TVS Young Media Racer Program 2025: Selection Round Wraps Up With Top 16 Riders Zooming Ahead

TVS Motor Company has been a major player in the Indian racing scene ever since it first started racing in 1982 with the XL50 moped. Fast forward to 2025, the manufacturer has multiple racing series, and we were invited to the selection round for the 9th edition of the TVS Young Media Racer Program (YMRP)—and we’re thrilled to share that we have qualified and made it into the top 16!

What is YMRP?

Launched in 2017, the YMRP is a platform created by TVS Racing to introduce upcoming automotive journalists to the high-octane world of racing. The program’s aim is to not only offer a taste of competition but also sharpen participants’ riding skills under professional guidance in a safe and controlled environment.

This year’s selection round was held on May 9, 2025, at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) in Tamil Nadu. It began with an intensive full-day Level 1 training session, hosted by the TVS Racing Academy. Journalists and influencers who were invited first received a blend of classroom instruction, followed by a track experience to implement the skills they learned in the classroom. Invitees are mentored by seasoned racers like Jagan Kumar and KY Ahmed, both multiple-time national champions.

The Race-Spec Machine

The participants then took to the track on the race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. The race version of the RTR 200 4V sheds its road-going traits for a more aggressive track riding experience. The bike gets some performance modifications in the form of high-lift camshafts, a free-flow exhaust and stickier 110-section Eurogrip tyres at both ends. TVS has also managed to shed some weight by removing all the lights, ABS module and having lighter alloy wheels. More Power + Less weight = More Speed. 

A Brutal Competition

Out of 46 participating automotive journalists and influencers from across India, only the top 16 fastest riders earn their ticket to the next round and we’re incredibly proud to say I was among them. These 16 finalists will now go head-to-head in the TVS India One Make Championship - Young Media Racer category, which runs parallel to the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC).

Uncompromised Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to racing, and TVS has left no stone unturned. In addition to standard protective gear like one-piece racing suits, ECE-22.06 and FIM-approved helmets, gloves, and boots, this year’s edition introduced Alpinestars R10 carbon fibre helmets.

Adding to the safety arsenal, riders were also equipped with Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag vests featuring six sensors (three gyroscopes and three accelerometers). In the event of a crash, the vest inflates in just 30 milliseconds. Safety checks are done each time before the rider goes on the track.  

With safety dialled in and adrenaline running high, the stage is now set for an electrifying race season. Stay tuned as the story unfolds because the track is calling, and we’re ready to race here at BikeDekho.