Mumbai’s outskirts transformed into a high-octane playground as Venomotorsportz hosted Dirt Blazers 2025. The latest edition of the autocross event, held at Venom Moto Park, featured everything from rally-bred sedans to hardcore SUVs.
Driving a Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, Kartik Konchady set the fastest time of the day, along with taking victory in the 1651 to 2000cc class. Also in attendance as a special guest was Sanjay Takale, who made history earlier this year as the first Indian driver to complete the Dakar Rally.
- Jhanvi Bhavsar wins in Ladies Open class
- Fahad Kutty wins in SUV Open class
Dirt Blazers 2025 results
Rather than an outright race to the chequered flag, the autocross format requires participants to navigate through a predetermined obstacle course and complete it in the fastest possible time.
Events like these play a crucial role in increasing accessibility to motorsport, and Dirt Blazers is a testament to India’s growing off-road racing culture. The competition featured eight classes, each designed to test different calibres of cars and drivers.
Ladies Open winner: Jhanvi Bhavsar
The Ladies Open class took centre stage first. Jhanvi Bhavsar (also driving a Polo GT TSI) lit up the track with a rapid run of 2 minutes and 36.281 seconds, setting the fastest time in the class. Close on her heels were Ashrafi Gaikwad and Natasha Duggal, all with clean, penalty-free laps.
SUV Open winner: Fahad Kutty
One of the most talked-about sights of the day was the wave of modified Maruti Jimnys – lifted and trail-tuned, they dominated the SUV Open class with flair.
Fahad Kutty topped in this category with a blistering time of 2 minutes and 36.143 seconds, outpacing veterans like Shanawaz Khader and Mihir Dharkar in a hotly contested session.
800 to 1100cc winner: Nitish Chaudhari
The 800cc to 1100cc class saw Nitish Chaudhari steal the show with a flying lap time of 2 minutes and 27.256 seconds. Kaustubh Pitale was second, followed by Devang Kenia.
1101 to 1400cc winner: Kushal Chaudhari
The 1101 to 1400cc class was a playground for precision. Kushal Chaudhari was the undisputed maestro here, carving out a winning time of 2 minutes and 20.815 seconds behind the wheel of a Maruti Suzuki Swift. He was followed closely by Fahad Kutty, who proved his versatility across categories.
1401 to 1650cc winner: Devang Kenia
Only two participants competed in this class. Devang Kenia won with a clean run of 3 minutes and 11.372 seconds, followed by Amit Chavan.
1651 to 2000 cc winner: Kartik Konchady
Konchady was the man to beat in the 1651 to 2000cc class, clocking a time of 2 minutes and 18.401 seconds – not just the fastest in his class but across all classes. Pitale was second, followed by Chavan.
Amateur Open winner: Raj Kadam
In the Amateur Open class, the spirit of grassroots racing burned bright. Raj Kadam delivered a composed lap of 2 minutes and 27.342 seconds to take victory ahead of Virendra Mestry and Priyesh Jaiswal.
Unrestricted Open winners: Mihir Dharkar, Kushal Chaudhari
Unrestricted Open class, Mihir Dharkar stormed to the top in the 4-wheeler segment with a time of 2 minutes and 35.464 seconds. Adding to his victory tally, Chaudhari was fastest in the 2-wheeler class as well, with a blistering run of 2 minutes and 23.551 seconds. He just about edged out Konchady (2 minutes and 23.980 seconds) and Kutty (2 minutes and 25.354 seconds) in a nail-biting finish.
Unnatee Gidithuri
Dipan Sur
