Rushab Shah is an Indian motorcycle racer from Bengaluru who has built his reputation far from the comfort of permanent circuits. In 2025, he took his craft to some of Europe’s most intimidating road courses in the International Road Racing Championship, while also stamping his authority back home by winning three classes and the Fastest Rider award at the inaugural Indian National Hill Climb Championship. The season read like a study in contrast, tight city streets and forest-lined roads abroad, steep mountain runs in India, all tied together by a rider learning how far his limits could stretch.
His first true highlight came early and under difficult conditions. “My first road race in the rain, did surprisingly well climbing up to p13 from p21 before binning it in the last lap, also my first crash at a road race hahaha,” he said. The result itself mattered less than what it confirmed. He could move through a field on public roads, in the wet, against riders who had grown up in that environment. Even the crash felt like part of the initiation.
Then there was the Czech TT, a course that tends to leave riders searching for the right words. “The CzechTT course, 5.1 km long with 26 corners, 90meters of elevation and 8m wide, all through a city and a forest. It was unreal!” Shah spoke about it with the energy of someone still replaying each section in his head, every rise and compression burned into memory.
The third highlight was quieter and more personal. “Enjoying the summer racing with my childhood friend Himesh, who let me bunk with him through the season.” Road racing can be isolating, especially for a rider competing far from home, and that sense of shared routine anchored him through the long weeks.
Simply arriving at each race felt like a victory. “Just getting to the races was a goal achieved, finishing in the top 20 was the cherry on top. Being a road race, coming back in one piece and smiling is all one can ask for.” The grind behind the scenes was heavier than expected. “The fact that I had to work on my own bike. Changing tyres, engine oil, brake pads, bleeding the brakes etc, you get the point.” When he was not riding, he was wrenching.
Away from competition, one moment stood still. “Caught myself admiring the sun set on track at Schleiz, Germany. All the shades of red and yellow and the gratitude of being able to bring this figment of my imagination into reality. Truly blessed.” That sense of gratitude now fuels his off-season focus. He is aiming to return stronger, sharper, and smarter with the machine. A top 15 finish next year is the target, built on better setup and the confidence of knowing the roads.
His advice to newcomers reflects the seriousness of the discipline. “Don’t pressure yourself, enjoy the process and respect the road course. Road racing requires maturity and a wrong move could be your last. Work on consistency and build up your pace gradually."
