Philippos Matthai 2025 champion in premier INAC 1-Unrestricted Class

Delhi speed maestro, Philippos Matthai clinched victory in the premium INAC 1 Unrestricted Class while hometown hero Aeman Ahmed, who delivered a performance of rare authority emerged as the fastest driver in the Grand Finale of the FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025 .

In a fitting culmination to a fiercely-contested season, unfolded amidst the red earth and rolling terrain of Chikkamagaluru, producing a spectacle of speed, skill and resilience, Aeman Ahmed and Syed Salman of Mysuru became National champions for 2025 in two classes each. Multiple champion Philippos Matthai of Speed Sport Delhi, howere, kept his reputation intact winning the INAC 1 unrestricted class and became the champion in the premier class once again.

Promoted in memory of the late Lokesh Gowda and supported by Vamcy Merla, the championship Grand Finale organised by Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, with the support of Team JACS, saw top drivers from across the country qualify through zonal rounds before battling it out in the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest. As per the championship format, winners of each class in the final are declared National Champions for 2025.

Adding further depth to the competition was Matthai, an eleven-time national champion across rally and autocross, rally and sprint disciplines, who was at it again. Matthai demonstrated his enduring class by clinching the premier INAC-1 Unrestricted Open title, which he first won in Vijayawada in 2019. He also finishing a close second in the highly competitive INAC-1 up to 2000cc category. His presence ensured that the battle at the front remained intense and closely fought.

Representing Team Ammyfied Rallying which he founded, Aeman combined precision with raw pace to set the benchmark for the weekend. His blistering run in the INAC-1 up to 2000cc class proved decisive, as he outpaced a field packed with proven champions and rising stars. Racing on familiar terrain, the Chikkamagaluru driver showcased remarkable control and confidence, translating his vast experience into a national triumph. He further underlined his dominance by securing a second National title in the INAC-2 up to 2000cc class, completing a memorable double and stamping his authority across categories.

The championship, one of the 15 fmsci Nationals in various motorsports disciplines, followed a rigorous structure of zonals and finals, which the organisers and he federation tried their best to take to different regions and completed the Nationals despite many obstacles. The stakes were clear, it was a winners take the title, in each class at the finale. The National Champions were crowned for the year, and it ensured that every run carried immense pressure and significance.

Among the standout performers was Mysuru’s Syed Salman, a seasoned rallyist with an impressive pedigree in the Indian National Rally Championship. Salman delivered a clinical performance to secure a double of his own, winning both the INAC-2 up to 1450cc and 1650cc classes. His runs were marked by consistency and tactical brilliance, reflecting years of experience at the highest level of Indian motorsport in JK Tyre colours.

One of the most inspiring narratives of the weekend came from Dr. Shivani Pruthvi of Davangere. Daughter of former rally star Pruthvi, she also drove many rallies with her mother, Dr. Deepti as co-driver. After taking time away from the sport to complete her MD in Orthopaedics, Shivani returned to competition with renewed focus and determination. Her efforts culminated in a landmark achievement as she clinched her maiden National Autocross title in the Ladies Class which she won by a huge margin. Anusha NS came second in the finale ahead of Ashrafi Gaikwad of Goa, a maiden podium in a national round for both. It was a Championship victory that spoke not just of talent, but of perseverance and balance between professional and sporting excellence.

Seasoned campaigner Chetan Shivram of Bengaluru brought his wealth of experience to bear in the INAC-2 Open class, where he emerged victorious in a borrowed car. The 2019 Overall Indian National Rally Champion and a respected mentor to many young drivers, Chetan’s performance was a reminder of his enduring competitiveness and deep understanding of the sport. His measured yet aggressive approach proved crucial in a class that demanded both pace and precision. And he promptly thanked Aeman Ahmed for the car and Snap Racing for their service and setup.

Meanwhile, Kolkata’s Uday Ganguli provided one of the most heartening success stories of the championship. Having steadily improved over the past couple of seasons, particularly after gaining valuable experience competing in the south, Ganguli finally broke through to claim his maiden national title in the INAC-3 Open class. His victory proves his persistence, adaptability and the rewards of sustained effort.

The Chikkamagaluru finale brought together the best of Indian autocross, established champions, emerging talents and inspiring comeback stories. Each contributing to a vibrant and competitive field. The challenging gravel tack tested not just outright speed, but also car control, strategy and mental toughness, making every class a contest of fine margins.

As the dust settled on the 2025 season, Aeman Ahmed’s name stood tallest, his double victory and overall fastest time symbolising a new benchmark in Indian autocross. Yet, beyond the headlines, the championship celebrated a broader narrative: the growth of the sport, the emergence of new talent, and the enduring passion that drives competitors to push limits on every run. Kudos to many unsung heroes, who managed to pull off the championship despite brickbats from many sides!

National Champions: fmsci INAC 2025

• INAC-1 Unrestricted Open – Phillippos Matthai (Delhi)

• INAC-1 Up to 2000cc – Aeman Ahmed (Chikkamagaluru)

• INAC-2 Up to 1450cc – Syed Salman (Mysuru)

• INAC-2 Up to 1650cc – Syed Salman (Mysuru)

• INAC-2 Up to 2000cc – Aeman Ahmed (Chikkamagaluru)

• INAC-2 Open – Chetan Shivram (Bengaluru)

• INAC-3 Open – Uday Ganguli (Kolkata)

• Ladies Class (INAC 2 & 3) – Dr. Shivani Pruthvi (Davangere)

Final round (provisional) results:

CLASS – 1: INAC-1 UPTO 2000cc

1. Aeman Ahmed (03:07.896);

2. Phillippos Matthai (03:08.952);

3. Chetan Shivram (03:11.760).

CLASS – 2: INAC-1 UNRESTRICTED OPEN

1. Phillippos Matthai (03:11.104);

2. Chetan Shivram (03:13.192);

3. Vaibhav Marathe (03:18.600).

CLASS – 3: INAC-2 UPTO 1450cc

1. Syed Salman (03:22.408);

2. Farhan Muhammed (03:25.814);

3. Alex Kuruvila (03:27.254).

CLASS – 4: INAC-2 UPTO 1650cc

1. Syed Salman (03:11.399);

2. Vaibhav Marathe (03:13.250);

3. Arnav Pratap Singh (03:13.599).

CLASS – 5: INAC-2 UPTO 2000cc

1. Aeman Ahmed (03:10.192);

2. Arnav Pratap Singh (03:12.871);

3. Raunak Jana (03:16.120).

CLASS – 6: INAC-2 OPEN

1. Chetan Shivram (03:09.632);

2. Arnav Pratap Singh (03:11.520);

3. Phillippos Matthai (03:11.783).

CLASS – 7: INAC-3 OPEN

1. Uday Ganguli (03:24.808);

2. Tarushi Vikram (03:30.615);

3. Mohammad Asad Faridi (03:31.304).

CLASS – 8: INAC 2 & INAC 3 – LADIES CLASS

1. Shivani Pruthvi (03:19.194);

2. Anusha N S (03:37.447);

3. Ashrafi Gaikwad (03:40.560).