Young motor sport racers tell Darpan Mago about everything that’s required to take control of the wheels — right attitude, concentration and presence of mind
Whoosh! The cars passed by at an extreme speed. The roaring sound of the engines set the heart thumping. Everyone rushed near the entry to get a good look at the lean, shimmering machines that were to take off on the race track. The only calm and composed ones here were the drivers who were gearing up to get the cars rolling. “A good car driver must be calm and alert. All the aggressiveness needs to be mellowed down before taking control of the steering. Another great factor is attitude. Bad attitude is like a flat trye, you will not be able to go anywhere unless you change it. You have to be sufficiently motivated to try harder for the next challenge,” said Ali Yawar Hayat, a racing car driver.
Mercedes-Benz concluded the season 2 of the ‘Young Star Driver Programme’, an initiative to spot, nurture and launch young talent in the motorsport arena. From nearly 6,000 applications received for the programme this year, only top three drivers secured the glittering trophies at the final race organised at the Buddh International Circuit. Mercedes-Benz ClA 45 AMG cars were seen racing on the track.
Being a race car driver is like being part of an entirely different class. Even in the times of defeat, the drivers take an opportunity to set the dice rolling and anticipate the next challenge. When a car does all the work, it is easy to succumb to a belief that drivers don’t have much work. Advait Deodhar, one of the top six finalists, who wasn’t able to make it to top three, was much determined in his speech. While inviting us to witness his next challenge in Chennai, he said, “The formula one driver is as fit as a football player. Physical and mental fitness is an important factor to steer a car that is enough powerful than the driver. As you break at 300 kmph and the force working against you is extremely high, the break pressure is almost equivalent to 120 kilos. In single-seater cars, the neck takes about 33-35 kilos of pressure on each side, while at the corners (taking turns). At this moment, the lateral forces working against you are only increasing. It is nothing like driving a regular car on roads.”
The question of car specifications and driver skills is often debated. Ali mentioned that both the factors are equally critical. “If it is a good car and you’re a bad driver, things won’t click. A powerful machine altogether needs a strong controller,” added Ali.
There were times when motorsports only happened on television sets in India but the recent response to the sport in the country is remarkable. “Earlier many people didn’t know about the racing culture in India. Now big car manufacturers from across the globe are giving us an opportunity to come and race at the best circuits. The times are changing and motorsport tradition in the country is gradually developing for youngsters like us. The construction of the Buddh International Circuit has opened doors to young enthusiasts who earlier had limited opportunities,” informed Ali. For the young enthusiasts, these drivers had an advice. “Start your career through carting in Chennai, which is also a hub of motorsports in the country. If you want to race, the first thing you need to do is gather information on what is happening, where is it happening and how it is going to happen. Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) is the body which gives all the information on motorsports events happening in India and across the world. People can join the sites and stay updated with as much information.”
Compared to all other sports, motorsports is expensive and remains exclusive to a few who can afford it. Vikash Anand, who secured the second position in the race, mentioned of sponsorship being the biggest hurdle to enter the game. Drivers at the event suggested that aspirants in the country should start with smaller motorsports like carting and then gradually earn recognition for the bigger ones.
The race concluded with Rajbharath Swaminathan securing the first position, Vikash Anand at the second and Ali Yawar Hayat at the third.