By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: The quiet fields of Siejiong in East Khasi Hills came alive on Saturday with the thunder of engines and cheering crowds as the 3rd Meghalaya Blackwood Motorsport Society (MBMS) Dirt Track Challenge 2025 raced into action near Mawkasiang.
Now in its third year, the event took a fresh turn — shifting from motocross and autocross formats to a flat dirt track designed purely for speed. Riders tore through sandy bends and waterlogged stretches, testing both skill and endurance in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
MBMS General Secretary Will Pyngrope said the event was driven by a love for motorsport and a desire to promote safe, responsible racing. “We want to channel the energy of young riders onto the track, not the roads,” he said, emphasising the event’s message against reckless driving.
This year’s edition saw a record 94 riders from across Mizoram, Nagaland, Kohima, Assam, and South India, competing across six categories — beginners, novice, experts, two-stroke, scooty, and a special below-12 years segment that turned out to be one of the day’s biggest draws.
Veteran racer Anupam Dey from Assam, competing in the expert category for the third straight year, praised the event’s layout. “It’s technically demanding and fun — local competitions like this deserve more recognition,” said Dey, who has also raced in national events.In the open two-stroke class, participant Babit Kharkamni described the contest as “one of the best in the region,” noting that a single mistake on the track could cost a rider their place.Motocross pioneer Eugene Niangte lauded MBMS for giving Meghalaya’s youth a positive outlet. “This event helps young riders develop skills that could one day take them to the national stage,” he said.
Fellow organiser Vicky Kharkongor highlighted Siejiong’s natural advantage — a panoramic 360-degree view that made it a perfect venue for spectators. He also voiced concern about the declining motorsport scene in Shillong, praising MBMS for keeping the spirit alive. “Racing teaches discipline and focus. It can even steer youth away from drugs and towards something constructive,” Kharkongor said.
