Asia Cross Country Rally 2025: Sanjay Takale secures special trophy, and powers team Toyota to overall second

Asia Cross Country Rally 2025, Pune’s veteran rally driver Sanjay Takale once again reminded the motorsport world why resilience and grit often matter more than luck and skill alone. Competing in the 30th edition of the Asia Cross Country Rally 2025 (AXCR) – one of Asia’s most punishing off-road rallies – with many adversaries in his way, Takale was pushed down to the last position. Takale’s spirit turned early heartbreak into an inspiring triumph. With a 14-position lead in the end, Takale finished 31st. This helped Team Toyota secure an overall second-place team finish, and Takale was honoured with a Special Trophy for his exceptional fightback performance.

Asia Rally Hurdles

It wasn’t smooth sailing from the beginning. On Day 2, disaster struck when Takale’s car hit a ditch at high speed. The impact shredded a tyre, caused a severe puncture, and even broke a wheel nut. What could have been a routine wheel change turned into a nightmare, consuming over two hours. Worse, a nine-hour penalty – pushing him and his Thai co-driver Keerati Noijard to the very bottom of the standings. Refusing to give in, Takale attacked the remaining stages with determination. Stage after stage, he pushed Car #117 to its limits, gradually regaining lost ground.

On Day 5, in the middle of a swamp-ridden stretch, he spotted a fellow Team Toyota car trapped and immobile. Without hesitation, Takale stopped, hooked up his winch, and pulled his teammate’s car free, further losing an hour in the process. Takale, nevertheless, continued onwards.

By the rally’s end, Takale’s efforts had not only put him back in the competition but also ensured Team Toyota climbed to an overall second-place finish. Takale finished the rally 31st overall.