Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Racing drivers have no time for groupies!!?


Do we need to see youngsters driving their cars at breakneck speeds on city streets? I think the answer to that would be a resounding ‘No’. But for youngsters to get their need for speed out of their system we will have to let them do it somewhere else. Automobile enthusiasts claim that they drive at high speed as part of their research efforts to make a stronger and safer car. Most of the drivers point to the excellent safety records of racing car driving and say that only a very small percentage of drivers get hurt while racing on the track. But then whey they do get hurt they stay seriously hurt and end up being dead. But how can you legislate against those who are determined to take their chances.
There is a certain thrill in watching cars careening around a bend at over 300 kmph and we might as well acknowledge it. Therefore allowing people to drive their cars under controlled conditions may be better than allowing them to do so through city streets. Part of the attraction that motor sports has for the enthusiast is the presence of long legged young girls hanging around in the team dugouts. Are they part of the support team or are they there just to lend colour? Parthiva says racing is serious business and that drivers have no time for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G303DC3OaUU
In Chennai I have often witnessed youngsters on motor pikes pound past startled and frightened pedestrians. One day as I was idling at a signal on Sardar Patel Road on a busy Saturday over a dozen motorbikes went past me. Even though there were cars crossing the intersection from the left these crazies shot through the red light. Before I could react or even the lone constable could wave his lathi at them the entire lot went through. Each bike had a pillion rider too. The next day I read that the traffic police managed to stop and arrest a few of them but there were no follow up reports in the newspapers. I wondered whether they managed to stop such stupid and dangerous exploits by deranged riders? I doubt it. I think those guys must still be doing it on some other stretch of road.
I understand an enormous amount of money is spent on professional automobile and motorcycle racing. Even the prize money runs into millions of dollars but to get an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a racing car the drivers have to bring in their own funds!! Young Parthiva Sureshwaren is one among those drivers who have managed to take part in such races. You can hear more from him about this dangerous but exciting sport and also whether there are racing groupies in India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G303DC3OaUU 

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