Veteran Indain motorcyle racer S Badal Doshi.Photo: Instagram | Badal DoshiVeteran Indain motorcyle racer S Badal Doshi.Photo: Instagram | Badal Doshi
In an ever-diverse populace that never stops pushing boundaries, there is always someone who rises to ensure India is seen on the world stage. Whether emerging from the shadows or standing proudly in view, there are those who wave the tri-colour flag far beyond our borders — even in the realm of motorsports. This time, that person is Badal Doshi. The 49-year-old rider, who has made history as the first Indian to participate in the Gotland Grand National, the world's largest enduro race. (More Motorsport News)
"Back in the 1990s, when my friends would head out to party on weekends, I saved my money for racing," Doshi recalls to Outlook. Today, he dominates the FMSCI Indian National Rally Sprint Championship (INRSC), securing double victories in both the Open and Privateer classes up to 550cc in the fourth round.
Competing in the Gotland Grand National is a formidable challenge, a true test of grit. Held annually in Sweden, this gruelling three-hour race near the North Pole tests endurance in extreme conditions, with temperatures plummeting as low as -5 degrees Celsius. But Doshi did it.
"On race day, after a shaky start and adjusting to unfamiliar terrain compared to Indian routes, I managed to overtake 100 riders in the first loop," Doshi shared about his experience. "The slippery limestone sections and 3-foot whoops stretched over a kilometer at several points in the route knocked me off my bike twice."
"After the second fall, my pace steadied. With two more classes merging into the race, there were over 1,000 riders on the 25 km loop. I had three more falls due to the traffic and some unavoidable rash passes."
Nevertheless, overall, the Indian racer had fun, "holding on to my throttle and was thrilled to complete three hours of the world's biggest endurance race."
Doshi secured the 294th position out of 450 entries in the race.
Asked how he prepares physically and mentally for extreme races and what a race day looks like, Doshi says: "My physical routine is cardio (walking, swimming, some weights, lots of stretching). Mentally, I stay calm and keep my mind as clear as possible before the race. On race day itself, I stay focused and push as much as possible to complete the race. Getting on the podium is the plan."
After dedicating 30 years to motorsports, proving that age is just a number, Badal S. Doshi has come a long way in Indian racing. His journey began in 1994 when he took part in the Monsoon Scooter Rally, and since then, he has excelled across various formats like supercross, hill climbs, and rallies, consistently pushing boundaries. His podium finish at the 2004 Raid de Himalaya Rally and his representation of India at the Asian Grand Prix in Taiwan are just a few of his many accolades.
For the record, motorsports are among the most dangerous sports — 104 riders have died in Grand Prix motorcycle racing events since 1949. Is this risk worth it? How does a rider overcome injury in a sport that often poses life-threatening dangers?
But is there any sport which comes free of injuries or danger, he counter-questions. "You name the sport and each one has threats and injuries: badminton, tennis, cricket. It’s just different levels. So it's up to every individual to manage themselves correctly and keep away from injuries.
"I have had a few fractures, ligament tears, broken ribs, slipped discs, tennis elbow, etc. before 2018. But with the right doctor and treatment, along with 100% commitment towards recovery, it's possible to get back onto the podium. I claimed the 2019 and 2021 National Rally Championship after all those injuries at the age of 45."
Note it down, fellow motorsport dreamers: with the right treatment and commitment towards recovery, it is doable.
Age Is Indeed Just A NumberIn case you missed it, Doshi won the 2019 and 2021 National Rally Championship after all those injuries at the age of 45. Yes, 45, by which age most of the athletes take retirement. He has a track record spanning 30 years and 250 events, including 180 wins and five national championships.
No matter how old he is, he rides because racing motorcycles "keeps me happy and healthy". So, he says, "I intend to keep hold of my throttle as long as I can. Family, work, racing, repeat — that’s the cycle I follow."
Meet Arshi Gupta, The 7-Year-Old Go-Kart Dreamer Setting Sights On Formula One And, is he nearing the end of his journey as he approaches his 50s? His answer is a resounding no. "After Gotland in 2024, I plan to participate in two more international events each year, as well as several national championships. I have a thirst for achievement and success. I also intend to provide some good competition to the fresh, young talent in the scene."
Doshi's journey began in his school days, where he discovered that sports were the main education he will pursue. "When I was 14, I initially wanted to take up cricket, but I soon realized that some aspects weren't as fair as I expected. This led me to switch from team sports to individual ones, and motorsports turned out to be the perfect fit."
With his friends racing motorcycles, Doshi became captivated by the speed and thrill of the machines. "From 1994 to 2024, I’ve been hooked," he says.
Starting with scooters and bikes in Mumbai, Doshi quickly expanded his racing horizons. "Within two years, I was racing all over Maharashtra, then beyond —south and north. Name the city, and we raced there in all kinds of conditions and terrains."
Among his most memorable moments are a podium finish at the Raid de Himalaya in 2004, consecutive wins at the Scooter Rally in 2006 and 2007 that allowed him to represent India at the Asian Grand Prix in China, and the victory at the Castrol Power 1 event, which earned him a chance to meet world champion Valentino Rossi at the MotoGP in Spain.
