Friday, February 7, 2025

Pune’s Sanjay Takale Makes History as the First Indian to Conquer Dakar Rally

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Sanjay Takale, a 56-year-old motorsport veteran, has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian driver to successfully complete the grueling Dakar Rally. Competing in the Dakar Classic car category, Takale drove a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 with Maxime Raud as his navigator. After two intense weeks, he achieved an impressive 18th place overall and secured 10th in his class.

A seasoned rally driver with over three decades of experience and more than 75 victories under his belt, including the 2013 Asia Pacific Rally Championship Production Cup title, Takale has added another milestone to his illustrious career by finishing the world’s toughest rally.

Competing in the Dakar Classic

Takale participated in the Dakar Classic category, specifically designed for vehicles manufactured before 2005. This class operates on a separate route tailored for older vehicles, and the competition follows a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format. Unlike traditional Dakar categories where speed is the ultimate goal, the Classic class challenges participants to adhere to precise timings and average speeds—an entirely different test of endurance and precision.

Supported by the French team Compagnie Saharienne, Takale’s journey began with a modest start at 37th overall after Stage 1. Gradually, he climbed the rankings, culminating in a remarkable top-five finish in the final stage.

Highlights of the 2025 Dakar Classic

The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, held from January 3 to 17, 2025, marked the sixth consecutive year in Saudi Arabia. Spanning 12 grueling stages, the rally covered diverse and treacherous terrains, starting in Bisha, traversing the vast Empty Quarter, and concluding in Shubaytah. The marathon event included a challenging 950 km “chrono” stage and separate routes for cars and bikes. The Classic category featured 94 cars, with Takale’s Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the number 722—the sole Indian entry in the event.

Road to Dakar: Takale’s Preparation and Dedication

Takale’s journey to Dakar was years in the making. He prepared by closely observing rallies in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, refining his skills, and building his team. With Rajan Sayal as his team manager and guide, Takale entered his debut Dakar rally with a blend of determination and strategy.

Demonstrating the true “Dakar Spirit,” Takale stopped during the race to assist a teammate whose vehicle was stuck, embodying the camaraderie and resilience the rally has championed since its inception in 1979. This act earned him a time waiver from race officials. Takale and Raud further impressed by completing challenging regularity tests with strong placements, including 5th, 13th, and 15th positions, while navigating through penalties and secret time controls.

Memorable Moments from the Final Stages

  • Stage 9: Takale and Raud delivered a stellar performance during the Sankranti celebration stage. The segment included four regularity tests and a dune challenge, where they finished 12th in class and climbed to 15th overall.
  • Stage 11: Fog delayed the penultimate stage, leading to its early truncation for safety reasons. Despite the shortened run, Takale achieved a 10th-place finish overall.
  • Final Stage: The concluding section spanned just 33 km, followed by the grand podium ceremony. Although Takale had hoped to push harder, weather conditions curtailed his plans. Reflecting on the event, he expressed satisfaction with his overall performance and consistent top-10 finishes.

A Testament to Perseverance

Takale’s final achievement—completing a 146 km stage featuring 175 speed changes and 36 hidden time controls with minimal penalties—is a testament to his skill, determination, and endurance.

“While the weather cut short the last stage, I’m proud of what we accomplished,” said Takale. “Competing and finishing the Dakar Rally is a dream come true.”

With this historic feat, Sanjay Takale has not only raised the Indian flag at Dakar but also inspired a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts to aim for the stars.

Source: Pune Pulse

Ankit C
Ankit C
Ankit is an avid traveler, tech-savvy individual, and dedicated news enthusiast who explores new places, embraces technology, and stays informed.

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