Full Name:
Vikram Mathias

DOB:
24th Jan 1974

Home:
Mangalore

Category Competing:
INRC Overall

Car:
Maruti Baleno

Team:
JK Tyres

Co-driver:
Nikhil Pai

Favourite Surface:
Gravel

Career Highlights:
Debut 2000
First win class win – 2000, overall – 2001, Class Championship – 2001,
Best:Overall Championship 2004
This year: nowhere




When did you first enter the world of rallying?
Started pretty late , bedut in 2000 and did the full season, got a chance to do so working out of Leelakrishnans workshop, supported by MRF and a few friends (Arjun Balu and Naren Kumar).

What do you consider as the biggest break in your rallying career?
My debut itself and then A full drive with Team MRF

What has been your biggest inspiration in rallying?
The Adrenalin Rush and working at mastering the art of driving on the limit.

Describe your most unforgettable incident in rallying.
Good – The Overall Title in 2004
Bad – The 2005 & 2006 seasons --- Yuk

What’s the top speed that you have touched on a stage?
At the time I have never been able to look at the speedo, I know of a friend who wrecked his car doing this. Decided to hone other skills and let the stage time keep the talking instead.

How often do you practice and where?
The Rally Championship, 6 to 8 times a year depending on the calendar.

Are you superstitious/do you have a ritual before you get into the car/start a stage…etc?
I am a believer but no consistent superstition. Keeps changing

Which round of the INRC is your favorite and why?
Goa and Coimbatore – super fast and a lot of fun.

How would you compare Indian rallies with the International ones?
I think they should be very much up there, although spectator control / safety may need a look into with the bigger and faster cars.



Any tips for upcoming drivers or navigators?
It’s a tough road ahead. Be prepared for a big challenge, but when you taste success it will be sweet.

How do you think we can popularize rallying in India?
Car Manufacturers must come in, News Channels need to do a comprehensive coverage of the championship and most importantly the various “clubs” need to grow up and stop fighting their personal battles and do whats best for Indian Motorsport. And oh lots of Sponsorship of course.

Given a chance, which WRC driver would you like to co-drive for and in which car?
I Like the Ford Focus WRC and would love to do a long stint beside Loeb and Gronholm . Not too sure about the co-driving bit.

What do you do when you are not rallying?
We have a resort close to Ooty in the forest – Jungle Hut, run a service apartment business in Bangalore and also Turbocharge cars.

Do you play or are you involved in any other form of sport?
No such luck.