Full Name: Mazdayar K. Vatcha

DOB: 24^th September, 1973.

Home: Hyderabad

Category Competing: RSC until 2007. Now.... ???

Car: Chettinad Sporting Maruti Esteem until 2007. Now.... ???  

Team: Silver Fern Racing

Co-driver: Kaushik Shinde and Madhu K. C.

First win: On Debut

Best: Indian National Rally Champion 2007 (RSC) and

        Indian National Saloon Car Racing Champion 2007 (RSC)

Other: Wins in Motocross, Dirt tracks, Hill Climbs, Autocross, Circuit Racing, Bike Rallies, GoKart, GoKart Endurance, A record of 243kmpl in Mileage Challenge, Formula Car Endurance, Drag Racing.

What has been your biggest inspiration in rallying? 
The Quest for Success.

Describe your most unforgettable incident in rallying.
Chikmagalur 2006...... Driving with zero brakes and zero steering to the left. The steering would turn the car right perfectly; but when turned to the left, it would slip and rotate infinitely with the car continuing to go straight. And I was still running third despite all that.

What's the top speed that you have touched on a stage?
I don't have a functional Speedometer in my rally car.

How often do you practice and where?

Are you superstitious/do you have a ritual before you get into the car/start a stage...etc?

There's already enough number of things to focus on. It would be ridiculous to break that focus for some silly idiosyncrasy.

Which round of the INRC is your favorite and why?
All the rounds have something nice about them. But I am partial towards the K-1000 because of the atmosphere that the event exudes.

How would you compare Indian rallies with the International ones.
When an International Rally happens, the whole world knows. And unfortunately, when a round of INRC takes place, it goes practically unnoticed. Organisers.... Please get your act together. It's not enough to run the rally alone. A separate team should be deployed for marketing it and yet another for organizing spectator areas and access for the spectators to these areas.

Any tips for upcoming drivers and navigators?
Spend time in a GoKart and on a Dirt Bike. It will give you a better understanding of the dynamics of your car than your car can ever give you. Navigators... Do TSD rallies whenever possible; and develop your speech delivery. You must be clearly audible to the driver. Also, work on the co-ordination between driver - navigator for quick change of wheels and small repairs to the car in case of unforeseen incidents.

Above all, Keep it simple!!!

How do you think we can popularize rallying in India?
Refer to point 10. Also, it has to be approached from all angles. Manufacturers have to be a part of INRC. And that is only possible by following the method adopted abroad. In most countries, manufacturers have a Driver Development Program. So here too, the govt. has to ensure that all manufacturers invest in a Driver Development Program.

Besides, it has to be National News. Covered by all media.... Newspapers, magazines, tv channels, radio, websites. Fortunately, the website area is fabulously taken care of  by Rally.co.in