Speedster on the right track

Mumbai-based racing car driver Rahil Noorani has put his career into acceleration mode by winning the coveted Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2013 earlier this month at India’s Formula One Track in Greater Noida, Buddh International Circuit.

Having missed out on the championship title by a few points in the last two seasons, it proved to be third time lucky for 24-year-old Rahil, who wins a seat for the 2014 season in JK Tyre FB 02 in addition to a guest drive at the 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup in Oschersleben, Germany. “It happened to be my birthday and this is the best gift I could have given to myself. It was a very emotional moment,” said Rahil, who celebrated his birthday on December 1, after winning the title.

He counts Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso among the people he looks up to, and his “need for speed” was a passion he discovered very early on. Initially, he was interested in motorcycle racing. But 10 years ago, the sport didn’t have as much scope in India — it wasn’t well known — so pursuing it was not a possibility for Rahil who didn’t come from a racing background.

Perhaps that’s one reason why Rahil has developed and maintained an interest in many other sports as well. He regularly swims and plays squash, and in fact, even competed at the national level in the latter, between the ages of 13 and 17. Apart from these sports, Rahil also cycles and hikes. Since fitness is such an important part of his day-to-day life, playing different sports and engaging in strenuous physical activity helps him stay sharp and alert.

Of course, staying in the best possible competitive shape also means that he loves to unwind on occasion and for Rahil, “travelling to new places and meeting new people” definitely comes high on his to do list.

He has been racing professionally for the past four years. Out of these, he has competed in the Volkswagen Polo R Cup — which is India’s premier one-make series and a well-known stepping-stone to improve one’s racing skills — for the past three. He appreciates the philosophy of the Polo R Cup — since all cars are identical, the drivers have a level playing field and emphasis is on the development of the racing driver’s skills. Rahil feels his family has played a key role in his success, “My parents are very supportive. They are constantly helping me improve in any and every way.” And when he needs moral support or words of encouragement, he turns to his elder sister. “I share the best equation with my elder sister. She’s more like my best friend.”

The other important person in Rahil’s life is his coach Ameya Walavalkar. While he has worked with many coaches on and off to improve his skills, he attributes a large part of his success to Ameya, who he counts as a friend as well as a coach. True to form, the two have already embarked on training for the challenges that lie ahead.

Rapid fire with Rahil

• Favourite film: Rush
• Favourite song: Wake me up by Avicii
• Favourite place to vacation: Goa
• Sporting icon: Usain Bolt
• Favourite leisure activity: Watching TV shows and playing video games