Guwahati: Veteran Indian cross-country rally driver Lhakpa Tsering is set to take on one of Asia’s most gruelling motorsport challenges- the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025, with support from JK Tyre, the Department of Youth Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh, Tanor Engineering, and motorsport promoter Doc Rider.
Often dubbed the “Dakar of the East,” AXCR 2025 will run from August 8 to 16 in Thailand, covering over 3,400 km of dense forests, mountain trails, riverbeds, and extreme off-road terrain. The rally will start and finish in Pattaya, with 180 vehicles from across Asia competing over nine demanding days. Teams from Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India will participate.
Tsering will drive the latest Toyota Hilux, a rally-proven machine renowned for its durability under extreme conditions.
“It’s an honour to represent India at the Asia Cross Country Rally, and even more special to carry the hopes of the Northeast with me. This opportunity is a big step not just in my journey, but also for aspiring motorsport talent from the region. I’m grateful to JK Tyre, the Department of Youth Affairs of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tanor Engineering for believing in me and supporting this dream,” said Tsering.
Abu Tayeng, IAS, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs, Arunachal Pradesh, said the State aims to leverage its scenic landscapes and terrain similarities with Southeast Asia to create a motorsport and adventure tourism hub. “This strategic vision will showcase Arunachal as a vibrant centre for adventure sports, drawing tourism, investment, and youth innovation,” he said.
Sanjay Sharma, Head- Corporate Communication & Motorsport, JK Tyre, called Tsering’s participation “a proud moment for the Northeast,” noting the company’s decades-long commitment to nurturing motorsport talent in the region.
“We’ve been actively promoting motorsport in the region for several years now, and supporting Lhakpa on this international platform is a natural extension of that commitment,” he said.
The Department of Youth Affairs of Arunachal Pradesh has been working to develop skills in adventure tourism, martial arts, culinary arts, and other disciplines through exposure tours and collaborations with Southeast Asian nations.
JK Tyre, India’s biggest promoter of motorsport, is credited with developing top drivers like Narain Karthikeyan and promoting adventure motorsports in the Northeast through grassroots programs, training, and infrastructure support.
Tanor Engineering, founded by entrepreneur Dilling Tatak, has been instrumental in building Arunachal Pradesh’s adventure motorsport infrastructure and creating youth engagement programs.
Doc Rider, Patron of the Superbike Club of Arunachal, is a motorsport enthusiast who promotes safe riding, mentors young bikers, and organizes events to grow the region’s motorsport culture.
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