Lights, Camera, Action.
The final day the one from a billion wildcard round was far from a normal day. The day began for us with an 18 year old kid setting the track on fire with a blistering speed of 23.737. Karting since he was an 8 year old kid, Parth was oozing with experience and it was clearly showing in his time as he gained time with every completed lap. A first year B.Com student from Kohlapur, he is a formula 4 racer. What’s more he also happens to be the national champion for three continous years from 2008 to 2010. Being asked what it was that got him into racing, he says its his craze for speed. Growing up watching F1, he adds, “The more you watch, the more you get into it”.
If we thought one was filling, we were greeted by Jehan who went on to cut through Arya’s timing, thus topping the charts for the 12-14 group. A Mumbaikar, standard 8 student, the current national champion, he clocked 23.962. Speaking to us, full of modesty, he says, “I am a good racer. But if somebody drives better, they can beat me.” Now that speaks for him, doesn’t it?
Adding to the list of people giving competition to the topper, was Yaseer Raza, a delightful person. Karting for the first time, having clocked 26.078, he says, “Win, or lose, I have no problem. I am happy that I got a chance to participate.” We then got to know his brother too participated in the one from a billion hunt, when due to the age constraints, he could not participate. However, a month ago when the wildcard round was announced he was glad he could now participate. With a bit of practice, we are sure he could go on to do well.
We had a young 7th grade kid who not only karted well but also made us wait for a while before we could have a word with him. So eager was he, that no sooner did he get out of the kart, than he dashed off to have a peak at his timing. Coming from Chennai, karting for over six months, Tapeshwar clocked a time of 24.356. We could see the disappointment on his face as he made his way back, and all we can say is, there is always a next time kid.
Next among the zealous was Dhruv. A motocross racers son, he began biking at a very young age and it then, when his uncle found recognised his talent, that he got into karting. He clocked a timing of 24.458, which unfortunately could not ensure him a spot in the finals.
Wrapping up the wildcard round, we had two new break-ins ensuring that the final day did indeed go on to play its part in living up to its name, the finale. The two toppers Jehan and Parth, having topped the charts in their respective groups, have ensured themselves a spot in the finals that is going to take place shortly. We take pleasure in congratulating the duo on their success and wish them luck for the finals. With more action coming our way, we are eagerly awaiting the finals. Until then, its OFAB, signing off.