A Thrilling Chapter in Nepali Motorsports: National Autocross Championship 2025 in Pokhara

A Thrilling Chapter in Nepali Motorsports: National Autocross Championship 2025 in Pokhara

February 17, 2026

Pokhara, widely known as a unique convergence of adventure tourism, natural beauty, and sports activities, has added a new chapter to the history of Nepali motorsports. Already established as a hub for paragliding, trekking, and ultralight flights, the introduction of a motorsport discipline like autocross has given tourism in Pokhara a fresh and dynamic dimension.

The National Autocross Championship 2025, held in the Bamdi area of Pokhara, showcased high-level motorsport competition and marked a significant step toward establishing Pokhara as a potential national center for motorsports and adventure sports. This championship, organized in Pokhara for the very first time, was promoted by Pokhara Metropolitan City, organized by ZION Overland and Victory Ventures, supported by Motoverse Sports Club, and coordinated by the Gandaki Automobile Association.

Autocross is a motorsport discipline in which drivers must complete a technically challenging course—constructed on dirt, gravel, or paved surfaces in a “time attack” format as quickly and precisely as possible. This format not only tests a driver’s skill, strategy, and vehicle control but also promotes awareness of road safety and disciplined driving.

The National Autocross Championship 2025 carries several historic milestones. It was the first autocross competition ever held in Pokhara and also marked the first time in Nepal that autocross races for cars above 2000 cc were conducted. Additionally, the event utilized Nepal’s longest off-road four-wheeler track, setting new technical benchmarks for motorsport events in the country.

The presence of more than 2,000 spectators clearly reflected the growing interest and enthusiasm for motorsports among the Nepali audience.

Marshalling played a vital role in the successful execution of the race. Marshals act as a bridge between drivers, organizers, and officials, ensuring discipline, safety, and fairness throughout the competition. More than ten trained marshals, over twenty volunteers, and a similar number of officials were actively involved in the event. Under the leadership of Yaduraj Lamichhane, Coordinator of the Marshals Commission of NASA Nepal, dozens of trained marshals and 20 volunteers ensured smooth race flow, effective time management, strict track safety, and firm rule enforcement, contributing significantly to the success of the event.

In the most thrilling showdown race category (above 2000 cc), Jay Pratap Maskey secured first place, Akash Golchha finished second, and Umang Shrestha claimed third place. Widely known in sim racing and auto gymkhana, Jay Pratap Maskey has begun making a strong impact in autocross as well. Having previously reached the qualifying round of the Autocross Cross Car event at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Sri Lanka, this marked his first national title in autocross.

Akash Golchha, from the well-known Golchha family in motorsports, drew significant attention by securing a podium position in his very first motorsport debut. For Akash, who had previously been involved only in local motorsport activities, this was his first official national-level competition and podium finish. Umang Shrestha, finishing third, further intensified the competition with his consistency and skillful performance.

In the below 2000 cc category, Rabin Sunuwar finished first, Sushil Suwal second, and Kabin Thakuri third. Rabin Sunuwar, along with Jay Pratap Maskey, is among the first Nepali drivers to represent Nepal at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Sri Lanka and is a well-established multi-medal-winning national-level driver in both autocross and auto gymkhana. For Sushil Suwal and Kabin Thakuri, this was likely their first national-level competition and podium finish, signaling the rise of a new generation in Nepali motorsports.

In the women’s category, Puja Pakhrin emerged as the winner. A former TDS Rally winner, Puja is active in the modeling and fashion industry and is an experienced auto gymkhana driver. This was her first participation and first victory in autocross. Dr. Sumi Mall secured second place; she is a medical professional and the titleholder of Mrs. Vogue Nepal last year. Through consistent practice and strong performances in both auto gymkhana and autocross, she has firmly established her presence. Bipashana Tamang, who finished third, is already a recognized name in auto gymkhana and has represented Nepal in international competitions in Sri Lanka and India.

