Karthikyean burns city tarmac

What happens when one of the fastest cars to hit Indian roads falls in the hand of India’s fastest driver?

On Wednesday, Narain Karthikeyan burnt the tarmac of city’s biggest helipad Pawan Hans along with the tyres of a Nissan 370Z, the newly introduced 3700cc sports car.

For Narain, this was a dream come true. “My uncle in Coimbatore had a Nissan 250Z long-time back...I was too young to drive then but finally I have my hands on a much quicker car,” said the former F1 driver.

But for him, dealing with such demons has been business as usual. The only Indian to have driven a Formula One car is now venturing into Nascar and Le Mans racing. The ace driver is excited by the prospect.

“I want to maintain a balance between US and European circuits...Within the next 10 days I will be able to confirm my plans,” he explained. If the deal falls in place, he will be driving for Starbeat Motorsports in either the Nationwide or Truck series.

On his chances of an FI comeback, Karthikeyan felt old guys are now in demand. “I am just 32 but for this season I am not looking at it,” said the former Team Jordan driver before getting into the sports coupe for a hot lap with DNA in tow.

The engine was ignited, the car touched 100, 120, 140, 180 and all that before the blink of an eye. And within a split second, the vibrant red car disappeared in the smoke flushing out the sheer power it produced. But cool as a cucumber, Karthikeyan got the mean machine in his control in no time and emerged out with a smile.
Some ride, that!