From the quiet, agricultural village of Manjri near Pune to the unforgiving dunes of the Dakar Rally, Sanjay Takale’s life has been anything but ordinary. Over nearly four decades in motorsports, Takale has transitioned from dirt bikes to rally cars, navigated rugged terrains across Asia and Europe, and carved a name for himself in one of the world’s most extreme racing events—the Dakar Rally. At 57, he continues to defy conventional expectations, proving that passion and grit are the real engines behind longevity in sport.
This weekend, he’ll be at the starting line of the RTRC Chachoengsao Rally 2025 in Thailand—part of his intense lead-up to yet another Dakar campaign. Yes, Takale is gearing up to take on the legendary rally once more, with plans already underway to return to the dunes in October. Even as the motorsport world evolves around him, his drive remains razor-sharp and unwavering.
Takale began with Motocross in the late 1980s, rising through the ranks to claim over
100 trophies before stepping away due to the sport’s physical demands. After a seven-year hiatus—spent backpacking across continents—he returned with a renewed focus, this time trading two wheels for four. It was a pivotal shift that eventually took him to global platforms like the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, the World Rally Championship in Finland, and the Dakar Rally, where he became the first Indian to finish the race in the car category.
In this candid conversation, Takale reflects on his journey—from his early fascination with speed to the challenges of international rallying, the evolution of motorsport in India, and what it truly means to win.
In Conversation with Indian Rally Driver Sanjay Takale
Q. What was your first memory of watching motorsports, and how did you decide you wanted to pursue it professionally?
Sanjay Takale: Actually, this started way back when I was in school, around 1981. I saw a program on TV called ‘World of Sports’. It featured a motorsports car rally, and I was in 6th or 7th standard then. That was my first look at motorsports on television. It really fascinated me—the cars jumping and coming sideways. For a boy from a farming community in Manjri village, this was something completely new. We had tractors, bullock carts and basic vehicles at home. But this was different—this was much faster. That was my first introduction to speed, racing and the whole world of motorsports.
Q. You raced motorbikes for 14 years before moving to cars and rallies in 2012. What led to that switch?
Sanjay: Yes, you're right. I did motocross from 1987 to 2001. I was in a factory team and raced for several teams during that time. By the time I was 30 or 31, I decided to quit motocross because it required more physical strength and endurance. I had also aged a bit—I started when I was 18 and finished when I was around 31. Then, I took a break from motorsports and went backpacking for seven years. Not many people know that. But when I returned, I felt something was missing. I realized I had made a mistake quitting motorsports. However, I couldn’t go back to bikes at 37 or 38. That’s when I decided to switch to cars.
Q. In a country where cricket is almost a religion, how did you navigate the lack of
infrastructure and skepticism to carve out a space in rally driving?
Sanjay: Honestly, I love cricket. I’m a big fan. But I believe every sport has its own charm. Some people like football, some like hockey, some like motorsports. It's all about personal choice. I don’t see it as competition between sports. I just follow my passion—I love speed, I love driving, and I plan to keep doing it as long as I can. It’s not about others’ opinions for me.
Q. The Dakar Rally is considered one of the most gruelling races on Earth. As the
first Indian to finish it in a car, what battles did you face and how did it change you?
Sanjay: Trust me—it changes you in ways you can't imagine. Dakar is the longest and toughest rally on the planet. It’s 15 days and over 10,000 kilometres. It breaks you mentally. It teaches you how to survive. Sometimes you're disoriented, unsure of what you’re doing. It tests every part of you—physically, mentally, emotionally.
You can't just show up and drive Dakar. I prepared for 3–4 years—did Thailand 4x4 cross-country rallies, Asia cross-country, training in Dubai and Morocco, even speed rallies in Malaysia. It was all to get my speed and stamina back.
Once you're there, it’s all on you. You need to stay alert, adapt to freezing nights and scorching days, and navigate sand dunes without roads—only using a degree-based navigation system, not GPS. Each day is 800–1000 km. Even the service teams have to move every day. It's tough for everyone.
Yes, I’m proud to be the first Indian to finish in cars. Some bikers from India had done it before, but it was special to represent cars. I plan to go again this year and maybe one more year after that.
Q. At 57, how do you stay in top shape to race at this level?
Sanjay: Honestly, I don’t think age matters—it's just a number. It’s about how you take care of your fitness. Motorsports requires a lot of experience, and that experience helps you handle high speeds. I look after my health and don’t feel any sort of age-related bias. I’ve never faced it personally.
Q. How has your approach to racing evolved from your early Indian rally days to global stages like APRC and Dakar?
Sanjay: Time and circumstances are the best teachers. I started in what I call the black-and-white era—before even Suzuki came to India. I raced on Jawa, Yezdi, Bullet, even M80s and Mopeds. Then Suzuki arrived. I’ve been in motorsports for nearly 38 years now.
I’ve seen the sport evolve—from dirt tracks in Pune to supercrosses, and now to APRC and Dakar. I even did two WRCs in Finland, the fastest rally on the planet, in 2017 and 2018. It’s been a huge shift, and I’m glad we’re moving in the right direction, though there's still more to be done.
Q. How can India build a motorsport culture that’s not just aspirational but sustainable?
Sanjay: I think we’re already on the right track. The Federation is doing a lot. More events and championships are emerging. Young kids are karting now—many are champions in Asia. Companies like Volkswagen are running young driver programs. We just need more consistency, and we’ll see motorsports grow to the level of other major sports.
Q. Do you think the new generation of Indian drivers is better equipped for the global stage?
Sanjay: Yes, absolutely. Back in our time, we didn’t even know where to get helmets, gloves, or racing shoes. But now, the new generation has much better access and support. Talent has always been there. I've seen incredibly talented bikers and drivers over my career. I truly believe our boys have more fighting spirit than many others. We're definitely catching up with the global scene.
Q. What does winning mean to you now, compared to when you started? Has your
definition of success changed?
Sanjay: Actually, it hasn’t changed much. Even back then, winning medals wasn’t my main goal. I just loved to drive. Of course, getting a medal feels good, but what matters to me is whether I gave it my all. Medals are a by-product. The joy of driving, pushing yourself—that’s always been my true reward.
Q. Tell us about your upcoming events and future plans. Are you planning to retire
anytime soon?
Sanjay: I haven’t thought seriously about retirement yet. Motorsports has been my life. I love speed—I’ll always be involved in some way. In fact, I’ve started learning to fly. I’ve got my learner pilot license and my own small airplane. As for upcoming events, I’ll be doing the Thailand 4x4 cross-country with Toyota Fast Forward. I’ll also be training in Dubai and Morocco. The main focus is to prepare for Dakar again. I’ll also be doing a few build-up rallies.
Q. What advice do you have for racing enthusiasts?
Sanjay: I just want to say to the young drivers out there—please don’t speed on roads. Come to the track. It’s safer, more controlled, and you can wear proper gear. Motorsports is the best place to explore your passion for speed safely.
