Sanjay Takale Revs Up for 30th AXCR: A Testament to Indian Motorsport Prowess

Veteran Indian rally driver Sanjay Takale is poised to take his place on the starting grid at the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), famously dubbed the 'Asian Dakar.' The highly daunting rally kicks off with a ceremonial start on August 8 in Pattaya, Thailand, and the rugged journey will wrap up on August 16, stretching over more than 3,300 kilometers of challenging Thai terrain, as reported by Takale's media team.

Driving Car #117 in Class T1D, Takale's return to the AXCR is marked by his illustrious history, including being the inaugural Indian to complete the Dakar Rally in a car (Classic Category) and seizing the AXCR title in 2011. His team enters this year with aspirations for the coveted Team Award Trophy. With an impressive tally of 42 podium finishes across 48 races, Takale's motorsport career boasts championships on both European and Asian circuits, an Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title in 2012, and appearances in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Finland. At 57, Takale not only exhibits endurance-driving brilliance but also envisions a transformative future for transportation as Chief Advisory Officer at Aerpace Industries, where he contributes to the development of flying car systems and vertical takeoff platforms.

"This rally transcends being a mere race; it is a comprehensive test of resilience, concentration, and machinery. I am elated to return to where it began for me and honored to represent India on this prestigious 30th edition," Takale expressed, according to his media team. Whether navigating uncharted forest trails or pioneering future mobility from above, Sanjay Takale remains an inspirational figure in motorsport, epitomizing excellence at the wheel and beyond. (ANI)