BIKERS CLUB JULY 2019 ISSUE | Page 12

BC: We have heard about Jinan Challenge in India? Can you tell us, how did this challenge start on your name? JCD: It was a race organised in my hometown basically in my village by my friends and well wishers. It was one of the race with highest price money happened any where in India. People in my home town have lot of love and passion towards this sport. other racing equipment which can compete in international level at this price level. Super bikes, Formula cars or Rally cars are not affordable when compared to motocross bike. BC: What do you have to say about the newer generation of racers in India? Do you think it has become easy to get sponsors nowadays? JCD: We have a bunch of young riders coming up. Yuvraj is awesome and I'm sure he will do best. I have expectations on young riders like Rugved, Mahesh, Imran and Prithvi. BC: You are not opening up... JCD: Hahahaha... In India as far as 2 wheeler racing is concerned, I can see only TVS Motor Company and MRF being very serious and doing their best to develop the sport. If some more manufacturers contribute to sport in the way this two manufacturers do, this can take this sport to higher levels. BC: Did you meet with an accident in racing? If you wanna share. JCD: Yes during practice of Liwa International Motocross competition in december 2015. I broke my right hand wrist so badly that I had to stay away from racing for 9 months. BC: Do you think because of an instant fame in social media, many wanna-bees have started racing / riding? Have you come across to any such riders? JCD: There may be.. not sure.. BC: Do you like to ride a bike as a tourer or you are purely a racer? If yes then which bike you prefer to ride if you are not racing? JCD: Nope.. I am happy to be as racer... (winks) BC: What's your point of view on safety measures? JCD: Safety first. Use maximum safety gear while you ride. Urge to win on two wheels - JINAN CD BC: How do you see a social media role in racing? JCD: It's helping upcoming talents to become popular and get the much needed support. On a whole it makes motorsports more popular. BC: How do you see the future of racing in India? JCD: Overall racing is picking up well in India with more and more manufacturers getting into it. Social Media have a vital role in this. Supercross have a great future in India. The bike used in this form of sport is the same type as that used in the international events. This equipment is more accessible as it's available in the market at a price of around 8 lakhs INR. You cannot get any BC: Any goals or a dream race which you wanna participate in future? JCD: "DAKAR RALLY" BC: When do you think you will retire from racing? JCD: Not sure, but after my retirement I want to open a "ACADEMY FOR 2W OFF ROAD RACING". BC: Who do you think will carry forward your legacy? JCD: Lot of youngsters are coming up. In junior class I have started training Shlok Ghorpade last year. But couldn't spend more time with him as I'm working in Dubai, I really wish if I could have enough time to focus on training him and bringing up to the next level. BC: What's your future plans? JCD: Opening a supercross academy. BC: Apart from racing, what are your other hobbies? JCD: Nothing else.. Only Racing.. BC: Racing is a risky sport, will you ever allow your children top race, if they wish to. JCD: Yes, if they have interest, I will for sure...