Bangalore Offroad Drivers Association are overall champions in the 20th edition of Palar Challenge 2026

RANIPET, TAMIL NADU — The shifting, unpredictable sand traps of the Palar riverbed played host to a historic milestone this week as the 20th annual Palar Challenge concluded in Ranipet. Marking two decades as a cornerstone of Indian motorsport, the landmark anniversary edition saw the Bangalore Offroad Drivers Association (BODA) sweep the podium, asserting Karnataka's dominance in a grueling multi-state grid.

What began twenty years ago as a modest cross-country trail drive has evolved into India's most enduring and respected 4x4 endurance test. This year’s event drew veteran drivers and weekend builders from across Chennai, Bangalore, and Kerala, competing across three distinct vehicular classes: R1 Extreme, R2 Modified, and R3 Stock.

Unlike purpose-built, manicured off road speed tracks, the sprawling Palar riverbed is entirely untamed. Its deceptive sand pits, massive sand climbs, and sudden water crossings shift with every kilometre, demanding a mix of precise navigational strategy, brutal mechanical punishment, pure driver intuition and effective teamwork.

The Victors on the Riverbed

The ultimate prize of the weekend—the coveted Swastikfabs Trophy for Winner of the 20^th Palar Challenge—was captured by BODA’s powerhouse pairing of Teams 621 and 622.

The podium breakdown highlights a fierce inter-state rivalry:

• Overall Champions: Bangalore Offroad Drivers Association (BODA) — Teams 621 & 622

• 1st Runners-Up: Jeepers of Bangalore (JOB) — Teams 712 & 711

• 2nd Runners-Up: 4x4 Beats, Kerala — Teams 211 & 212

In the fiercely contested Individual Category, driver Siddarth Varman (Team 631) from Chennai delivered a masterclass in technical sand driving stages to claim the VM Sports Foundation Trophy. He was chased closely by Siddu of BODA and Chaturaditya of Team Kali 4x4, who locked in the first and second runner-up spots respectively.

Meanwhile, in the production-vehicle class, Kishan N (Team 321) piloted his machine to win the Lokesh Gowda Trophy for R3 Stock class.

Built on Passion and Legendary Teamwork

"Twenty editions of the Palar Challenge is a testament to the passion of every driver, volunteer, and supporter who has been part of this journey," said Arkaprava Datta, founder of Terra Tigers and member of the organizing committee. "India’s off-road community has grown tremendously over the years, and this riverbed has always been its definitive proving ground. We couldn’t be prouder of the community we’ve built together." 

Unlike corporate-backed off-road events, the heart of the Palar Challenge remains fiercely open. The grid is populated by club members, engineers, local garage mechanics, and corporate professionals who spend their weeknights prepping custom-built off-roaders just for the chance to test their limits against the riverbed.

The 20th anniversary edition was backed by key lifestyle and automotive supporters, including Swasigara Foods, Lambda Components, BMC Airfilters, and MLM Realtors and Generation Speed

RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Overall — Swastikfabs Trophy

Position	Team No.	Club / Team
Winner	621, 622	Bangalore Offroad Drivers Association (BODA)
1st Runners Up	712, 711	Jeepers of Bangalore (JOB)
2nd Runners Up	211, 212	4x4 Beats, Kerala

Individual Category — VM Sports Foundation Trophy

Position	Team No.	Driver
Winner	631	Siddarth Varman, Chennai
1st Runners Up	502	Siddu, BODA
2nd Runners Up	111	Chaturaditya, Team Kali 4x4, Bangalore

Category Winners — Lokesh Gowda Trophy

Category	Team No.	Winner
R1 – Extreme	621	BODA
R2 – Modified	712	Jeepers of Bangalore (JOB)
R3 – Stock	321	Kishan N, Chennai

Most Performing 4WD

Rank	Team No.	Driver
Most Performing	621	Pradeep, BODA
Second Most Performing	622	Madhu, BODA
Third Most Performing	712	Chetan, JOB