It was time for us to head back to the race track and to say we were excited would be an understatement. Because TVS had already groomed us with the basics of racing in two track days (practice and race one). So, all of us were naturally shedding off the lap times and getting faster than before. That boosted our confidence, and got us pumped for yet another race day at MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track)! But things went a little differently for me this time, and here’s how everything unfolded.
Like always, TVS flew us down to the venue for a couple of days and the tasks in our hands were straightforward – practice and qualifying session on day one followed by the race on day two. I remember how strange most of us felt riding the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V race-spec bike after a hiatus of almost a month. This humbled everyone and took a little more from us to keep up the pace at first and then get faster as the session progressed.
Just four laps into the practice session and I had to re-enter the pit due to dehydration and an issue with the throttle cable. So that’s all the saddle time I managed before the qualifying session that was slated for later in the evening. After some much-needed rest and rehydration, we were back in the stands and pit lanes, watching the experts ride their bikes at blistering speeds around the MMRT. And to make the most of it, a few fellow journalists and I went around clearing our doubts regarding the track lines and the gear to enter the corner(s) so we could make the best in the qualifying session.
As the day proceeded, we suited up for the qualifier and the weather was in our favor too. The evening approached and the temperatures slumped, making it a tad easier to be in the leathers for those 25-30 minutes.
Lap after lap, I got more comfortable on the bike and started picking up speed around the corners. After about three laps, I tried to push the pace and alter the lines I was taking with more consciousness of the gear I used to enter the corners. The latter did wonders and I shed a few seconds compared to my practice session. For reference, my fastest lap during the afternoon session was 2:35:419 and the same for the qualifying was trimmed down to 2:30:806. While that’s a considerable improvement, I was still 9 seconds slower than the fastest rider on the grid.
With the need for getting faster, I tried to study the track as much as I could the night before the race day. Not to mention, ample hydration and rest were had so I could push myself physically (at least) during the race. And a part of it was executed properly as I didn’t sense any nervousness or physical weakness before or during the race.
Speaking of the latter, we were out on the track again with just seven riders on the grid and me in the fifth spot. The lights went off and we all launched our race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4Vs on the home straight, approaching the first corner, a long right-hander. Lap after lap, the first three riders got way faster than the rest of the pack while Daniel (rider number four) and I engaged in a dog fight for the fourth spot.
After five laps, the race was over and I ended up in, well, the fifth spot. While satisfaction was nowhere in the sight, knowing my fastest lap time made a little difference. Cocking 2:27:479 in the race was a tad faster than the qualifiers.
We all headed home that Sunday with the hope of cracking the top three somehow, in the upcoming and last race of the season. That’s a separate story with the most surprises. So, watch this space for the TVS Young Media Racer Program - Race Three - Kill Switch Saga.
