TVS is among the very few Indian manufacturers that has consistently stayed true to its racing DNA. Since its inception, the company has treated racing not as a marketing gimmick, but as part of its core philosophy and the TVS Young Media Racer Program (YMRP) is a brilliant initiative that reflects this commitment. It’s an opportunity for automotive journalists and content creators to experience what it feels like to be a racer, with the full works: race-spec motorcycles, technical training, and the thrill of competition. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time riding on racetracks but never actually raced, the YMRP felt like the perfect platform to take that leap. So when the invite for Season 9.0 landed in my inbox, I instantly grabbed the opportunity to represent TURBOCHARGED. This was more than just a track day, it was a proper race weekend.
The format was straightforward. We had to qualify in the selection round and then earn a spot on the grid for Round 1 of the championship. But before we could head out on track, TVS made sure we were properly trained. We went through classroom sessions that explained the nuances of racing, followed by on-track practice focused on improving our lines, throttle control, and race starts. It was a masterclass in unlearning our street habits and replacing them with race-ready skills. Out of the 46 participating auto journalists and influencers, only 16 qualified. I was proud to be one of them. The first stint on the track made me realise how different racing is compared to track riding. There’s so much more involved: precision, commitment, consistency. I had plenty to work on, especially in terms of body position and corner entry. But the fire was lit. Soon, the mail for Round-1 hit my inbox. The excitement was unreal. I spent the whole week visualising every turn, every braking point, preparing myself mentally. A month after the qualifiers, I was back at the Madras International Circuit, ready to chase lap times and personal progress.
The day began with a short but productive practice session. Despite the month-long gap, I felt far more confident than before. This was also the first time I truly appreciated the TVS Eurogrip tyres. These race-spec tyres played a pivotal role in giving me the confidence to push harder into corners. Their grip levels were fantastic, even under aggressive braking and lean angles. I managed to drop my best lap time from 2:31.600 to 2:26.081 minutes. That’s a massive gain on a short track and a testament to how much the right tyres can impact your confidence and performance. The tyres not only provided ample grip but also allowed for mid-corner corrections, which is a big deal for amateur racers like me still working on perfecting their lines. The aggressive profile made the motorcycle feel agile yet stable, and helped smoothen transitions from side to side. Combined with the sharp handling of the Apache RTR 200, it felt like the machine was just waiting to dive into every corner.
After the session, I spent time watching the professional racers competing in the TVS One Make Championship, which was being held alongside the YMRP. Seeing the pros take on the track aboard their race-prepped Apache RR 310s and RTEs was incredibly insightful. I focused particularly on how they tackled Turn 1, learning how race lines differ from practice lines. In a real race scenario, you constantly adapt based on who’s ahead, who’s behind, and where the overtaking opportunities lie. I learned the importance of offensive lines, taken to pass others, and defensive lines, used to block passing attempts. Armed with those observations, I was ready for the qualifiers that would determine our race grid positions for the final race. I applied the techniques I’d just learned, focused on being aggressive where needed and composed where it counted. It paid off. I managed to shave another 2.5 seconds, bringing my best time down to 2:24.372 minutes, which put me in 10th place on the grid.
The next morning was Race Day, and the nerves kicked in. I was the first one suited up, pacing around the pits, running through mental checklists. It was finally happening, my first ever motorcycle race-start. As we lined up on the grid, I focused on keeping calm. I gripped the front brake, pulled in the clutch, and dialled in the right amount of throttle. As the lights came on and then went off, everything else faded into the background. I released the clutch and gunned it towards Turn 1. The first lap was chaos. Bikes all around me, everyone fighting for clean lines and clear air. I loved every bit of it. This was no longer about lap times but racecraft, strategy, and instincts. I managed to work my way up to 6th position, feeling more composed with every corner. Unfortunately, at the start of Lap 3, my motorcycle suffered a mechanical issue. I couldn’t engage 4th and 5th gears, which seriously limited my pace on the faster sections. I tried to hold on in 3rd gear, but eventually, I was swallowed by the pack. I crossed the chequered flag in 9th position.
Disappointed? A bit, yes. But not disheartened. I had clocked a new personal best of 2:24.017 minutes before the issue hit. And that’s what mattered most. I was improving with every session, becoming a more confident and competent rider. Racing, I’ve learned, is as much about setbacks as it is about progress. Mechanical failures, mental lapses, missed lines, they’re all part of the game. The key is to take it all in, learn from it, and come back stronger.
Thanks to TVS and the YMRP, I now have two more rounds to go. Two more chances to get better, go faster, and grow as a racer. This experience has opened a whole new chapter in my motorcycling journey. It’s one thing to watch racing from the sidelines, but to be out there on the grid, heart pounding and throttle pinned, is something else entirely. And this is just the beginning.
