It is true that you need to be mentally tough to pursue motorsport, but what drives you the most, is passion. For Pramod Joshua, spending his time with bikes has become a way of life. The Bengaluru lad can either be seen honing his skills on the bike or at the garage tinkering with his collection of bikes.
Joshua started his campaign in the Indian National Rally championship with a victory in opening leg at Coimbatore. The venue has been a happy hunting ground for Joshua, who completed a hat-trick this year.
“It is definitely a great feeling. This is something I did not expect, but I am happy that I have been able to do it.” It also has given Joshua the right start, who is looking to win his maiden INRC championship. Last year, Joshua did not participate in two rallies and had to be content with the second place, while another Karnataka lad K.P. Aravind claimed the title.
“Last year I did not compete in two rallies and I finished runner-up in the championship. But this year I am looking to win it and it will be a big step towards next year,” he said. Things were not looking bright for Joshua in 2006 before TVS Racing took him in their stride. “My biggest break was getting into TVS in 2006 when the things were not looking good. It has been getting better and better each year. I want to be the best I can be on track every day. I don’t want to stagnate.”
Joshua fell in love with bikes at a very young age and it only became stronger as he grew up. “I grew up in a place where there were lot of Yezdi bikes, so I fell in love with bikes,” he said.
“It was always my dream to take part in rallies. Slowly I got into autocross and in the very first race I finished third. That really pushed me and my family has also been of great support,” he said. Meanwhile, Joshua also has plans to participate in overseas rallies. “I am looking forward to take part in foreign events, but that is a long term plan. This year I did not work towards that but it looks like I can get things done for the next year.”
He also did not rule out getting behind four-wheelers in future. “It is a long-term plan. I may probably be looking at it in the future if I get an opening. I am not saying that it is going to be easy after riding two wheelers, but it definitely gives you a first-hand experience and knowledge about rallying.”