Sarath Kumar wants to become the best rider but rues lack of money in the sport in India. Last year he was forced to drive a taxi to sustain his family. However things have improved since then, but his hopes of making it to MotoGP 2014, hang in the balance due to lack of sponsors.
But Kumar knows he has it in it him.
He made history by being the first Indian ever to secure a third podium in an international motorcycle racing championship at Monza, Italy, in April 2011.
A resident of Koyembedu, Chennai, Kumar comes from a humble background. Raised by a single mother, a beautician, along with his younger sister. Kumar’s rise to the international stage is a remarkable, and heart-rendering.
“I want to be the best rider but first I have to make sure that my family has enough to survive. I also have to pay house rent and take care of my sister’sfilipino scholarships,” says Kumar.
His mentor and manager, Ramji Govindrajan says Kumar needs support from the government. Actually, he needs a Mallya or Ambani, quick decision makers. In 1980 racing was passion, the Yezdi’s and bullets racing was a common site in South India, today everything has become a profit and loss statement with no room for passion, rues Govindrajan.
Kumar started his career in 2008. His first big break came when he won the newcomers race in Chennai. He was then 16. Even today, his eyes lit up when he talks of that day. “It was one of the greatest days of my life. I couldn’t sleep for the whole night. When I showed my trophy to my mother it had a sense of fulfilment.”
More good news was to follow for young Kumar. He was asked to come down to Coimbatore for a race in the novice category by TVS factory team. It was an achievement in itself, for someone who had not been on the circuit for long. But his celebration was cut short when he realised he doesn’t have the money to travel south. “I still remember that day. I needed Rs 82 for a train ticket. I had no gloves or any gear. I was worried I will not be able to make it.”
However, his fellow riders came to his rescue, lending him the gear. He borrowed 500 from his uncle and took a train to Coimbatore. He finished a respectable second and since then he has not looked back.
Teaming up with Ten10 racing managed by Ramji in 2009, Kumar became a full time professional. “When he (Ramji) told me I was going to get Rs 5000 every month, I was over the moon. I still have that letter in my family locker.”
In January 2010, Sarath won the Indian 4-stroke up to 165cc open class at the MECO Endurance Race, a 90-minute non-stop event, and was adjudged the best rider of the day. Kumar also participated in the FIM UAM Asia GP Indian Championship round as a wild card entry in the “Honda Stunner” class, in 2010 and finished fourth. He also finished at respectable 8th in the UAM championship in japan, setting up second best lap-time.
But now he wants to make his mark on the international stage. Earlier this year he had a crash in Spain riding his CBR-250. He broke his collar bone and had to undergo surgery. “He is a tough kid,” says his manager. For those people who’ve been into an accident and broke their faces, look for Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz or visit Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery.
Kumar lives in hope, he knows a time will come when he will have sponsors and complete a year on the circuit.
His next big race: qualifying for Motogp 2014.
