|
Young World
Racing away
SANA SYED
|
He is setting the tracks on fire.
|
Photo: Satish. H
Akhil Khushlani: Playing with his pet Snoope.
Akhil Khushlani, who has become a name well-known in formula racing is busy trying to prove his mettle in the international arena. Recently his team won the Formula BMW Team Championship, 2007 and with determination he expects to hit the bull’s eye with his entry in Formula-1 racing. It is the first time this team has won.
Akhil is the first Indian to register his position among the ‘Top 5’ in the World Karting Championship-2005 and happened to be a member of Narain Karthikeyan’s team for Formula Rolon 2006.
For Akhil, who has grown up watching his father participate in bike races, racing is nothing less than a passion. It has been nine years since he took to racing, starting as he did his career with go-karting. He prasticed on the very familiar Runway 9 as a beginner, idealising the Formula 1 racing icon Michael Schumacher.
In India, where craze for cricket seems to shadow the glory of other sports, Akhil is optimistic about the growing popularity of this adventure exercise. He feels that though people are aware of racing in general but for the moment not many know the professional form of the sport, which may take a little time to acquire.
On wheels
While many youngsters may believe that racing is a risky game, Akhil views it differently. “Every game has its own risk factors, and so it is with Formula-1 racing. Besides, the car designed for racing is adequately safe to drive”, remarks Akhil.
He prefers to practise rigorously during international tours and toils to acclimatize and develop his techniques further to meet the racing needs.
Akhil finds the mantra for excelling in the sport very simple. "You require basic interest in the game, thorough knowledge of its intricacies, fit and agile mental and physical self and requisite talent to be distinctly ahead of your competitors."
He is passionate about speed but when it comes to driving on road he is one of the most cautious and mature drivers. He has his own set of plans to popularise Formula-1 racing in the country but before that he is busy shaping his career. Akhil remarks, “Drive fast when you are on the racing track but not on busy roads. Your passion should not become a danger for others.” Watch him three years down the line and you may come across someone who has left his contenders far behind on the racing track.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
|
