- By Divanshi Sharma
- Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Lee Keshav Exclusive Interview: Motorsports is a vast field and includes various types of racing events such as Formula One, MotoGP, NASCAR, Formula E, Drag Racing, Rally Racing, Circuit Racing, Drift Racing, Road Racing and more. Motorsports have started to gain immense popularity in India with more motorsport races being organised in the country. Recently, MotoGP was organised in India at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. India had also hosted the Formula One - Indian GP for three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013. This increasing popularity has stirred up hopes of Formula One returning to India in the coming years.
To know more about the future of motorsports in India, Jagran English exclusively talked to Lee Keshav, an accomplished Indian racing driver. He is known to have participated in various prestigious events such as the JK Tyre Volkswagen Motorsport Polo R Cup championship, the MRF National Racing Championship and the globally acclaimed MRF Challenge. He will also be participating in the renowned Formula 2 Championship in 2024. Regarding the future of motorsports in India, Lee Keshav said, “We are still at a very early stage and the country is still growing. We have a lot of requirements that need to be met before we can think about racing but we all have to work together but I'm really confident that in the coming years, motorsports will consistently grow in India.”
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
1. What sparked your interest in motorsports and racing? How did it shift from bikes to cars? Please give us an insight into your journey.
Lee Keshav - Growing up in India, I was passionate about riding my bicycle, often daydreaming of it being a bike or a car. One day, while watching TV, I saw racing for the first time and was instantly captivated. So from a young age, I began watching MotoGP and Formula One. I was that nerdy kid, always trying to unravel the mysteries of these high-speed F1 cars. Fast forward to my teenage years, I hadn't seriously considered the possibility of making racing my reality.
Then, one day, I decided to search on Google for information on how to become a racing driver, and my life took a new direction. I stumbled upon articles and websites that offered valuable insights, making me think, "Why not? When you're young, nothing is impossible."
2. What inspired you to participate in the MRF challenge in Qatar and how was your experience racing on an international track?
Lee Keshav - I started my journey with the JK Tyre Volkswagen Motorsport Polo R Cup championship before transitioning to the highly competitive realm of MRF National Racing Championship with Formula cars. In my rookie year, I surprisingly secured the second runner-up position in the international championship surpassing experienced drivers. This unexpected achievement turned heads, including my own, as these cars are notoriously challenging. Surprisingly, I had a conversation with MRF and they informed me about an upcoming international championship starting in just two weeks. Initially, there were no plans for me to compete at this level. However, my last national race victory altered the course of events. Suddenly, I found myself in Qatar, racing on the same circuit where an F1 race had taken place just days ago.
3. Please give us an insight into what inspired you to start your own app design firm and how your focus shifted from racing to entrepreneurship?
Lee Keshav - I've always been passionate about technology and had a creative streak, often doodling cars on my walls as a kid. I had a strong interest in mobiles and apps, diving into app design at the young age of 16. I even requested my mom to set up a company for me and I started experimenting and learning extensively. By the time I turned 19, I had already joined Hike as their first hire, well before Hike was established. This journey was a remarkable learning experience, thanks to the incredible people I surrounded myself with. My original motivation to design apps was to make some extra money for my racing dreams.
4. Talking about the motorsports and racing landscape in India, what improvements do you think are needed to support aspiring drivers like yourself and how do you see the future of motorsports in India?
Lee Keshav - Motorsports and racing has a relatively small audience in India but in absolute terms, it's substantial, given the country's large population. The Netflix show - ‘Drive To Survive’ has been a game-changer, attracting a whole new audience. Similar to how the IPL transformed cricket in India, Netflix is doing the same for Formula One. India is still developing with various priorities, but the growth of Formula One is promising. I'm confident that it will consistently expand in the country over the years, potentially becoming one of the world's largest audiences.
5. Which Formula One driver has inspired you the most?
Lee Keshav - My ultimate idol has always been Michael Schumacher. In my early days watching Formula One in the 2000s, he dominated the sport with his iconic red Ferrari. Among contemporary drivers, Lewis Hamilton is my greatest inspiration, both on and off the track.
6. As we all know that you will be participating in the Formula 2 Championship in 2024. Can you please talk about the physical training you underwent to prepare for the demands of F2 racing and what strategies and goals have you set for yourself to excel in this competitive field?
Lee Keshav - I've resumed racing by participating in F2 to prepare for F1. F2 is a significant step and it demands top physical condition. I've faced extreme heat in training, up to 50°C on the track. This rigorous training includes strength and neck exercises which can be quite painful. It takes about six months to reach the required fitness level. Fitness is critical as just braking demands at least 120 kg of pressure, sometimes up to 250 kg. Dehydration is a challenge and drivers often lose water weight during races.
My ultimate goal is Formula One and I'm working to achieve that. Winning is the mindset but I'm also open to learning and growing. Consistency and improvement matter most in racing. So, my aim is to prepare mentally and physically and strive for Formula One.