TVS Young Media Racer Program 2019 - The Qualifier

The Learning

There were 18 of us from the media, all ready to jump our guns and get on the race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. But before that, we were taught the basics of racing both theoretically and practically. Beginning with the most important aspect of racing on a track; racing lines. Harry Sylvester, TVS racer-turned coach who was in charge of our theory sessions explained how without racing lines one would be like a chicken being chased; scared and all over the place. We were also shown on a screen, a general idea of what corner entry, apex and exit points looked like. 

So with a wild idea of racing lines and divided into two batches we set off on the track. With TVS racers Jagan Kumar and KY Ahmed at the lead for each batch, we were strictly told not to use brakes and to ride on the 4th gear throughout the drill. And so we did, learning the lines and how to modulate the throttle. 

The second session was on body positioning. Point one, look where you want to go and that's exactly where you'll be. And as philosophical as that sounds, it is mighty useful to get faster. Point two, slide out of the seat. Not like you're hanging for life or jumping from one side to another, but subtly with half of your bottom out along with the knee and elbow pointing outwards while following point one.

With four laps of practising body positioning, we were back to our last and final theory session on braking and a demo on race starts. Race starts are most crucial as a perfect one could get you passing your competition before the first corner itself. So choosing a comfortable rev band, I launched the bike. I was on the higher side but by gradually letting go of the clutch, the bike wasn't on one wheel and I shot past perfectly. 

With all of our theory lessons done, we were allotted four laps of practice each. Implementing all I had learnt since that morning, I went on particularly focusing on the racing lines and braking. After we were done with practice laps, it was time for the main event; the selection round!

The Qualifiers

The selection round would have all 18 of us trying to set the fastest lap time out of which only 15 would be selected to race. We would be given four laps each, a sighting lap followed by three laps with recorded timing. And my heart was already pounding, wanting to tear out, just by the thought of going out on the track and being fast! And sooner than I thought, it was time for me to go out and do exactly that.

Completing the qualifying laps which were a complete blur, I entered the pit lane where the officials recorded my timing from the transponder. I had clocked 2:44:57 in two consecutive laps. Now, that was nowhere near the fastest lap of the day. Although disappointed and questioning whether I would qualify I head to the pits. It felt like school days where my peers were discussing answers after a test and I had got everything wrong. It continued till the list was finally revealed. And I was in! I had qualified to race for the rest of the season! 

I might not have been the fastest, but more importantly, I know where to improve and how to get there. The YMRP is a great way of showing what goes on in the mind of a racer before, during and after a race. And although racing season is to begin in June at the Kari Motor Speedway, the program undoubtedly, is going to turn me into a calmer and faster rider, much like a rarely done steak; near perfect.