Hyderabadi racer Jeet Jhabakh clinched the title of Junior Champion of a prestigious salon car racing championship recently. But what makes it interesting are the odds that were against him.

This 24-year-old only took up professional racing a year ago. Then he went on to shine in the championship against 20 seasoned drivers over a series of 10 races that began in June.

Astounding right? Jeet himself was surprised with what he achieved, “I thought it would be a lot harder for a rookie like me, but as soon as I got on the track I felt at home and the adrenaline kicked in,” says a beaming Jeet.

So how did a young racer take on seniors at a championship held across three tracks in Coimbatore, Chennai and Delhi? Homework, lots of it, says Jeet.

“I went through the technical data of my seniors’ cars which they would send me for analysis and I learnt a lot of the technicalities of braking, cornering and acceleration. Even the minute details make a lot of difference on the track because sometimes we take corners at around 120 kmph and on the straights we hit speeds of 210 kmph. I would also check the footage of the on board camera after my practice sessions,” says Jeet, who worked as a financial advisor before he took up racing. “Racing was always in my blood! My dad and uncle were rally car champions.

So one day my uncle called me and he asked whether I wanted to race, and without hesitation I said yes! I didn’t know if my parents would be okay with it. I really loved the job I had, but racing called out to me more,” he says, adding, “But my mother was so worried about my safety and finally after much deliberation we struck a deal — that I wouldn’t race on any track if she wasn’t around. So now she travels with me for the races and yes, she gives me a lot of strength. After each race she says ‘I’m glad you won, but I’m still scared’.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Jeet has now set his eyes on what he wants to achieve next. “I have a salon car championship coming up soon and next year I plan to make the jump into Formula 1600 series and then into Formula 2000 series.

Eventually, I dream of racing in Formula 1. I will work hard towards it,” says Jeet, signing off.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City News> Hyderabad / Deepu Joseph / November 01st, 2016