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I am a 13 years old student of Grade 9 at Bombay Scottish School (Mahim) in Mumbai. Last year, I started training in karting at Rayo Racing Academy – which is one of the top racing academies in India owned by eight time National Racing Champion – Mr. Rayomand Banajee.
In my debut racing season, I won four podiums in the National Karting Championship - 2019. Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India (FMSCI) conferred me with an “Outstanding Women in Motorsports- 2019” award on 29-01-20.
Recently, I got selected by the world Motorsports governing body FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) to participate in “FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars” initiative, in partnership with racing super brands like Ferrari and Pirelli.
I am the only Indian who has made it in the final selection of the top 20 girls out of 70 entries across five continents and hence shall be representing our country in the shootout at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on 12-13th, Oct. 2020. ‘FIA Girls On Track - Rising Stars’ is a platform providing real chance for talented young women drivers aged between 12 & 16 years to career up to the global levels by developing a strong pathway in Car Racing. And the best drivers gets awarded a contract with Ferrari Driving Academy. It’s a golden opportunity for me to compete at the global levels. Well, my aim is to build a career in Formula Racing.
2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?
My father took me once to the karting track, next to my house. He taught me karting initially but when he saw my skills and my inclination for this sport, he registered me with the Racing Academy under a professional coach. Yes, my family is very supportive in all respect. Even my school, my teachers, my friends & Principal, are very supportive.
3. Who is your favorite player and what have you learnt from him/her?
My favorite players are Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricardo. The major learning from Hamilton style of driving is to give your best in qualifying and strive to grab the pole position so that you start the race at the top. I like Daniel Ricardo because he is very jolly and a positive racer, even though during losses he remains happy & calm which is important.
4. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?
To become a world class racer you have to start kart racing at an early age. You need to work out hard on fitness - building strength, high reflexes and flexible. Even mental toughness is as important as physical toughness. You need daily exercises and regular racing practice for at least 3 to 5 hrs followed by a nutritious diet. My daily training routine includes -
2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?
My father took me once to the karting track, next to my house. He taught me karting initially but when he saw my skills and my inclination for this sport, he registered me with the Racing Academy under a professional coach. Yes, my family is very supportive in all respect. Even my school, my teachers, my friends & Principal, are very supportive.
3. Who is your favorite player and what have you learnt from him/her?
My favorite players are Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricardo. The major learning from Hamilton style of driving is to give your best in qualifying and strive to grab the pole position so that you start the race at the top. I like Daniel Ricardo because he is very jolly and a positive racer, even though during losses he remains happy & calm which is important.
4. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?
To become a world class racer you have to start kart racing at an early age. You need to work out hard on fitness - building strength, high reflexes and flexible. Even mental toughness is as important as physical toughness. You need daily exercises and regular racing practice for at least 3 to 5 hrs followed by a nutritious diet. My daily training routine includes -
- Physical training in basic exercises for strength, reflexes and flexibility by my Physical Training Coach.
- Driving at the racing track under guidance of my coaches, Mr. Saurav Bandyopadhyay and Steve Hodges
- Pre-defined diet prescribed by my nutritionist, Dr. Swati Bathwal
5. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full time profession?
In India, Motorsports is not a great career but I hope if we racers could create more awareness so that youngster like me can opt for it. Due to lack of infrastructure in our country such as tracks and other racing facilities, it’s very difficult for us to built strong careers here. At present the European countries offer best careers in Motorsport due to their advance infrastructure & racing facilities.
6. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is ‘Fault in our Stars’ by John Green.
Interview By - Sanjana Jain
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