in nurturing grassroots racing talent in India. He applauded the inclusion of a dedicated women’s category and commended the exceptional progress and international-standard riding skills showcased by the participants. McWilliams lauded the efforts of Emmanuel Jebaraj and his team for elevating the standards and commended the program’s success in achieving its goals for two consecutive seasons. With the excitement of Season 2 still fresh, all eyes are now set on what promises to be an even bigger and better Season 3.
