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Two of a kind in Asian Road Racing
Chennai has two young riders, the 24-year-old Sarath Kumar and the 18-year-old Rajiv Sethu, competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship. Sarath is driving in the 600cc class superbikes while Rajiv is in the 250cc category.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
On Saturday, Rajiv Sethu clinched the title in the Honda CBR 250 (Open) category of the MMSC One-Make Championship despite finishing fifth in the support race which was won by Deepak Ravikumar.
I know the track well: Sarath Kumar
What gives you an advantage over the other participants?Â
The biggest advantage is the track. I know the track very well, additionally since it’s the home-ground I am excited to get that support and cheering from our fans and family. However, there is pressure on us as it is after all the Asian Road Racing Championship and I want to come out as a top rider
You’ve been racing for two years and you’ve had quite a few injuries. Â
I have suffered quite a few injuries, I broke my collar bone, and my knee hasn’t fully recovered yet. But sometimes you just have to get back to the track. There are crashes that happen on the track but when you lose points that is what bothers you the most.Â
How do you deal with victories and defeats?Â
Whenever we get victory that lasts for a very short time, but when you lose that stays for longer. The victory and its celebration last for two days, but when you lose that stays with you for at least a month which also makes us perform better.Â
What is your favourite part about racing? What is it that makes it worth taking so much risk?Â
The best part is when you cut close to the corners, when you slide the bike. The worst part is having a crash, once it comes in your view it is difficult to get back, but you have to pull yourself out of it.Â
Goal in the next few years? Â
We are targeting the MOTO 2, World Championship.Â
You’re one of the youngest participants, isn’t it intimidating to compete with established racers?Â
We keep learning from the experienced riders on track. They are our competitors but I have to fight them anyway.
I don’t mind falling: RajivÂ
Since your racing career began in 2014, you have already dealt with two major crashes including one at 185 kmph. You have had to recover from severe injuries to the leg and hip. How do you deal with them? Â
I am a young boy, I don’t mind falling. But recovering is also a very tough thing in racing, somehow, I recover.Â
What keeps you going despite the dangers involved?Â
Racing has a good amount of dangers in it. But if we crash, then we have to manage. I used to always love races as a kid and I love speed. I think that’s what keeps me going despite of the dangers involved.Â
How do you train? How many hours a day?Â
I go to the gym every day for 2hrs everyday and do a mix of both cardio and weight training. Alternate days I cycle for around 60-65kms.
How is to race in front of your home crowd at Asia Road Racing Championship?Â
I am extremely excited to race in front of my fans, family and supporters. However, because it’s the home-ground there is a lot of pressure as well, you have to meet a lot of expectations.Â
Why do you think there’s not much participation or youngsters from TN in racing? What would you tell those aspiring to be a part of it?Â
Now it has changed. There are a lot of youngsters participating. The participation is growing, as parents are also now encouraging their children. I would tell them that racing has improved a lot. I would tell them to stop going so fast on the roads and prove their good talent on the track.
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