Gokul Krishna from Chennai created history in Indian Motorsport by winning all the 12 races of the 4th JK Tyre Junior Cup that was held over two week ends in December 2008. indmotorsport.com (IMS) interviewed this 21 year old Bsc.(Business and Management) graduate from Stansfield School of Business.

Excerpts :

indmotorsport.com (IMS) : Congrats Gokul on winning the 2008 JK Tyre Junior Cup....how was you drawn towards motorsport

Gokul Krishna (GK) : Thanks a lot for your wishes. I have always been interested in motorsport, its always been in me. But when I reached my 10th grade during 2001-02, I discontinued Karting, as my priority was on studies. Now that I have completed my graduation, I thought its the right time to continue with my passion.

IMS : Normally, it is a bit difficult to get support from parent for motorsport unless otherwise they are interested / or had been participants in motorsport. How was your family support before and now

GK : My father is a Doctor and no one from my family is in motorsport. But I am lucky that the support from my family and friends have always been there. They have been supporting me from last year when I first drove the Junior Cup and I was no where in the Championship. Infact, I would say that I received more support and motivation last year than this year when I had won the Junior Cup (laughs). I am sure that I would continue to receive good support and help in the years to come.

IMS : How was your experience in Karting

GK : I have been a regular karter in Kart Attack & Dannys Karting in Chennai. I have attended almost all the Karting Chalenge events held between the year 1999-2002.

IMS : Your first win in Motorsport

GK : Lanson Toyota Challenge held at Kart Attack,Chennai on 28.5.2000. I finished 2nd in the under 15 years category. The first ever win and the most memorable one ever.

IMS: Your first day in a Formula car

GK : I always wanted to sit in a Formula Car ever since I first visited the race track. I would think, what would be going on in the minds of the drivers when they are racing on the track. That spark in me motivated me to work in achieving that dream of sitting in the formula car,and when it happened it was a mixture of nervousness ,excitement and fun. Once I started hitting the track regularly my hobby became my dream and my dream is now my passion.

IMS : how did the 'record of 12 wins' happened

GK : The 12 record did not come in easy. There was a tough competition and all cars are equal on the track. I had to improvise my driving techniques. I had to get smoother and easier with the car. My team did a great job in setting up the car. I am at this position holding this record is impossible without my Team WSRF. They had set up the car so perfect that the record came along.

IMS : Your team WSRF

As far as I am concerned WSRF is one of the best teams. The amount of planning and hard work they put in is immense. Firstly there is no partiality for anyone in the team, everybody is treated equally and that is one of the best part of the team. The mechanics are highly experienced and can handle any problem with ease and without any tension. The team has come up in a great way till now and it will grow in a much better form in the coming years. Really proud to be a part of WSRF.

IMS : Your hobbies

GK : I play a bit of basket ball during the weekend when I am free.

Gokul Krishna's favourite pass time is movies and is a fan of Keanu Reeves & Pierce Brosnan. Ask him about his motorsport idol, "Narain Karthikeyan & Ayrton Senna"....is his spontaneous answer.

IMS : Your win in the JK Tyre Junior Cup had earned you a free drive in JK Tyre National Racing Championship

GK : Yes.....Its a dream come true.I am getting sponsored for the first time and it feels really great. I would need to prove myself and perform far better than what I have performed till now.

IMS : So whats your preparation for the JK Tyre National Racing Championship

GK : My training / practice will start in this month (Jan 2009). India's GP2 driver Karun Chandhok had promised to give us training some time during Jan before his season starts. . I feel that's going to help in a great way and I really look forward to it.

IMS : Your goal....

I always had a fascination for single seater racing cars. My only aim now is to give an outstanding performance in 2009 and get selected for the Formula Rolon programme.

Gokul Krishna is in all praise for the concept of JK Tyre Junior Cup. "No doubt it's one of the greatest initiatives that JK Tyre & Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) have put in place to identify and nurture budding talents in the Country" said Gokul. He added that a driver can gain experience through this Junior Cup that would boost one's confidence to fight with big boys in the National Championship. "Its obvious that one should go step by step and in the Indian formula racing field, Junior Cup is the stepping stone. I profusely thank JK Tyre, MMSC & WSRF for giving me this great experience of participating in the Junior Cup", added Gokul.

IMS : about indmotorsport.com (optional)

GK : Its one of the great initiatives that you’ve taken to take motorsport to the next step. I’ve been a member of indmotorsport for more than a year now. I get update of all the small things happening at the track. I participated in the MMSC Cup during June 2008. I never expected it to come on the net. To my suprise, I log onto indmotorsport and I find my article there. So this website just does not concentrate on international sport alone, but they give equal and more importance to the events happening in India. I feel that its the best part and you also send updates to personal mail id’s and the reach is easier. I sincerely hope that you continue your good work.

Like many other motorsport enthusiasts Gokul also feels that more people / sponsors should come forward to support and encourage motorsport. "I wish motorsports a better year this 2009" is his new year wish, before signing off.

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