TVS Racing set to debut at 2015 Dakar Rally

Bengaluru: TVS Racing is all set to make its debut at the 2015 Dakar Rally as they have collaborated with Sherco Motorcycles, a French motorcycle manufacturer, to form a team called Sherco TVS Rally Factory, which will compete in the two-week event starting next month.

Two international riders namely Alain Dulcos and Fabien Planet, both of French origin, will don the colours of the Sherco TVS Rally Factory team when the 2015 Dakar Rally is held from January 3 to 17 in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.

"Dakar Rally is ultimate motorcycling challenge and nothing is tougher than racing for two weeks across these incredibly hostile environments," TVS Racing Head Arvind Pangaonkar told reporters here.

"Through this arrangement, the company engineers will get hands-on experience and deeper understanding of international racing programs and improve the competitiveness of TVS Racing. TVS Racing experience is the basis for developing high performance motorcycles for our customers," he added.

Talking about Sherco Motorcycles, Pangaonkar said the French manufacturers which specialise in off-road motorbikes are known for their extremely popular trial bikes, enduro and supermoto bikes.

"We are building further on the success of TVS Racing. The racing motorcycles, christened RTR 450F, will be more competitive, lightweight and equipped with highly reliable 450cc engines developed and manufactured by the team at Sherco Motorcycles along with TVS Racing specifically for the 2015 Dakar Rally," he said.

"The bikes will have a better overall design with a new fairing and several additional upgrades that enhance the bike's ride handling.

"Under this special racing arrangement, engineers from TVS Racing will be working alongside the team from Sherco and its racing affiliates (Mac Racing, Michelin, Selle Dalla Valle, Moto Master, Exact and F2r) at the 2015 Dakar," Pangaonkar said.

TVS Racing began operations in 1984 with 50cc TVS mopeds. Over the years TVS Racing have won several road racing, motocross and dirt track events.

"Last year, TVS Racing participated in around 30 racing championships and events. Till today, TVS Racing has maintained an average record of 90 per cent wins in all events the team participates in, Pangaonkar said.

"Some of the major events include winning the prestigious Group C up to 165cc modified four-stroke category of the National Road Racing Championship and Group D up to 130 cc four-stroke category.

"TVS Racing also won the Dakshin Dare, Raid De Himalaya, Monsoon Rally and the Indian National Rally 2014. The team also participated in and won three major scooter rally events, riding a modified Wego," Pangaonkar said.