UAE Sportbikes: Spotlight on Surya Raja – Dubai’s fastest Indian

16th, Sep, 2012: -Nineteen year old Surya Raja took the 2011/2012 UAE Sportbikes season by storm, starting out the season as a wayward novice he raised his game drastically to clinch the Rookie of the Season title in the UAE’s premier two wheel championship.

The Abu Dhabi based engineering student has counted on his family’s support, despite contesting a sport which is very new to his home country of India. He counts MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi as his hero and superbike star Troy Bayliss as his role model.

But what makes a teenager from a country where cricket is king to take up motorcycle racing? He answered, “It was simply because I want to take up motorcycle racing as a career, and being just an enthusiast was not enough. Being a racer gave me the opportunity to share the track with the best racers in the country and improve. Being a racer is like an ‘entry pass’ which I would need, to be in the racing line-up, instead of being in the grandstand cheering.”

However it was not simply arrive and ride, because to race there are certain criteria that one has to adhere to and a process exists before one can take to the track and start racing.

Raja explains his journey, “I honestly was surprised when I managed to clear my road-license test, as I had never been on a motorcycle more than five times before that. It felt great to have passed it. Then process of qualifying for my race license was comparatively easier as I was very well guided by the officials at Dubai Autodrome.”

“I had a classroom theory session, where we were made aware of the various safety related aspects of racing. This was followed by a theory test which was solely based on what we learnt in the classroom. Passing the theory allowed me to progress to a test on the track where a more experienced racer follows you and decides if you are worthy of racing. And I was,” he recalled.

Fast forward a year and Raja was being called up to collect the Rookie of the Year prize, winning the coveted award in a season which boasted the most rookies ever. Rookie, in this instance, being a rider racing on track for the first time and competing in the UAE Sportbikes Championship season.

Raja said of his achievement, which came about despite an inauspicious start to his season, “It feels great to have won the inaugural UAE Sportbikes Rookie of the Year championship. Taking into consideration the disastrous start to the Championship where I managed to finish only 3rd and 4th in the initial five races left us with lot of work to do in the latter half of the season. But we did it.”

Racing is a team sport, and although the rider does the business on track he typically has a support network at each race.

Raja is no exception and was quick to point out this out, “With all the support from family, friends and our former UAE champion Juzar Motiwala I managed to pull myself back into it and eventually won the Championship.”

“I am very content with the improvement that I’ve managed to make in my first year of racing, and I’m hoping to keep the improvement graph climbing. Winning the rookie championship means a lot to me, as it is the best possible start for anyone who is looking for a career in racing. I’ve now become more confident about my capabilities as a racer, and I’m hoping to use it to my advantage in the up-coming season,” added Raja.

Invariably there are key moments in any prolonged sporting campaign, Raja reflected, “Most importantly, the season for me was a very safe one I must say. We managed to avoid any kind of a spills on race days or qualifying sessions. And as far as the racing goes, I managed to keep the progress graph climbing very consistently and every race showed improvement, both in lap timings and race standings.”

Raja has fond memories of winning his first race, “The key moment of the year was definitely when I won my first race. My parents had big smiles on their faces, all the important people who had been helping me on the track felt proud of me. My first win was definitely a very motivating factor, which was followed my more wins later.”

In just about every sport a new champion has a list of people he or she needs to thank for their achievement, Raja did not forget those who were integral to his journey to the rookie title.

“Firstly I would like to thank my parents, without whom achieving all this would have not been possible. Also I would like to thank all the racers for their advice for me in the pits, especially Juzar Motiwala, who has given me a lot of on-track and off-track support throughout the season. Last but not least thank you to Dubai Autodrome, all the officials and all the marshals who have worked hard throughout the season and provided us with the best facilities to race,” said the new rookie champion.

Raja is set to contest the 2012/2013 UAE Sportbike Championship again, but this time around he will not be eligible for the rookie title and instead will be challenging reigning champion Mahmoud Tannir for the big prize.

Raja is aware of the task ahead, “Well, 2012/2013 season is going to be way tougher than last year. Going up against the more experienced and pace setting racers will be a challenge to be honest. But, compared to my rookie year of racing, this year I’m relaxed as I know what to expect, so I’m looking forward to be using this confidence and experience to my advantage.”

At the same time the Abu Dhabi based student remains aware that his journey in the sport has just begun, “I still have a lot to learn, I’m expecting this season to be a good teacher, but I have also been working on quite a few things myself on track days at Dubai Autodrome which have shown positive results. So I’m at least hoping to be on the pace and expecting a consistent podium finish this season.”

Predictions? “I personally believe if I can finish this season, with no big points gap between me and the championship winner, it would be a successful one for me. It sure is going to be a great season, and I’m looking forward to it.”