He recruits during weekdays and races on the weekends.
With more than 40 trophies occupying his trophy cabinet back, Vineeth Kurup is one of the brightest Motocross talents in India. When he’s not racing, he spends his weekdays in Pune working at an IT Company. His weekends are devoted to practices at Kute Supercross Track, back home in Nasik. We catch up with this HR professional to know more about his weekend hobby.
How old are you and what do you do for a living?
I’m 27 and I work as a recruiter for Cap Gemini, but my passion lies in racing.
When was the first time you rode a bike?
When I was 16 year-old; class 9th.
What do your parents feel about racing?
My dad is a big racing enthusiast. In his college days, he received training from a Japanese racer; but due to certain situations, he couldn’t pursue racing as a career. So, when I showed inclination towards racing at an early age, he backed me completely. He gave me whatever knowledge he had and supported me in every way.
How long have you been riding at a professional level?
I first started racing in 2009. I finished 3rd in two-stroke up to 110 cc category at the National Motocross Championship. I was riding a Suzuki Shogun while most others were racing on a Yamaha RX 100; I still managed to get a respectable finish, and that’s how everything took off!
When did you decide that you wanted to race professionally?
Honestly speaking, I had dreamt about it since I was a kid. In my childhood days, I used to see these international races on TV and I always thought that I could also do it. Unfortunately, in India, the racing culture is not as mature as other sports. Hence, it’s very difficult to get sponsors. As a result, I work during the weekdays and race on the weekends.
Which bike do you race?
Right now, I have a Yamaha F200 Scrambler.
Have you received professional training?
Yes, twice. Once, I was trained by Mr. C. S. Santosh who has won several Supercross Championships along with the notorious Raid De Himalaya. Couple of years ago, FMSCI invited Brad Ripple from USA to conduct a training program for a few talented riders; I was one of them. That’s when I got an opportunity to learn from him.
Which has been your best win till date?
Victory-wise, I’ve got a few number ones at races in Hyderabad and Nasik in the foreign class. Those were my best wins out of the 40-50 trophies that I’ve collected over the years.
What are your plans for 2014?
I’m looking forward to the Valley Run and the Supercross event that’s going to happen next weekend. After that, I’ll be racing in whichever national races that I come across. I’m relatively pretty new in Motocross & Supercross, hence, I’m planning do more races and gain exposure and experience.
Content Courtesy: http://www.redbull.com/in/en/
In conversation with Binoy Parikh on 22 January 2014
