Chetan vrooms forward fighting against the odds

Chetan had congenital limb deformity and had to undergo bi-lateral amputation at a very tender age. The world’s only car racer, who drives a regular race car without any modifications, Chetan opens up about his passion for car racing, his skills overcoming his disability and the challenges he met. 

“My main source of inspiration was my mother, who supported me — she believed in my abilities. Right from my childhood, I had an inclination towards toy cars. I used to get excited by just seeing them and I started walking on prosthetics by keeping a toy car as my target. My passion for racing was further reinforced when my mother and school teachers pushed me to actively take part in different sporting events,” reminisces Chetan. 

Post his formal education, Chetan joined professional racing. “In 2007, I went for the track opening ceremony at Madras Motor Sports Club, where they allowed me to ride a car a couple of laps. That was my first hands-on experience on a race track and it was an incredible moment for me - I cannot forget that moment. I was standing near a Formula LGB Swift and was literally staring at the car wondering whether to get in or not. I had my doubts - though prosthetics were part of me, I wasn’t sure whether I could fit inside the car. But, once I sat, I felt so comfortable,” he says. 

When Chetan started his racing career, he was the only Asian and the second car racer in the world with prosthetic legs after the Italian Formula One driver Alex Zanardi. Chetan has been participating in national-level racing events since 2007.  In 2017, he finished as the second runner-up in MRF FMSCI National racing championship 2017. 

“I have been racing for the past 11 years without a break and was part of at least one series a year. A race driver needs to be fearless and should have mental and physical stability. It’s a very demanding sport. I learned the art of balancing from my childhood — I was able to manage my body weight without any help. I didn’t want to tag myself as a ‘differently-abled’ racer. That’s the main reason for me to drive a regular racing car without any custom-made modifications,” says Chetan, who is one among the four differently-abled car racers in the world. He is now preparing to make his debut in the international racing circuits in 2018. 

“I want to promote the sport by introducing it to children from all walks of life. There is nothing satisfying than inspiring people around you,” he remarks.