My Thrilling Experience with the Indian Racing League
An unexpected call led to one of the most exciting adventures of my motorsport career.
From an impromptu invitation to race in India to achieving 3 podium finishes in a unique racing format, my journey with the Indian Racing League was filled with surprises, challenges, and unforgettable moments. The league’s innovative structure, combining professional drivers with young and local talents, and a focus on teamwork made this experience truly special.
- 3 Podium Finishes
- 2x Position 7
- New Tracks
- New Cars
- Amazing Experience and Culture
- Superb Racing Format
- Racing & Coaching
- Delivering Perfomance
Category
Racing Driver, Driver Coaching
Project
Indian Racing League
Location
India, Chennai and Hyderabad
Published
December 12, 2022
Project Summery
The Unexpected Invitation
It all started with a phone call while I was at home. “Do you have time next weekend?” I was asked. Little did I know, this call would take me to India to participate in the Indian Racing League. A driver had dropped out, and they needed someone to fill in. Despite the short notice, I couldn’t resist such an exciting opportunity.
The next day, I was on a flight to India, eager to join a league I had heard much about. The Indian Racing League had garnered attention for its unique format, combining professional drivers with young, up-and-coming local talents, and requiring each team of four to include at least one female driver. This mix created a dynamic environment where everyone could learn from each other and compete on a more equal footing.
Racing in India: A Unique Challenge
Joining mid-season posed significant challenges. The other drivers were familiar with the tracks and the cars, while I was stepping into an entirely new situation. The cars, Wolf GB08 Thunder models, were lightweight with an impressive power-to-weight ratio, making them fast and agile but requiring a slightly different driving style than I was used to.
Our first race weekend at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai was particularly tough. The car had suffered damage in a previous race, and we spent much of the weekend sorting out the issues. Despite limited practice time, we managed to secure three top-10 finishes, which felt like a significant achievement under the circumstances.
Team Dynamics and Shared Success
One of the highlights was teaming up with Gabriela Jilkova, a driver I had previously mentored in European GT4 events. Sharing the cockpit with her brought back great memories and allowed us to leverage our combined experience. We managed to secure seventh place twice at my first race weekend, a testament to our synergy and determination.
Between races, we immersed ourselves in Indian culture, participating in media events, engaging with fans, and exploring the vibrant local scenes. It was an incredible experience to be treated like Formula 1 stars, and it gave us a deeper appreciation for the country and its people.
Hyderabad: The Ultimate Test results in 3 podium finishes
The race in Hyderabad, a new street circuit also used by Formula E, was a true test of our skills. The weather was unpredictable, with intense heat and quick drying after rain showers. We knew the conditions would play a significant role, so we focused on adapting our strategy and setup.
Free practice time was extremely limited due to the weather, meaning we went almost directly into qualifying. The qualifying format was particularly challenging, allowing only one timed lap. This placed immense pressure on both Gabi and me, as well as the entire Goa Aces team.
During the races, we were fighting for the lead, engaging in thrilling duels with other top drivers. The narrow streets and sharp turns of the Hyderabad circuit demanded precision and mental fortitude. Despite the issues we still had with the car from previous damage, we mentally blocked out these problems and concentrated on our performance. Our strategy was different from many of our competitors, focusing on consistency and careful management of our tires.
As the race progressed, the lead changed hands multiple times. In the final stages, a particularly intense battle saw me narrowly edged out while the track dried out, finishing in second place. It was a hard-fought duel, and though we didn’t win, standing on the podium felt like a major victory given the circumstances. The teamwork and resilience we showed were incredible.
We both emerged from the weekend with three podium finishes in total (two times position 2 and one time position 3), which felt like three victories. It was immensely gratifying and showcased that we were strong competitors, perhaps surprising those who might have underestimated us. Sharing the podium with Gabi, celebrating our joint success, was an unforgettable experience.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Competing in the Indian Racing League was more than just about racing; it was about being part of a community that valued teamwork and mutual respect. Unlike many other series, there was no political maneuvering or financial pressures. Everyone was focused on giving their best and supporting each other.
The camaraderie among the drivers and the shared experiences made this journey unforgettable. I am proud of what we achieved and grateful to Aditya Patel and his team for creating such an inclusive and exciting racing series. The Indian Racing League has tremendous potential, and I look forward to its future developments. The friendships and connections I made will last a lifetime, and I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone looking for a unique and rewarding motorsport experience.
