His age did not let him drive on the public roads. But his talent never stopped him from driving off road. Chandan Gowda, a third-year BBM student of Dayananda Sagar Institutions, was only 16 when he first took to driving on autocross. He was issued a special licence by the ‘Federation of Motor Sports Club of India’ (FMSCI) and it was just a stepping stone to move into more competitive rallies. The young boy, who drove a non-professional rally car in Chikkamagaluru autocross then, was ranked the youngest driver in the championship.

“I always loved riding and driving. My father, who is also my mentor, is interested in cars too,” says Chandan. Starting off as a professional driver in 2009, Chandan has taken part in several rallies in Chikkamagaluru, Coorg, Mudigere, Bengaluru, Nasik, Chennai and many other places.

Topples and crashes were part of his journey. There were times when his parents opposed him from taking part in these rallies due to safety issues. But nothing seemed to have detered his passion for driving. Instead, all these experiences made him love the sport more and he says, “It was all part of a learning experience and it has helped me become who I am today.”

After the autocross, his first official rally was for the ‘Coffee Day Rally’ in Chikamagaluru. Driving no fancy car, he ranked third in the rally and proved that it is the driver that matters more than the car. Emerging as a winner, he was recognised by the sponsors and from then began his journey to the competitive world.

He took part in the same rally the next year in 2013 and he moved a step closer by ranking second. In 2014, he was approached by the Volkswagen company who supported him with subsidiary parts and he was back with a bang in his new car Polo 1600cc where he ranked second once again. “I was registered under Indian Rally Championship (IRC) and ranked among the top five rallyists,” he informs.

He did face initial opposition from his parents. But once he achieved success in the field, his parents became more supportive than ever. “My parents have encouraged and supported me to a great extent,” he says.

He is also grateful to his tuner and well-wisher, Monish, an automobile engineer who helps him give his best in all the rallies. “He tunes my cars in the rallies and it would have been impossible to be where I am today without his support,” he says.

An active rallyist, he also has great passion for riding and he owns a ‘Triumph Daytona 675’. A very ambitious youngster who has role models like Gaurav Gill, Lohit Urs and Girija Shankar; he wants to see himself emerge as the Champion in ‘Asian Specific Rally Championship’ and also in the ‘World Rally Championship’. “I want to take part in more rallies and do better each time. I hope to find more sponsors who would help me achieve my dream,” wraps up the young rallyist.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Prajna GR, Bengaluru / DHNS – April 02nd, 2015