TVS Young Media Racer Program 8.0 edition concluded

We had an opportunity to participate in TVS Young Media Racer Program, at the forefront of fostering racing talent since 1982, TVS Racing has launched the 8.0 edition of its TVS Young Media Racer Program (YMRP) at the Madras International Circuit (MIC).

The selection process for this category concluded triumphantly, with the top 16 racers chosen to represent aspiring young journalists from all corners of the nation.

Since 2017, this initiative has been crucial in nurturing racing talent, underscoring TVS Racing’s commitment to advancing motorsport in India while training enthusiastic young media individuals with a passion for racing. I’ve eagerly awaited the chance to participate in this race for some time now, and finally, I had the opportunity to attend. I previously took part in the TVS Racing Women’s Training and Selection program, where I became familiar with the concept.

The selection round for this edition of YMRP was held at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) on May 24, 2024. We all media participants underwent a comprehensive Level 1 training program at the TVS Racing Academy, comprising theoretical and practical sessions led by TVS Racing champions, including multiple championship victors such as Jagan Kumar and KY Ahmed who guided us on the track. The session began with an introduction of the history of TVS into racing by Pradeep HK,  and during our intense session, Harry Sylvester was our trainer.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, highlighted TVS Motor Company’s 40-year racing legacy and its commitment to democratizing motorsports in India. He emphasized TVSM’s dedication to nurturing global talent, particularly by supporting young racers and making racing more inclusive through initiatives like the TVS YMRP. Mr. Sumbly expressed confidence in the upcoming training sessions to enhance participants’ skills and performance, wishing all riders the best for the season ahead.

Major Highlights of this program were:

• TVS YMRP provides a platform for young racers to delve into racing excitement within a secure environment and vie for the esteemed TVS One Make Championship, which coincides with the Indian National Motorcycle Championship.
• From a pool of 39 contenders, the swiftest 16 riders emerged victorious to claim the title of this season’s racers at the selection round of TVS YMRP 8.0 held at MIC, Chennai.
• The Level-1 program at the TVS Racing training academy entailed a comprehensive day-long training regimen, encompassing theoretical and practical sessions, delivered by acclaimed TVS Racing champions.
• The top 16 racers competed intensely for the coveted TVS India One Make Championship within the Young Media Program category, which runs parallel to the Indian National Motorcycle Championship.
• The chosen will pilot the race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V in the media category throughout the season.
• Over the years, the program has honed the racing skills of over 200 journalists, with some now actively participating in various racing formats.
• Setting new safety standards for its racers, TVS Racing has introduced Alpinestars Air Bag Tech Air 5 and FIM Homologated helmets for the participants of TVS YMRP, marking a pioneering move in India and mirroring the gear used by MotoGP racers.

The adrenaline surged as we acclimated to the blistering mid-summer heat of Chennai. Throughout the day, we underwent intensive training sessions, immersing ourselves in learning techniques and applying them on the track. Endurance and fitness proved essential during these sessions, with everyone experiencing dehydration and exhaustion firsthand, we managed to complete the session.

During training, someone attempted to overtake me, leading to a crash on the track. Fortunately, I was wearing the Alpinestars racing suit, helmet, and airbags, which protected me during the incident. Despite the crash, I was unharmed and able to continue with the laps afterward. The airbags remained deployed for 6 seconds before deflating, and I was safely approached by the marshals. In conclusion, the safety measures ensured my well-being, allowing me to complete the laps without further issues.