The triumph of Akash Gowda in the junior category of the J.K. Tyres Rotax Max I National Karting Championship which concluded recently was an icing on the cake for the 17-year old Bengaluru lad. He has been performing consistently over the past couple of years.
The National Karting Championship, which consisted five rounds, was held in Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Bengaluru . With one win, three second and one third place finish, Akash took home the crown with 413 points, 7 points ahead of his closest competitor.
For Akash, racing is in his blood as his father, Harish Gowda was a noted rallyist. After watching Akash on the karting track, Harish began teaching him the ropes. Akash came to the Akbar Ebrahim’s Meco Racing Umbrella at the age of 12 and started karting in the Micro Max Category in the National Karting Championship where he finished among top three. In 2012, he emerged as second runner-up in the Rookie Cup. He was vice champion in the junior class of Rotax Max x National Karting meet in 2013 and ‘14 and was second runner-up in the Rotax Max MMS National Open event, before clinching the National Junior title this year.
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Akash also participated in J.K. Tyre Racing Championship Formula BMW, J.K. Tyre National Racing Championship LGB Formula Swift in 2013 and is progressing faster in the series and the last round of Formula BMW at Buddh International Circuit, Noida
Looking back at the 2015 season, Akash says, “Becoming the junior champion was the best moment of my career and it has given me hope and confidence that I can achieve more.”
The transition from karting to car racing poses a challenge, but Akash feels that karting has provided him the basics to compete in motor racing. “You adapt faster when your basics are clear.”
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Akash admits, “It is physically more demanding than karting and I have been working on my fitness with a trainer and a nutritionist as well.”
The 2016 season has a packed schedule for Akash as he would be racing in the senior category of the National Karting event and FIA F4 Asia Cup Series “It is tough and he needs to practice in Malaysia or China” says Harish. Motorsport, especially at this level, lacks sponsor support and Akash gets by with support of his family and school. His trainer, Akbar Ebrahim says, “Akash has shown tremendous flair and style in his driving technique. His smoothness and consistency is impressive He is also focussed on making a mark.”