Dean Mascarenhas and KS Karumbaiah made a stunning debut for Team Sidvin India Racing, winning the Blueband Rally of Coimbatore in style.
The Indian National Rally Championship 2025 just got a whole lot more exciting. Picture this: roaring engines, gravel flying, and two newcomers stealing the spotlight. That’s exactly what happened when Mangalore’s Dean Mascarenhasand KS Karumbaiah from Kodagu stormed into the rally scene, grabbing victory in their first outing for Team Sidvin India Racing at the Blueband Rally of Coimbatore.
Their win wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was a well-earned triumph over some of the most seasoned drivers in Indian motorsports. Let’s dive into how this electrifying rally unfolded.
A Rally to Remember
This wasn’t just another round in the INRC calendar. The second round of the six-part Blueband fmsci Indian National Rally Championship 2025 turned out to be a whirlwind of dust, drama, and determination. Spread across nine challenging special stages and covering 116 km of competitive distance, the Coimbatore leg pushed drivers to their limits.
Team Sidvin India Racing: A Strong Debut
While most eyes were on the veterans, Team Sidvin India Racing quietly entered the arena, but their presence was anything but subtle. Their setup was fresh, their machine was fierce, and their strategy? Win, right out of the gate.
Meet the Winning Duo: Dean & Karumbaiah
Hailing from the scenic towns of Mangalore and Kodagu, Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver KS Karumbaiah are not new to motorsport but were new to this team. The chemistry between them was unmistakable. Like a well-oiled machine, they navigated every twist, jump, and hazard with near-perfect synchronicity.
It was almost poetic—the calm of Kodagu meeting the coast-borne courage of Mangalore, resulting in a partnership that roared louder than any engine on the track.
The Blueband Rally of Coimbatore: What’s the Buzz?
Promoted by Blueband Sports and organized by the ever-enthusiastic Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, this rally has become a flagship event for Indian motorsports fans. The dusty terrain, unpredictable weather, and demanding routes make it a true test of skill, grit, and teamwork.
Behind the Wheel: The Mighty Peugeot 208
Their weapon of choice? A left-hand-drive, rally-spec Peugeot 208—newly imported and raring to go. Its precision handling, torque-heavy engine, and rugged setup gave the duo the edge they needed.
While others struggled with traction and understeer, this car danced through the terrain like a ballerina in combat boots.
How the Action Unfolded: Special Stage by Stage
The pair set the tone early on Sunday morning, winning the first special stage with authority. While the defending champion Karna Kadur tried to close the gap, Dean and Karumbaiah just didn’t budge. They maintained composure under pressure, gradually stretching their lead and finishing with a total time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 09.4 seconds.
A Nail-biting Battle for Second Place
While the win was sealed, the fight for second spot was the real drama of the day. Just 1.1 seconds separated Karna Kadur/Musa Sherif and Aditya Thakur/Virendra Kashyap. It was the kind of close finish that left fans gasping and timers blinking.
Aditya Thakur’s Comeback Cut Short
The 2019 INRC Overall Champion Aditya Thakur had his eyes on another podium. Despite a strong start, a costly time loss in Stage 2 pushed him back, and though he clawed his way back up, he ultimately had to settle for third. Still, his effort showed why he’s one of the most respected names in the circuit.
Veteran Moves: Musa Sherif’s Timeless Skill
When you’ve spent 33 years co-driving, you learn a thing or two about rallying. Musa Sherif, paired with Kadur, showed the kind of calm and class that only comes with experience. His navigation was crisp, calls precise, and guidance invaluable in pushing for second.
Karna Kadur’s Grit and Tenacity
Karna Kadur, the reigning INRC overall champion, didn’t back down without a fight. Known for his late-stage heroics, he threw everything at the Coimbatore track but had to concede the top spot this time. His resilience, however, earned him well-deserved praise.
Why This Win Matters for Indian Rallying
This wasn’t just a race win—it was a statement. New faces, new teams, and fresh competition are exactly what the sport needs. Mascarenhas and Karumbaiah showed that talent, when backed with the right support and machinery, can shake up the hierarchy. It adds spice, unpredictability, and excitement for fans.
What’s Next for Dean and Team Sidvin?
With this win under their belt, expectations are soaring. All eyes will now be on how Dean and Karumbaiah handle the next few rounds. Can they maintain consistency? Will rivals close the gap? The journey has just begun.
Fan Reactions and Community Buzz
Social media lit up the moment Dean crossed the finish line. From motorsport veterans to casual fans, everyone lauded the duo’s precision, courage, and control. Even neutral fans found themselves cheering for the underdogs who roared to victory.
Blueband Sports & Coimbatore Auto Sports Club’s Role
Credit must go to the organizers. With flawless planning, challenging stages, and a platform that promotes talent, Blueband Sports and the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club have created a world-class rally experience on Indian soil.
The Road Ahead in INRC 2025
This was just Round 2 of 6. With four more rallies to go, the leaderboard is wide open. Every second counts, every stage matters, and as we’ve already seen—anyone can win.
Conclusion
Dean Mascarenhas and KS Karumbaiah’s win in Coimbatore was more than just a victory—it was a story of seizing opportunity, rising to the occasion, and showing that debutants can dethrone champions. As the Indian National Rally Championship 2025 rolls forward, this result has thrown the championship wide open—and fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Blueband Rally of Coimbatore 2025?
Dean Mascarenhas and co-driver KS Karumbaiah clinched victory for Team Sidvin India Racing.
2. What car did the winning team drive?
They competed in a newly imported, rally-spec, left-hand-drive Peugeot 208.
3. How close was the battle for second place?
Karna Kadur and Musa Sherif edged out Aditya Thakur and Virendra Kashyap by just 1.1 seconds.
4. What made this rally special for fans and teams?
It featured intense competition, a stunning debut win, and some of the closest finishes in recent memory.
5. What’s next in the INRC 2025 calendar?
Four more rounds remain in the six-round series, promising more action, drama, and upsets.
