Aditya Patel was crowned the "Indian National Racing Champion 2007"
in the premier Formula Rolon Chevrolet category

indmotorsport.com interviewed this speedSTAR : Excerpts

Aditya Patel, a 19 year old Loyola College student, doing his first year B.A. Economics, became the India's National Racing Champion in the premier Formula Rolon Chevrolet category in the 6 round - JK Tyre National Racing Championship held at the two purpose built tracks in India at Chennai and Coimbatore in 2007.

Hailing from a motorsport family, his father Kamlesh Patel is a well known rallyist and a racing driver besides running an Automobile Services and Performance workshop, Motorsports is in his blood.

"I put him into a go kart when he was three years and he took to it like a fish to water," says the proud father Kamlesh Patel.

indmotorsport.com (IMS) : Congrats, Aditya on winning the National Championship. How do you manage your study and motorsport ?

Aditya Patel (AP) : It is difficult. I put in a plenty of time and effort after my school / college hours. My teachers also helped me a lot. Thanks to them, I just breezed through my CBSE exam and managed to get in to Loyola College (laughs).

IMS : Do you remember your first event ? AP : Yes, it was a GoKart event. IMS : Your first win ? AP : At the age of 9, in the Amaron Karting event in Chennai.

I am fond of music. My favourite singer is Chad Kroeger. I know how to play Piano and keyboard. I love travelling and even know cooking a bit. My favourite actor- Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean).

Aditya started his motorsport career with Karting. He has done it all from rental karts, to 4 strokes, to Rotax, the Rotax Max Challenge, Asia Max Kart to shifter Karts. Recently he won the JK Tyre Rotax Max Challenge and will be representing India in the finals of the Rotax in Dubai in December.

IMS : How prepared are you for the finals in Dubai ?

AP : It is the event I look forward to. Its going to be really tough. All National Champions will be there to fight it out, nearly 100 of them. I am getting on to a tough physical fitness regime to start with. I am hopeful that I will do well in this event and will try my level best to keep the Indian flag flying high.

Aditya has many wins to his credit, several runner up finishes in JK Tyre National Karting Championship.

IMS : Your experience with the Formula Maruti

AP : I still remember, that was the first time I drove a car. It took me about 3 rounds to come to grips with the car and the track and ofcourse after that I started winning.

IMS : Your favorite driver

AP : Ayrton Senna

IMS : How did you feel after winning the Formula Rolon National Championship ?

AP : Top of the world ! I was very emotional as Narain Karthikeyan and the team went all out to make it happen. I must thank them. It was very difficult as exams were also going on at the same time.

IMS : About Formula Rolon Chevrolet Car

AP : Brilliant Formula Car to put Indian drivers on to the International map. Thanks to the constructor Mr.B.Vijayakumar. It has a reliable engine and can reach a maximum speed of 170 kph

IMS : About your team the SPEED NK RACING.

AP : Absolutely brilliant. They have become so professional in one year. The dedication of the mechanics and the caring attitude of the senior team members was really too good. In all it was a great learning experience and I enjoyed every moment with my team.

Narain Karthikeyan presenting his helmet to Aditya

IMS : During the Prize giving, Narain presented his helmet to you

AP : Ya, it was a total pleasant surprise for me. I was just too shocked. I could'nt believe it. I thank Narain for his gesture. It is one of the best prizes I have won. I am really proud.

IMS : General Motors presented you with a brand new Chevrolet CRV car for winning the Championship

AP : Yes, though I have not received the car yet, I am already in love with it. I look forward to the day, I will drive it and enjoy.

Karun Chandhok

Unfortunately I haven't actually been to any of the races this year but luckily I have been doing the commentary for Ten Sports on the races so have had the chance to watch the races. Aditya, is no doubt a good driver but at the same time so are a lot of the guys he is competing against. The good thing about Aditya that seperates him from the rest of his peers is his humility, I think, and his willingness to ask questions and actually listen to what people around him have to say. This will undoubtedly help him in the long run and is something which his parents deserve credit for. His feet are certainly on the ground. I really hope he gets the opportunity to further his career internationally and wish him all the very best !

IMS : What's next

AP : God willing, Formula BMW Asia.

But he feels that getting sponsorship in India is very tough and the mileage received in motorsports is far too low compared to any other sport in India.

IMS : F1 track in India, Vijay Mallya's buy of Spyker...

AP : F1 track in India will be a big boost to the sport in India and will definitely help corporates entering the sport in a big way, thereby easing sponsorship to Indian drivers as well. Dr.Mallya with his vision and wisdom should be able to bring Spyker up the ladder in a couple of years. I only pray that he spots Indian talents also.

Aditya feels that motorsport in India needs to be streamlined and needs more enthusiasts with singlemindedness to improve the standard of the sport. He is happy that a lot of youngsters are now taking to motorsport. "First learn, then think of winning" is his advice to new aspirants.

IMS : About indmotorsport.com (optional)

AP : To be short and sweet, 'Informative, and honest'

indmotorsport.com wishes Aditya Patel all the very best in his endeavours.

** END **