Sanjay Takale, a seasoned motorsport champion with a career spanning over two decades, has made an indelible mark in global racing, from his early days in rural India to triumphs in prestigious events like the FIA Motorsport Games and the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. After transitioning from professional motorbike racing to rally motorsports in 2012, Takale achieved remarkable success, including multiple podiums and championships across the globe. Now, at 54, he holds the position of Director at aerpace Industries Ltd., where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s futuristic transportation innovations.

In an exclusive conversation with Business Frontier, Takale shares his vision for nurturing motorsport talent through aerpace Racers, the integration of sustainable hydrogen-powered solutions, and the future of air mobility. With his unique blend of racing expertise and leadership in innovation, Takale is set to redefine the future of both motorsports and sustainable transportation.

Ǫ. How has your journey from rural India to global racing success shaped your vision for nurturing motorsport talent through aerpace Racers?
My journey began in the humble lanes of Manjiri, where resources were limited but dreams were boundless. Growing up, motorsport was an unattainable dream for many like me in rural India. When I transitioned from two-wheelers to becoming the first Indian to compete in prestigious global events like the FIA Motorsport Games and now the Dakar Rally, I realised the untapped potential in our youth.

Through aerpace Racers, I aim to bridge this gap. It’s about providing aspiring drivers with access to world-class training, technology, and mentorship. Motorsport taught me resilience, precision, and innovation—qualities that define success, both on and off the track. I want to see India become a formidable force in motorsport, and aerpace Racers is the platform to make that happen.

Ǫ. What drives you to keep pushing boundaries in racing, and how do you balance it with your leadership role at aerpace?
Racing, for me, is not just a sport—it’s a way of life. The adrenaline of pushing limits and the discipline it demands have shaped my approach to everything, including my role at aerpace. At Dakar 2025, for instance, I’m not just racing; I’m showcasing what determination and innovation can achieve.

Balancing my racing career with my leadership at aerpace is seamless because both share the same DNA—challenging conventions and building for the future. aerpace is redefining mobility, and motorsport has given me the tools to think ahead, adapt, and lead with purpose.

Ǫ. How is aerpace redefining mobility in India, especially in connecting rural and urban areas, and how has motorsport influenced these innovations?
Motorsport teaches you to analyse terrain, optimise performance, and navigate efficiently—lessons that directly translate to aerpace’s mission. In India, mobility is about more than just convenience; it’s about accessibility. Many rural areas remain isolated, their potential untapped. aerpace Industries LTD bridges this gap with its ecosystem of innovations like aerDrive and aerTaxi, aerCargo offering affordable, sustainable, and efficient transportation solutions. Motorsport’s focus on speed and safety drives our designs, ensuring that aerpace connects every corner of India with cutting- edge mobility while fostering inclusivity.

Ǫ. How is aerpace integrating hydrogen-powered solutions, and what impact will this have on sustainability and resource efficiency?
Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and aerpace is at the forefront of this revolution. Our hydrogen-powered initiatives aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring cost-efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging hydrogen’s potential, we’re developing solutions like hydrogen fuel cells for aerWing configurations, which are not only eco-friendly but also scalable for urban and rural demands. This technology allows us to provide clean energy solutions while promoting resource efficiency. It’s a bold step toward a greener planet, and aerpace is committed to making it accessible to all.

Ǫ. How do aerWing’s configurations—like aerDrive, aerCare, and aerTaxi—address user needs while ensuring safety and eco-friendliness?
The beauty of aerWing lies in its adaptability. Whether it’s aerDrive for personal commutes, aerCare for medical emergencies, or aerTaxi for urban transit, each configuration is designed with the user at its core. Safety is paramount, and aerWing integrates advanced AI, autonomous navigation, and energy-efficient systems to ensure every journey is secure and sustainable. Our designs focus on minimising environmental impact, from lightweight materials to energy-efficient propulsion systems, proving that innovation and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand.

Ǫ. What is your long-term vision for aerpace and aerpace Racers, and how do you hope to inspire the next generation?
My vision is to see aerpace as a global leader in sustainable mobility and innovation, shaping the future of transportation while inspiring change. For aerpace Racers, it’s about building a legacy. I want to mentor young talents, enabling them to dream beyond boundaries and achieve what once seemed impossible.
The next generation should see motorsport as not just a sport but a career that fosters innovation, discipline, and leadership. Through platforms like aerpace Racers, we’re creating opportunities to redefine motorsport’s narrative in India and beyond.

Ǫ. What key industry trends do you see shaping the future of air mobility in the next decade, and how is aerpace positioning itself to leverage these opportunities?
The next decade will witness transformative trends in autonomous vehicles, hydrogen-powered mobility, and urban air taxis. The demand for eco-friendly, efficient, and connected transportation will drive innovation globally.

aerpace Industries Ltd is strategically positioned to lead this change with its focus on sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and user-centric designs. We’re investing in smart ecosystems, AI-driven safety protocols, and renewable energy solutions to ensure we stay ahead of the curve. Our mission is not just to participate in this future but to shape it, making aerpace synonymous with mobility innovation worldwide.