If anyone ever asked me, “Can you drive?” I would always say yes, without hesitation. But the other day, when someone from my team asked, “Abhay, can you drive?”, that answer suddenly felt uncertain. Why? Because I was racing in a proper race-car in the Levitas Cup. It took time for that to sink in.
I had no prior experience in racing and that’s why the Levitas Cup was perfect as it’s meant for rookies like me. Packed a bag of nerves and off we went to Coimbatore for our race-weekend. Little did I know, what lay ahead.
Practice Session 1:
Nothing prepares you for that first lap in a race-car. It’s too loud. It’s too hot. And there are too many thoughts. “What’s the limit of the car?” “Is my racing line the right one?” After the practice session, I realised to be calm and trust my instincts while driving. Try not to think too much and not put too much pressure on myself.
The hours on the simulator paid dividends as I knew the layout of the track. But, there was one thing quite clear: this race-spec Ignis was way more capable than I thought.
It was a race-spec car through and through. For weight-savings, the interior was stripped-out with only the racing bucket-seat. No Spotify unfortunately. For safety, it had a roll-cage and a fire-extinguisher. Under the hood, the engine remained the same 1.2L NA. But, this one had a custom free-flow racing exhaust. It had a Wilwood 4-pot Big Brake Kit which was necessary.
Practice Session 2:
My tyres were scrubbed and I had optimum grip. I now knew what to expect when I get out on track and dare I say, I was feeling comfortable. I put my fastest lap, a 1:26:526 and I could never improve on that time throughout the weekend. More on that later, but I ended the day with my confidence high and was ready for the 3rd Practice the next day.
Practice Session 3:
(They were changing tyres on my car, so I missed this Practice Session)
Practice Session 4:
Coimbatore woke up with rain thundering down in the morning. We were the first on the track. And remember, we were driving on slicks in full wet conditions. Everyone was spinning especially in the Micky Mouse section and I had a few heart-in-my-mouth moments too. But, my aim was not to damage the car and bring it home for quali. Which I thankfully did.
Qualifying:
(I couldn’t do qualifying due to documentation issues from my side)
Race 1:
Starting last on the grid has its advantages. You can sit back and watch all the drama of Turn 1 and collect the pieces. I was P13, but thanks to others fighting for position, I climbed up to P8. Although I was a second off from the race-pace, I put consistent lap-times and took the chequered flag.
Race 2:
I was again starting last as this grid was decided based on the 2nd fastest qualifying time. It was lights out and away we go. I had the start of my dreams and found myself several places up. But, I wanted more and in my eagerness to gain places, I carried way too much speed into the corner and could not brake in time. Since this was turn 1 of lap 1, I went sideways into another car and spun out. I was out of the race. As I was walking to the pits with my helmet in my hand, there was only one thing in my mind. Taking the chequered flag in the next race.
Race 3:
Spoiler alert: I took the chequered flag! I was starting from pole and that meant I had to defend for my life. I had a perfect launch and had only one thing in mind: to take the chequered flag. I just let people pass without trying to defend and dropped down to P8 at the finish line. Not the best way to race, but I had to build my confidence by finishing the race.
Race 4:
The final race. It was lights out and away we go. I gained a few positions at the start and settled into a rhythm. But, out of nowhere, I got slightly tapped in a corner and spun. I was facing the other way when another car collided head-on with mine. My brakes were gone and the suspension was completely broken. In spite of that, I made a decision to finish the race as there were only 2 laps remaining. I was on the verge of getting lapped by the leaders but I finished the final race.
Nothing can prepare you for your first race. It’s all a mess. But, you learn so many things like not to dive-bomb in turn 1 of lap 1, race-craft and that taking the chequered flag is not that easy. And the support I got throughout the weekend made my life easier.
The motorsport community was incredible, helping with gear, advice, and constant support. The promoter of the Levitas Cup, Shravanthika, was ever-patient with all my mistakes and the whole Levitas crew encouraged me to give my best. And now, if someone asks me:
“Abhay, can you drive?” I won’t hesitate.
