Hero MotoSports remains the only Indian team to compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship, which includes the iconic Dakar Rally. Yet for the past five years, the team's Dakar roster has featured no Indian riders. That’s all set to change, with the team signing 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade, who will now undergo an extensive training programme as he charts his path to Dakar.
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, Hero has also launched a new ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ programme, aimed at identifying and training the next generation of Indian rally-raid racers.
- Ghorpade will participate in a race simulation programme at Morocco
- Hero extends partnership with Dakar Rally organiser ASO
Hero launches new India’s Next Dakar Hero programme
With over a decade of experience competing in top-level rally-raid, Hero is now looking to develop homegrown rally talent in India. The newly-announced ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ programme will focus on identifying, training and developing young off-road racers in India. Crucially, it will also give them a clear pathway from national racing to the international rally-raid scene.
Participants will join a two-to-three year development programme to hone key skills required to compete at the highest level of international rally racing. This includes riding technique, navigation skills, physical conditioning and endurance training.
Ghorpade joins Hero rally team
The first young rider inducted into this programme is Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra. At just 18 years old, he’s already secured seven Indian National titles in Supercross and Dirt Track, as well as seven international motocross trophies. He was also the top national rider in the 2025 Indian Supercross Racing League.
After two years with KTM, Ghorpade has joined Hero MotoSports to take the next step towards his Dakar Rally ambitions. He’s already started training with 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch, along with other Hero rally riders. He’s also set to participate in an intensive race simulation programme at Morocco later this year.
Hero extends partnership with Dakar Rally
Hero has also renewed its agreement with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) – organiser of the Dakar Rally and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship – for another five years.
“The renewal of our partnership with ASO strengthens our long-term commitment to global rally racing,” said Pawan Munjal, executive chairman, Hero MotoCorp.
“Furthermore, the India’s Next Dakar Hero programme reflects our deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motosports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to build a sustainable pathway for homegrown Indian riders to compete and excel at the highest levels of the sport. Together, these initiatives represent the next chapter in our journey to create a lasting rally-raid legacy for India.”
Vishal Venugopal
