Sanjay ‘Hardy’ Sharma, JK Tyre Motorsport Head, Passes Away at 61

The Indian motorsport fraternity is mourning the loss of Sanjay Sharma, fondly known as ‘Hardy’, who passed away on 11 February 2026 at the age of 61 following complications after heart surgery. As one of the senior-most figures overseeing JK Tyre’s motorsport and corporate communication functions, Hardy played a defining role in shaping organised racing in India.

For over three decades, Hardy shaped the JK Tyre motorsport programme into a space many young drivers came to see as their starting point. Under his watch, the JK Tyre National Racing Championship, launched in 1997, grew into a clear step from karting to single-seater racing, and he followed that journey closely with those coming through the ranks.

Also Read: Growing Indian Talent has Been our Mission: Sanjay Sharma, JK Motorsports

At a time when Indian motorsport felt scattered, Hardy kept pushing for a structure that gave drivers a place to begin and a way to move forward. That pathway continues today, with JK Tyre involved in Formula 4 racing in India, including the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing Festival 2025, a continuation of the ladder Hardy spent years helping to build.

Several of India’s most prominent racers progressed through this ecosystem during Hardy’s tenure. Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, both of whom went on to compete in Formula 1, were among those who emerged from the structure he helped build.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JK Tyre Motorsport (@jktyre_motorsport)

Others, including Aditya Patel and Armaan Ebrahim, also benefitted from the backing and continuity provided during his watch, while Arjun Maini and Kush Maini progressed through the system and went on to compete in Formula 2. Beyond circuit racing, Hardy supported rallying initiatives and drivers such as Gaurav Gill, expanding the scope of organised competition across disciplines.

More than a corporate executive, Hardy was a constant presence at the racetrack. He was known to walk the paddock, speak with teams and quietly encourage young drivers. Tributes from across the fraternity have described him as fair yet firm, business-savvy yet deeply passionate about the sport.

Hardy’s passing marks the end of an era. In the garages and pit lanes where he spent much of his working life, he will be remembered not just for the role he held but for the time he gave to the sport and the people within it.