The 9th Auto & MotoX, along with the Northeast Championship Round 2026, commenced at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on February 6 and will conclude on February 7.
The event is being organised by the Adventure and Motorsports Association Mokokchung (AMAM) at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. It carries a total prize pool of ₹3.50 lakh, along with trophies and certificates. This edition serves as an important round of the Northeast Championship 2026 and has attracted competitors from various motor and moto clubs across Nagaland and neighbouring Northeastern states.
This edition has participation exclusively from within Nagaland, with competitors representing Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung. A total of around 60 four-wheelers are competing in the AutoX category, while approximately 17 riders are participating in the MotoX events.
The AutoX event was flagged off by the Inaugural Patron, Imkumwapang, District Transport Officer (DTO), Mon. The MotoX segment was later flagged off by the MotoX Inaugural Patron, Longden Longkumer, Managing Director, LL Group, Nagaland.
Autocross competitions are being held under three categories – Open, Below 1300cc, and SUV. The Open category allows unrestricted competition, the Below 1300cc category features compact vehicles, while the SUV category includes higher-torque vehicles competing on dirt tracks. The Below 1300cc category has 24 participants, the Open category 25 participants, and the SUV category 10 participants.
The MotoX competitions are being conducted in two categories: Beginner and Open. The Beginner category has 10 entrants, while the Open category has 8 riders. A total of 33 participants are competing in the Northeast Championship round.
For AutoX, competitors in the Open, Below 1300cc, and SUV categories are representing Team RD, Team AMAM, Team Spearhead, Team MH7, Team Street Kings, Team KAMC, Aces High Kohima, Team P. Vizhetho and other individuals not representing any teams.
In MotoX (Day 1), the Beginner category includes Khruzoto, Alem, Akum, Perong, Jungshi, Moasen, Shalo Kent, Rinko, Meno, and Krishna, while the Open category features Akho, Akhotuo, Alem, Alem Jamir, Neitho, Justin, Asa, and Liron.
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As per the competition format, performances from both Day 1 and Day 2 will be combined, with timings from each run being clubbed together to determine the final results. Riders and drivers who perform well on the first day will aim to further improve on the same track on the second day, while others will look to make up ground, as every run and every second remains crucial in deciding the winners.
Regarding the Northeast Championship, the organisers informed that the event organised by the Adventure and Motorsports Association of Mokokchung (AMAM) marks the kick-off round and has been designated as Round One. The second round will be held at the next motorsport event organised by any recognised club or association in either Nagaland or Shillong, whichever takes place first.
The Northeast Championship will consist of a total of 12 rounds, and the overall champion at the conclusion of these rounds will earn qualification to compete in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), to be held in mainland India. The champion’s participation will be sponsored by the Motorsport Association of Northeast India.
Addressing the participants during the MotoX event, Longden Longkumer emphasized that safety must always come first. Drawing a comparison with the mainland, he noted that organizing AutoX and MotoX events elsewhere often requires specially developed off-road tracks and hilly terrains. However, he pointed out that Nagaland is naturally endowed with such landscapes, making it an ideal location for motorsports.
Longkumer further highlighted the importance of driving skills, control, and proper techniques, stating that when these aspects are mastered, motorsports become a true sport rather than just a hobby. He encouraged the participants to sharpen their skills, expressing confidence that they would be able to compete with riders and drivers from outside the state. He also conveyed hope that AutoX and MotoX would emerge as a promising sport in the region.
Earlier, during the formal programme, Limazulu Kichu presented the technical note. The organisers, Adventure and Motorsports Association Mokokchung (AMAM), paid tribute to the late Kamlesh Das of Meghalaya, who tragically passed away on January 12. A member of the Meghalaya Motorsports Association (MMSA), Das had been a regular participant in motorsport events organised by AMAM since 2013, actively associated with the organisation for over a decade. Toshi Kichu, Convenor of the 9th Auto & MotoX 2026, delivered the welcome address, extending greetings to the participants, officials, and guests present at the programme.
The event activities began on February 5 with scrutiny and technical inspection of all participating vehicles and bikes. The competition will conclude on February 7, followed by the prize distribution ceremony, which will be graced by Wangpang Konyak, Advisor, Social Welfare, as the Special Guest. The 9th Auto & MotoX is sponsored by Nagaland Minerals & Mines, PitStop (Kohima), MG Dimapur, Ahibi, and Digi Printer.