At the prize distribution ceremony, Shiva Shrestha, President of the Gandaki Automobile Association; Govinda Bhattarai, Executive Director of NASA Nepal; Saurabh Jyoti, Board Member of NAIMA Nepal and Chairman of the Padma Jyoti Group; and Prakash Kapuri, Board Member of NADA and President of the Koshi Automobile Association, were present as special guests. They awarded trophies, certificates, and cash prizes to the winners and participants, encouraging the athletes.

The championship was inaugurated with a flag-off by Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, as the Chief Guest, while Deepak Godar, Chairman of the Pokhara Metropolitan Sports Development Committee, attended as a Guest. They expressed positive views on the potential of motorsports in Pokhara, youth participation, and its strong linkage with adventure tourism.

In the above 2000 cc category, cash prizes of NPR 61,000 for first place, NPR 30,000 for second, and NPR 15,000 for third were awarded. In the below 2000 cc category, winners received NPR 51,000, NPR 25,000, and NPR 12,000 respectively. In the women’s category, the first-place driver received NPR 15,000, second NPR 10,000, and third NPR 5,000. Participation in the women’s category was limited to six drivers.

The championship extended beyond racing alone. Activities such as the Bike and Coffee Showcase, adventure sports displays, hot air ballooning, and paragliding presentations transformed the event into a motorsports lifestyle festival.

The main organizer, ZION Overland, is a growing network of motorsport enthusiasts that conducts motorcycle- and café-based networking events across the country, bringing together motorsport fans, superbike riders, and automobile enthusiasts through a shared passion for roaring engines and energizing coffee. With the aim of entering four-wheeler motorsports, Jeon Overland has previously participated in the Bagmati Auto Gymkhana Championship and has officially announced cross-country rally and auto gymkhana series for 2026 in collaboration with Motoverse Sports Club.

The event was endorsed by the Gandaki Province Automobile Association, a provincial-level motorsport regulatory and organizing body formed under the Provincial Sports Act, registered with the Gandaki Province Sports Council and affiliated with NASA Nepal. The association has coordinated and supported events such as the Trans Himalayan Adventure, Pokhara Motocross Enduro Championship, Pokhara Motor Rally, and various road safety programs, playing a highly effective role in the National Autocross Championship 2025 as well.

The title sponsor of the event was Liqui Moly Lubricants, with Proton as co-sponsor. Apollo Tyres served as the tyre partner, while Xtreme Energy Drink was the energy partner. Numerous supported and associate partners actively contributed to the success of the event.
Numerous supported and associate partners contributed actively, including Rozeraab, Towing Nepal, Myth Jeans, Kavach, Yeti Gears, Wheels & Wash, Motomax Nepal, Carmandu Collectibles Café, Dolpo, Quill Design, Dirt Temple, Autofocus, Autonepal, Neplaps, Ayani, Brother There For We, Pame Club Pokhara, Bagaincha, Camp Himalaya, Dharohar Tea, Nepal Drives, Lake Spice, Thread Arts, The Car Meet, Hotel Earth Light, Tripura, Dee Van Unisex Salon, and Hotel Yatra Sauraha.

Nepal Police and Traffic Police provided commendable support. For the first time in Nepali motorsports, drivers were subjected to alcohol testing, and only those who passed were allowed to compete an exceptionally rare practice even in global motorsports. Their active involvement in safety, traffic management, and crowd control ensured a secure and well-managed event.

Despite limited resources, the combined financial, technical, and managerial support of sponsors, partners, and promoters enabled the championship to be successfully conducted at a national level, adhering to safety protocols and international standards truly representing a “complete motorsport” event.

The National Autocross Championship 2025 has not only highlighted Pokhara’s motorsport potential but also presented a clear roadmap for the sustainable development of motorsports in Nepal. Collaboration among local governments, national associations, and the private sector has laid the foundation for hosting even larger national and international motorsport events in the future.

Pokhara is no longer just a city of natural beauty, it is steadily advancing toward becoming a shared hub for motorsports, adventure sports, and tourism.

Article By: Ankit Bhandari