The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Drag racing is a passion for this actor

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Wednesday, Jan 07, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Drag racing is a passion for this actor

M.T. Shiva Kumar

Vijay Kumar is a regular in the
racing circuit

BANGALORE: What started off as just another way to kill time turned into a passion for him. This 24-year-old international bike racer trained in the narrow gullies of Thindlu near Vidyaranyapura. His racing skills sharpened along with those in dodging the Bangalore City Police.

Today, C. Vijay Kumar is popular in racing circles, both at home and abroad. Also a movie actor, he is a standard fixture across biking circuits since 1999, representing the country in Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Dubai among others.

“I started my career in racing as a gully drag racer in 1997. I used to go drag racing on my father’s scooter on the streets. I dreamt of participating in racing events, which eventually turned into reality,” said Mr. Kumar.

His first accolade came in the form of a second prize in a local racing event at Allalasandra. “Neighbours complained when I drove on the streets during daytime. But driving was my passion. So, I used to take the vehicle out at night and go on long rides,” he said.

“Drag race is a sport and people and police should respect that,” Mr. Kumar insisted.

He confesses that he used to participate in drag races on Brigade Road, Mahatma Gandhi. Road and nearby areas as a student.

“I wish there was some space for people to officially participate in drag races,” he said.

Thrill, as he put it, is the driving force of drag racers. Wheeling, race, zigzag riding are their specialties. “But riders should be extra cautious. They should maintain their vehicles in good condition to avoid any possible accidents. Four-wheeler drag racers should shift to city outskirts.”

Recently, Mr. Kumar was involved in a bike accident in Dubai, and has not returned to racing since. Ullasa, the Kannada movie he is currently shooting for, has a daring action sequence.

“The movie has a drag race in it, and I am certainly not going to use any stunt doubles,” he proudly declared.

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