Full Name:
Nikhil Vittal Pai

DOB:
2nd October 1971

Home:
Hyderabad

Category Competing:
2007?

Car:
2007?

Team:
Team JK Tyres

Driver:
Vikram Mathias

Favourite Surface:
Gravel

Career Highlights:
Debut: 1992
First win: K -1000 Two Wheelers Group D 1995/ India Rally Four Wheelers 1600 cc 2003
Best: National Championship – 1400 cc 2002
This year: 3rd Chandigarh Rally (2006)



When did you first enter the world of rallying?
1992 on Two Wheelers for a local club event and in a Gypsy for the Charminar Challenge

What do you consider as the biggest break in your rallying career?
Yet To Come

What has been your biggest inspiration in rallying?
The hunger to win

Describe your most unforgettable incident in rallying.
Goa Rally 2004- Navigating for Jiby Maliakkal. We flipped on the 1st Km of the 1st Stage and were on the roof in the middle of the road when the next car (Karandip Singh) rammed into us while Jiby was still in the car!

What edge do you have over your competitors?
The hunger to win (Again!)

What’s the top speed that you have touched on a stage?
I really do not bother looking at the speedometer neither does Vikram! The speed does not matter, it’s the times at the end of the stage!

Are you superstitious/do you have a ritual before you get into the car/start a stage…etc?
Not superstitious, though I do kneel at the door holding the roll cage on my side and say a small prayer every morning before I get into the car.

Which round of the INRC is your favorite and why?
WISA event, be it Pune or Nashik. Very professionally organised and a pleasure to be part of. The second has to be Goa, just for the festive atmosphere the place exudes.

How would you compare Indian rallies with the International ones?
Miles to go before we catch up, in all organizational aspects.

Any tips for upcoming drivers or navigators?
Stay focussed, live eat and breathe your dream. That’s the only formula for success. Be ever willing to learn.

How do you think we can popularize rallying in India?
With a lot more media oriented marketing and coverage. Team/ Sponsor road shows etc.

Given a chance, which WRC driver would you like to co-drive for and in which car?
Petter Solberg/ Subaru Impreza 2006

What do you do when you are not rallying?
Run a professional sound and light rental agency and Play in a band

Do you play or are you involved in any other form of sport?
Tennis and Badminton occasionally.

Who is your favourite sportsman?
Michael Schumacher, for his grit, determination, focus and physical fitness levels.

What are your rally plans for 2007?
Pedal to metal from the word go! (Well, for Vikram that’s always the plan!)

What’s your username on Rally.co.in?
Nikhil Pai