Here’s our conversation with these splendid young riders, part of the JK Tyre National Racing Championship’s RedBull Road to Rookies cup. The age at which most of us were probably busy collecting Pokemon Jenga cards, these boys are ripping the track apart and competing for a chance to go to Spain to represent India on the international stage.
Name: Jerome Vanlalrengpuia
Age: 14
City: Lawngtlai
Jerome, who was the winner on Saturday’s race is a 14-year old but his age surely doesn’t show on the track. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation with this splendid rider:
When was your first race?
My first race was at the 17th MiMSA Racing Championship at Tuirial Airfield. I rode for the Lawngtlai Racing Team.
Who would you like to thank for helping you get here?
I got involved racing with the help of B.Lalchhuanawm. He is the owner of the lawngtlai Racing Team. Without his help, I wouldn’t have gotten in racing. Secondly, MiMSA (Mizoram Motorsports Association) trained me and promoted me. Me, being where I am, they also have a big role to play in it. My family also supported me and I thank them for this and everything else, every day. Last but not the least, without God’s help and guidance, all this wouldn’t have been possible.
What are your hobbies apart from racing?
I like riding bikes and photography. Apart from that, I like to play badminton as well.
How do you make time to practice for racing with studies?
We practice on the highways on Sundays when there is less traffic. And then the MiMSA track at Tuirial is my training ground when I go to Aizawl. That is because I live in Lawngtlai which is around 400 kms away from Aizawal, so I cannot go to practice at the MiMSA track regularly.
Where do you want to see yourself in the future?
God willing, I want to spend all my time racing and riding bikes. And naturally, I want motorcycling to be profession as well.
Which is your favorite bike?
My favorite bike is the Honda CBR 1000RR.
Who is your favorite racer?
My favorite racer is Marc Marquez. He is my idol because he is, in a controlled manner, fearless. I like almost everything about him.
Anything you’d like to say to JK Tyre for organizing this tournament?
I am really thankful to JK Tyre for providing creating this tournament. This has given us the opportunity to showcase our skills and make something out of ourselves in what we want to do, which is racing.
Name: Pc Andy Lalhmangaihsanga
Age: 16
City: Aizawl
Andy, the winner of the race on Sunday is one phenomenal racer. In fact, he ended up in a tie with Jerome on the points table. Here’s what he has to say to us:
When was your first race?
I was recruited by my team KMC and I started racing in 2016 at the MiMSA Track, Tuirial.
Who would you like to thank for helping you get here?
I would like to thank my mum for her endless support. I would like to specially thank Sir Vanlalmuana, the president of MiMSA. I would also like to thank my team, KMC (Keifang Moto Club). And finally, I thank god for all his help and guidance in making me who I am and getting me here.
What are your hobbies apart from racing?
I like to play Table Tennis. It is my favorite game.
How do you make time to practice for racing with studies?
I practice whenever I can spare some time. Weekends mostly. I practice on the road whenever I am not able to go to the track. And when I can, the MiMsa track is my go to place to sharpen my skills.
Where do you want to see yourself in the future?
My priority and goal at the moment is to go to Spain and represent my country in the Redbull Rookie selection round and won it. And eventually, I want to go to MotoGP and race there.
Which is your favorite bike?
I am a fan of almost all the Honda bikes especially the CBR 250R. My reason for that is that, CBR 250R is the bike I currently own and ride.
Who is your favorite racer?
My favorite racer is Jorge Lorenzo. He has a style that is different from all the other racers. He is smooth. He is fast. And he is never phased by anyone’s bullshit.
Anything you’d like to say to JK Tyre for organizing this tournament?
I would like to thank JK Tyre for giving us guys from the North-East, equal opportunity to go racing just like any other kid in any other part of the country. I would also like to thank Suzuki for providing us the bikes and other equipment for racing.
Name: Eshaan Shankar
Age: 15
City: Delhi
Eshaan Shankar, the only racer in the Redbull Rookie Cup who isn’t from North-East is a great racer who persevered to score a podium on both Saturday and Sunday even with the scarcity of practice and training. Here is what the talented young lad had to say:
How did you get into racing?
I started riding my father’s bike at a very young age. I used to do stunts as well. When I discussed my love for bikes with my father, he supported me but advised me to go for racing rather than stunting.
Who would you like to thank for helping you get here?
I want to thank my parents with all my heart. My parents are the ones who have always supported me no matter what. Whatever I have and whatever I have achieved is because of them.
What are your hobbies apart from racing?
I love to travel and explore new places. I also like swimming. These are the two of my most prominent hobbies.
How do you make time to practice for racing with studies?
Most of the time I am busy with my studies. I only get the chance to practice before and during the events. One needs a track to practice and here in Delhi we only have the BIC, which is not affordable.
Where do you want to see yourself in the future?
I want to reach new milestones in what I am doing. I want to become a professional racer.
Which is your favorite bike?
My favorite bike is the R1M from Yamaha’s stable.
Who is your favorite racer?
My favorite racer is Valentino Rossi. My primary reason for that is his appetite for fighting and winning. Even at his age, he is still a formidable racer and always determined to go all the way and win.
Anything you’d like to say to JK Tyre for organizing this tournament?
I would like to thank JK Tyre, Suzuki, Redbull and other co-sponsors for providing such a fantastic platform for youngsters. This is definitely going to play a big role and popularizing the sport in India. It has also given me a chance to fulfill my dreams.
Name: Zothanmawia
Age: 16
City: Aizawl
One of the most promising riders in the Redbull Rookie cup and the winner of both the races of Round 1, Zotha, unfortunately got injured and thus missed out on the Round 2. A minor setback because talent like his can’t be kept at bay for long.
How did you get into racing?
I started as a part of the pit crew for the BR Racing Team. I started racing in 2017 and I instantly fell in love with it.
Is there someone/some people specifically that you’d like to thank for getting you here?
Firstly, I would like to thank god for everything. Then comes MiMSA. They were the ones who guided me and supported me in everything. I want to thank Mr. Benjamin Ralte, the owner of BR Racing for providing me the financial and moral support. Without him, I wouldn’t have been in racing.
What are your hobbies apart from racing?
I play guitar and some other things but I am not as enthusiastic about them as racing.
How do you make time to practice for racing with school and studies?
On weekends, I practice on the MiMSA track.
Where and how far would you like to take your racing in the future?
I want to represent India, on an international level. And I am sure I’ll reach there with the help of MiMSA and Sir Vanlalmuana.
Favorite bike and favorite racer. Reasons for answers if possible.
My favorite bike is Yamaha R1, and all Yamahas in general because they are a pleasure to ride.
My favorite rider is Rossi. But the rider I look up to the most is Sarath Kumar. To get to where he is considering his humble beginnings is a real inspiration for me.
Anything you’d like to say for JK Tyre and Suzuki for organizing this tournament?
When JK held the selection round for the GIxxer and Rookie cup in Aizawl, it was like a dream come true. Because of them I was able to enter a national championship and the Suzuki Gixxer SF is amazing to ride. If the Aizawl round of selection did not happen, I might not have entered racing at all.
