Karnataka’s Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver Gagan Karumbaiah secured their first Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) title at the Rally of the Highlands, with a round to spare. The event, held at the National Automotive Testing Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, saw TSI Racing teammates Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap claim overall honors.
Dean and Gagan’s fifth-place finish on the final day granted them the championship point needed to secure their maiden national title. Dean expressed his joy at winning the Overall National Championship after a 15-year wait, thanking TSI Racing and PH Sport for their support.
Aditya Thakur and Virender Kashyap overcame mechanical issues to secure the rally win, emphasizing the importance of protecting their position and finishing the race safely. Despite a strong performance by defending champion Karna Kadur, Dean Mascarenhas’ fifth-place finish ultimately decided the title battle.
In other categories, Jason Saldanha and PV Srinivasa Murthy claimed victory in INRC2, while Vishakh Balachandran and Chiranth Jain won the INRC3 category. Anushriya Gulati secured the Ladies Class title and finished third overall. Mohammed Kaif Khan won the Gypsy Challenge, and Asool Albert John and Aiyappa Bopanna clinched the Classic Challenge Cup.
