Ducati Hits the Dirt: PBG Ducati Legacy Racing Joins ISRL Season 3
Sports entrepreneur Punit Balan and Pranav Bakre launch PBG Ducati Legacy Racing for ISRL Season 3, bringing Italian motocross power to India.
The roar of Italian engineering is moving from the tarmac to the tracks as PBG Ducati Legacy Racing prepares for its competitive debut in the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 3. This high-octane entry marks a significant shift for Ducati, moving beyond mere showcases to actively backing a team in one of India's most challenging off-road competitions.
A Powerhouse Partnership
The franchise is the result of a strategic collaboration between sports entrepreneur Punit Balan, head of the Punit Balan Group, and motorsport specialist Pranav Bakre. By joining forces as co-owners, Balan and Bakre are blending the expertise of sports franchise management with deep technical knowledge of superbikes and performance motorsport.
Punit Balan has expressed a clear vision for the venture, stating that the team will focus on building a competitive franchise while providing essential support to young riders aspiring to make their mark in the sport.
The Machinery: Italian Muscle on Indian Soil
PBG Ducati Legacy Racing will bring Ducati's cutting-edge off-road technology to the ISRL. The team is set to deploy the Desmo450 MX, a machine that was previously unveiled in India during the finale of the last season in Calicut.
Adding to the excitement, the team has announced plans to introduce the Desmo250 MX. While this model is yet to be officially unveiled, its inclusion signals Ducati's commitment to covering multiple competitive categories in the league.
Ducati's Strategic Move in India
For Ducati India, this is more than just a sponsorship; it is a strategic expansion. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, emphasized that the company is fully committed to this partnership, viewing the ISRL as the ideal platform to grow its off-road motorsport footprint in the country.
Eeshan Lokhande, co-founder and Director of ISRL, noted that Ducati becomes the third major automotive brand to enter the league. This trend highlights a growing interest among global manufacturers to associate themselves with individual franchises in the Indian market.
Boosting India's Off-Road Racing Scene
While India remains one of the largest two-wheeler markets globally, professional off-road racing is still an evolving segment. The entry of established manufacturers like Ducati and private investors like Balan and Bakre is expected to:
- Increase the overall visibility of supercross racing in India.
- Provide Indian riders with access to international-standard machinery.
- Elevate the professional standards of the sport within the country.
Looking Ahead to Season 3
As PBG Ducati Legacy Racing begins its preparations for the upcoming season, Pranav Bakre highlighted that the team's core focus will be on rigorous race preparation, optimizing machinery, and ensuring comprehensive team support.
While the franchise has signaled its intent to dominate, details regarding the specific rider line-up and detailed competitive strategies remain under wraps for now.