BIKERS CLUB JULY 2019 ISSUE | Page 11

But in the last 7th lap, No 8 took a leap and got over me, but my expertise and experience helped me to hit the 1st position again in the last lap just before the finish line. I just can't forget that race.. BC: The first race which you won? Tell us about that. JCD: Don't remember exactly, but I think one race in Cochin in 1993 or 1994. BC: Who's your role model in racing? JCD: "James Stewart" undoubtedly. BC: What's your plus & minus points in race? JCD: Not sure... hahaha BC: What's your high & low phase in racing or in life until now? JCD: High was between 2002 to 2005 and the lowest was 2016. BC: Who's your mentor in racing? JCD: Many have supported and guided me in my career. Once I have moved to Dubai, Mr. Ridha have been a guide to me. BC: How do you take criticism? Any worst criticism by anyone about your race till now, if you wanna share. JCD: For some people it's about my age, but as long as I'm fit I will ride. BC: If you wanna tell us about one particular race in which you think you could have done better? Or you regret the most? JCD: Himalayan Rally 2004, I was leading the Rally and had to retire unfortunately as service crew had to withdraw in order to rescue one of it's member, as his health condition went down critically due to extreme climate at high altitude. BC: How did Kawasaki start backing your races? Was it easy for you to get sponsors? JCD: I had approached Kawasaki India for support when I started National supercross championship in 2017, but didn't get any support. In UAE my employer "Liberty UAE" (Kawasaki distributor) gave me the racing support from 2007 till date. BC: When did you decide that you wanna become professional racer? What was your family's reaction? Did your family support you? JCD: My family have supported me in all possible ways, though they feel it's an unsafe sport. But I tried my best not to burden them for my passion. BC: How expensive racing is? JCD: Racing is very expensive sport. Unless you are from a financially sound family, you need external support if you need to excel. Talent alone cannot help. BC: India was lacking with resources and professionalism in racing until few years back, how did you manage to pull it off, when you started? JCD: In the initial part, I used prize money from races to prepare my bike for next race. Once I got into TVS Racing in 2002, life was easier as they were thorough professionals in the business and was taking care of everything. Then I moved to Dubai, where I was lucky enough to get "Liberty UAE" as my employer who supported me there. From 2017 Mr. Frank Hinrichs started supporting me. His support helped me in India and UAE to improve my performance. Now this year I am back in TVS Racing for Indian National Supercross Championship.