Most promising racing rookie

It is a tale which is still quite popular in the Chennai racing circles. Any new maid wishing to work in the house of the Chandhoks have necessarily to know the names of all the Formula 1 drivers of the world -- a test indicative of the atmosphere prevailing in their Chennai residence.

And of course, the youngest formula Asia champion's love for cars even as a child will be spoken about now that he has been adjudged ``the most promising Asian Rookie of the season''. However, it is myths and legends like these that mark the outer contours of passion. ``My mother tells me that the first word I learnt to speak was car,'' says Karun Chandhok, basking in the glory of his victory here today.

Currently into the second year of his professional motor-sport career, the 17-year-old won five championships in a row ever since he took up his passion seriously. ``I couldn't start earlier as I got a racing competition licence only when I was 16,'' he points out.

Having started go-karting since he was six, Karun was ``discovered'' by JK Tyre and trained at the Advanced Training Academy, Chennai. With his father, Vicky Chandhok providing him the necessary inspiration, he excelled at the J. K. Tyre National Racing Championships held last year. ``I used to go straight to the race-course from school,'' recalls this Class XIIth student of Shishya School in Chennai, who also managed to secure 91 per cent in his board exams.

The Formula Asia championships, he said, was a tremendous experience. ``It is good to visit so many different countries, drive in so many different tracks,'' he says. ``Every single race track is special in its own way. I won both races in the Philippines. The Johor Bahru race track was very challenging indeed.''

In round six of the championships, Karun equalled Narain Karthikeyan's record for maximum number of race wins by a racer, winning his 7th race of the season. ``While driving in China, I had a problem with the brakes and I had to change my driving tactics as I did not want to lose on important championship points,'' Karun recalls.

According to this motorsport whizkid, it is the ``extra fighting killer instinct'' that often comes in handy while playing a sport like this. ``You have got to be mentally strong and even if the car is not handled properly, you have to do your best.''

Citing another challenging instance, Karun says in the last race that he had participated, his car was held up in the Customs. ``I had to rent a different car and drive it,'' he informs. ``The requisite mental strength to respond to challenging situations is a prized possession in racing''.

Arguing that winning a race was a team effort, Karun says that in his case, his father, the Chief Engineer, Patrick and the team instructor, Akbar, deserve all the kudos. ``My dream is to drive the best Formula 1 car,'' he points out. ``Next year, I will participate in the British Formula 3 and I have already started practice.''

In fact, the extraordinary performance of this 17-year-old wonder attracted the attention of Carlin Motorsport's, the leading British Formula 3 team, and they invited Karun for an Formula 3 test drive at Pembrey, South Wales in the United Kingdom. The test drive was scheduled for October 9 and 10 after the completion of Round 7 of Formula Asia 2000. ``The tests went off very well. I will going to the U.K. again in the third week of February for some more testing before the first race,'' Karun informs.

The only Indian to achieve the fastest lap time in every race of the year, Karun says he can master a race track in 15-20 laps, on an average. ``Of course, I can drive blindfolded in the Chennai race track,'' says the champion, who has not yet been able to sit back and enjoy his victory. ``I have been traveling all over Asia and it is only after going back home will I get some rest.''

By K. Kannan

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