Success Formula

The recent trend of Indians excelling in individual rather than team sports is the subject of much enquiry. One such case is that of Narain Karthikeyan who with an astounding first win in the Kent countryside has finally hit centre stage in international motorsports. The most competitive in its category, the British Formula 3 championships is the stepping stone to the pinnacle of motorsports, the Formula One championship series. So with the young Coimbatore lad finally standing atop the podium at the curvy Brands Hatch circuit, motorsports will certainly not remain the same in India. By winning at Brands Hatch, Narain has put himself in the race for the British championship. Success in the British version of the Formula 3 championships is the most prestigious crown at this level of motorsports.

The road from here leads onto Formula 3000 and then Formula One, though the exceptionally talented jump straight into the elite. Amongst those who made that jump from Formula Three to the Grand Prix cars was the lateAyrton Senna. And it isn8217;t a coincidence that Narain regards Senna as his hero, his inspiration, simply the greatest8217;. So if Narain has it in him then a spate of victories is only the next race away. If he does not, then it would mean the graduated approach, of being a challenger in this year8217;s championship, and to take the first crown of the millennium. What cannot be doubted is that Narain has the skill and the hunger to win, but that is only one half of the battle. The excruciatingly shy motorist has not really got into the groove of the British trackside culture. While he is in the sport for its glory, glamour and gold, Narain continues to feel a sense of alienation from the paddocks of the various circuits. But then he has only now tasted the winner8217;s bubbly, and like many other first-time experiences, this too has a tendency to change personalities.

What he does need to ensure his way towards the top, and win the other half of the battle, is a steady dose of sponsorship. In the world of motorsports,sponsorship takes a driver into the right team with the right car, at the right time. Without the right package of skill, car and financial backing, any driver seeking to reach the top soon finds himself as an also ran, a veritable passenger. Narain has demonstrated the skill to win, but the onus to take him forward now rests with Indian industry. Prevented from becoming transnational corporations by a perversion called socialism, Indian industry demonstrated considerable skill in flourishing in a closed environment. But with globalisation, it is time for industry to look beyond. Since motorsports attracts the maximum television viewership, Indian enterprise would find Narain as its perfect ambassador. The socialist state killed enterprise, as well as sport. The free market era has opened up tremendous possibilities, opening gates for individual enterprise. It is time enterprise got involved with individual sports, for India is obviously scoring well in that direction. Proof: Narain Karthikeyan.