Hemanth Muddappa beats world champion Ricky Gadson at The Valley Run drag race

Reigning motorcycle drag racing national champion, Hemanth Muddappa, outgunned 13-time world champion Ricky Gadson (USA) at The Valley Run 2025 at the Aamby Valley strip on Sunday, April 13.

Hemant Mudappa beats Ricky Gadson at Aamby Valley Run

The 15-time national champion clocked a blistering 9.477 seconds astride a BMW S1000RR (Mantra Racing), the fastest sprint of the event.

The crowd erupted into a thunderous applause as Muddappa crossed the finish line after a flawless launch and clean top-end pull to secure the win in what will be remembered as a defining moment in Indian drag racing.

Speaking after the race, Muddappa said: “Ricky is a legend of the sport. But it’s a very happy and humbling moment for me and my team, Mantra Racing, as we beat him today. Today’s a happy day for India.”

The Superbike category had over 1,000 participants this weekend but it was Muddappa who stole the spotlight.