Reach Home Safe - Please!Here comes a sobering reality of our world filled with vehicles: around 1.35 million people die in road accidents each year globally, which amounts to one person every 24 seconds. While writing this article, approximately 100 people will have lost their lives in road accidents. It’s a tragic truth, and it weighs heavily on Doshi as well. In response, he began advocating for road safety through his “Reach Home Safe” initiative.
Imagine a father heading out, hoping to return home after a long day at work, or a mother venturing out for groceries, with plans for a cozy family dinner. Siblings excitedly meet friends, all carrying the simple expectation of coming back safe and sound. Yet, tragically, not everyone makes it home. Some fall victim to reckless drivers, while others find themselves caught in unexpected, uncontrollable circumstances on the road.
We can’t prevent every tragedy. But we can strive to make a difference. That’s why Doshi now runs a two-wheeler racing school to mentor emerging talent, blending his passion for racing with a commitment to safety. And his ultimate goal in life is this: "I want to race motorcycles as long as I can carry on enjoying it. I want to pass on these skills via the road safety programs I have designed to ultimately save as many lives as possible over the next 30 years (and beyond)."
In 2014, he took a small sabbatical from racing. During this time, while reading newspapers, he found that India was the world's number one accident zone. "Around the same time, I learned that in Navi Mumbai (where I live), deputy commissioner of police Vijay Patil ji was conducting regular two-wheeler road safety programs. Inspired by his efforts, I wanted to contribute to the initiative. I contacted him, and together we collaborated on 20 safety seminars for the Navi Mumbai Police.
"Next, we shared our safety program with schools, colleges and corporations, receiving positive responses. Our motto is for everyone to “Reach Home Safe.” These initiatives keep me fulfilled and connected with my passion for motorcycles. I get immense satisfaction from trying to save as many lives as possible from unnecessary road accidents," Doshi states.
What Is Beyond The Racing On Tracks?When it comes to doing things beyond just riding on a track, Doshi also excels in various racing formats like supercross, hill climbs and rallies. How does he adapt his skills and strategy? "All the different formats require different setups and techniques for the bike; you also need to adapt your mindset to perform and win," he says.
The strategies include how to attack corners (how slowly to enter for fast exits out of corners), and always maintaining thumb rules to keep winning and enjoying race days. For example: first you finish, then you say you finished first.
Badal Doshi. Photo: Special Arrangement Badal Doshi. Photo: Special Arrangement It’s interesting to see what a 30-year career in racing can teach a person and the kind of memorable moments it provides to cherish, even in the darkest times. Here’s one from Doshi’s life:
"In 1993, I had to pay INR 10 for a ride to reach the track on Sundays to watch senior riders race. After that, I had to pay an additional INR 10 to race for three laps. Ten rupees was a lot of money for me back then. I was young and had no income, often saving every paisa or borrowing from friends just to do this. When my friends would go out to party on weekends, I saved my money for weekend racing."
And Off The Tracks?And obviously, this journey offers life lessons, not only for those interested in motorsports but also for me as a writer and you as a reader. "Motorsports is an expensive sport involving multiple people and rules that need to be followed. There is always more to learn. Both aspects of life require getting your work and tasks done, whether it’s on the track or off it.
"We race against time. That’s one of the most important things to understand in life — time management. In a race, the difference between winning and losing can be just a few seconds," Doshi says.
"Spending money wisely and saving as much as possible helps us continue our journey. This is one of the most expensive sports in the world and requires constant funding. The same is true for maintaining a good quality of life.
"Events are hosted all around the country and in every zone. When we travel, we meet different kinds of people, and good people-management and relationship-building help us get our work done and achieve the best results," he adds.
All of the above apply both on the track and off it daily.
India and Its Unfulfilled Dreams of MotorsportsNow, let’s come back to where we started: India, a nation of 1.45 billion people, that somehow manages to be everywhere.
The Gotland Grand National is the world’s biggest enduro event, which has been running for the past 40 years. With 3,000 participants from 15 countries and 22 different classes, who would have imagined that among all those 3,000 participants from European countries, an individual from a cricket-driven nation like India would reach there?
Commenting on this, Doshi says, "I'm proud to be the first Indian participating in this event. It’s an incredible experience, and I’m excited to share the starting line with my family cheering me on. My plan? To blast through the first corner and finish as strongly as possible."
Yet, it's disheartening to recognize that despite being the most populous nation, India lags in most of the sports arenas, particularly in motorsports. No Indian driver has ever clinched a Formula One championship, a MotoGP title, or a World Rally Championship. Why is that, and how can we change it?
Doshi answers: "Although we manufacture the most two-wheelers in the world, we fall short in competitive racing compared to Europe and the USA. For real progress, motorcycle manufacturing and motorsports must go hand in hand, creating better performance and increased safety awareness. Only then can motorsports gain the recognition it deserves alongside other major sports in India."
For aspiring racers, despite the risks, Doshi sees a spark of passion in people of all ages. "From seven-year-olds to seventy-year-olds, I see that joy in their eyes. It's important to start from the basics — understanding the controls and functions of motorcycles, while prioritizing safety and discipline. Official events organized by the federation (FMSCI) provide a safe avenue for racing."
If the journey of veteran Indian motorcycle racer Badal S. Doshi has inspired you, here’s how he hopes to be remembered by future generations:
"I come from a business backgroundfree casino bonus no deposit, but my heart belongs to this exhilarating sport. It’s essential to believe in possibilities and chase what brings you joy — dedication and commitment are what truly matters."