Below is an interview we did with CS Santosh in 2013.
The 2012 Raid de Himalaya winner is one of the best off-road motorcyclists that the country has ever produced. He has won over 40 races in different categories in India and abroad as well. He has been the National Supercross Champion four times and has won many a race in the Sri Lankan and Asian Championships.
2008 saw Santosh got a significant breakthrough by being the first Indian in the Asian Motocross championship. He qualified with the fastest time in Moto II in Iran, where his race result was fourth, the highest by an Indian rider abroad. 2010 saw him finishing 6th in the Asian Motorcross Championship.
xBhp got a chance to catch up with this young racer soon after he returned from the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, where after a good start to the rally, it ended with a freak accident. His motorcycle caught on fire and before he could get away his clothes also started burning. Luckily, a four wheeler team saw him and helped him out till he was airlifted to a hospital. See what Santosh has to say as he recuperates from his ghastly injury –
xBhp – Did you follow motorsports as a kid?
CS Santosh – No, I wasn’t aware of motorsports when I was growing up.
X – Who was the biggest inspiration for joining motorsports?
CSS – I was inspired by Carl Fogarty when I must have been 17 years old.
X – What was your biggest hurdle that you faced when you took up motorsports?
CSS – I had no direction, there were no schools to help with technique. Something that I will change in the years to come.
X – What was your first impression of the teams and people in the paddock?
CSS – I remember being at the races and thinking how cool it would be to one day be a part of a team. It was my goal to get on a team from then on.
X – Do you have any kind of ritual/routine before the start of a race?
CSS – I wear my left boot and my left glove before my right.
X – How do you stay physically fit for a motorcycle racing season?
CSS – Off-road is extremely physical and I train religiously, I also put in countless laps at the track and try and enjoy the whole process.
X – Did you have to face family pressure to give up this dangerous sport?
CSS – It’s always hard on parents. Initially there was some resistance, but once they knew this is what I wanted to do, they have always been there for me.
X – Does any member of your family accompany you for a race?
CSS – No they don’t. They would be stressed out when I’m racing! Can’t do that to them.
X – Have you suffered any serious injury in the sport?
CSS – I have been hurt quite a few times in the last 10 years but the human body is amazing and has the power to heal all by its self. All that I can do is to be positive during these times and do whatever it takes to get back on the bike again.
X – What are your passions/interests other than motorcycle racing?
CSS – I like to read to expand my horizons. Music is something I can’t live without!
X – What advice would you give to a 15 year old who wants to take up motorcycle racing in India?
CSS – Have a goal and work towards it. Hard work and some luck will take you a long way. Racing is strictly off the streets and on the track.
X – The thing that you love the most about motorcycle racing?
CSS – Motorcycling is my way of self-expression, it’s who I am.
X – The one thing that you dislike about motorcycle racing?
CSS – Being dependent on sponsors!
X – Have you noticed any tangible change in the motorcycle racing scenario in the country?
CSS – Every day I am reminded of the immense potential in terms of talent a country like India has and I have seen a growth in passion towards racing.
X – Have you had any formal training as a racer?
CSS – I have had the privilege of training under some of the best riders in the sport and I have made numerous trips to America and Australia to train.
X – What is the reason for choosing 22 as your racing number?
CSS – In Numerology 22 is the most powerful of all numbers and it’s often called the master builder. I never knew this when I chose 22, but you can see the attraction!
X – What is your favourite method of unwinding and relaxing?
CSS – When I am out racing I am always expected to do well, being the best has its price! I enjoy riding and I go out and ride through the woods in my farm or I ride my supercross track and it helps me relax and really enjoy the freedom. Nothing like watching the sun go down over a big jump!
X – Where do you see your career heading in the near future?
CSS – I see myself breaking into the top 10 in the World of Cross Country Rallying. I can’t wait!
X – If not a motorcycle racer, what else?
CSS – I would have become a fighter pilot!
X – Who is your favourite racer at the international level?
CSS – I will have to say Chad Reed and Marc Coma.
X – Your views on the Raid de Himalaya.
CSS – The Raid De Himalaya is a fantastic rally that is of international standard which passes through one of the most beautiful parts in this world. It’s a rally that anybody can do and it will give you memories that will last you a life time.
X – Your toughest event you have raced in so far?
CSS – My toughest will have to be the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge! Such an epic rally and its considered to be harder than the Dakar Rally! Will have to go back next year to finish what I started!
X – How is your recovery, after the horrific accident in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge?
CSS – I am recovering well at the moment. I have been extremely lucky to walk away with my life and I know I’m here for a reason. Destiny awaits me!
Fellow rider Rohit Giri on CS Santosh –
“CS Santosh has been an inspiration and an icon in the country for motocross racing. His dedication and hard work has put him on the global map of racing. Wishing him many more successes and accolades.”
Photo Courtesy: CS Santosh
