Brands
CEAT INDIAN supercross racing league reveals rider auction details and extends brand opportunity
Mumbai: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League 2024 has announced the roster for its upcoming rider auction in Pune on 7 January, 2024. CEAT ISRL is the supercross series that transcends geographical boundaries, attracting champion riders to showcase their talent and etch their names on the global best chart. The league is extending a unique opportunity for brands to be part of the high-octane excitement of off-road racing during its inaugural season.
The auction pool will feature a total of 104 riders, including 73 international racers slated to race in India for the first time and 31 Indian riders. Each team is allowed up to 2 riders per category, with a maximum of 48 slots available.
The cumulative auction kitty in the mega rider auction for season one totals Rs 6 CR, marking a significant milestone.
CEAT ISRL director & co-founder Eeshan Lokhande expressed his enthusiasm for this mega auction happening in India for the first time. “The league’s decision to host a rider auction signifies its commitment to transparency and accountability in its recruitment process. This move will undoubtedly enhance the league’s credibility and promote a fair and level playing field for all participants and franchise owners.”
The franchises are gearing up for season one, which promises to be a spectacle of speed and skill. Six teams are preparing to compete against each other in a thrilling display of racing prowess. BigRock Motorsport, led by CS Santosh, India’s rally-raid champion, is poised to make a monumental push for aspiring riders. The team is sure to impress with their skills and experience in the field. Gujarat Trailblazers, led by Indian motorsport legend Gaurav Gill, is another team to watch out for Reise MotoSports, owned by Yogesh Mahansaria, is joining the fray to revolutionise Indian Supercross with its innovative approach. Team Mohite racing, led by Abhishek Mohite, is committed to raising motorsport standards with their skills and expertise. APL Apollo-led SG Sports is another team expected to make waves in the competition. SG Speed Racers, the team’s official name, promises to bring fierce competition to the league. Lastly, Panchshil Racing, owned by Atul Chordia, former motocross racer and owner of Panchshil Realty, recognises the immense potential of Supercross in India and aims to showcase its talents in the competition.
As the inaugural season approaches, now is the opportune moment for brands to join this revolutionary motorsport journey. ISRL invites brands from various industries to explore this exciting opportunity and become an intrinsic part of the off-road racing community in India with the growing supercross movement. Recognising the transformative power of brand collaboration, Lokhande further added, “The unveiling of branding opportunities further underlines the league’s desire to forge long-lasting partnerships with businesses that share its vision for growth and success. This represents an excellent opportunity for brands looking to make a mark in motorsports and gain exposure to a broader audience.”
CEAT ISRL season one will host an impressive line-up of international champions and rising Indian stars. The championship will feature four exhilarating categories – 450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the fiercely competitive 85cc junior class. As the world’s best riders converge in India, the series will serve as the ultimate proving ground for global Supercross supremacy.
For more information on the CEAT ISRL Season one rider auction and updates on team selections, visit the official website at https://indiansupercrossleague.com
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
