Coimbatore: Delhi’s Gaurav Gill always enjoyed attacking the stages at the Kethanur windmill farm near Palladam. But, this time round, he was found mentoring a few on the art of driving with authority here on Thursday.
In an exclusive chat with The Hindu , the three-time APRC champion revealed that he wanted to share the knowledge and the best techniques that he had acquired over the years to young people and mould champions out of them.
“Usually, people do these training after their career is over, but I want to do it while I am at my peak. I want to engage, execute and make them better drivers that they may represent the country in the years to come.”
He said he had good speed as a youngster but the exposure from the sponsors turned him into a successful driver. “These guys don’t have such an exposure. Their only connect is me and my international exposure is brought to them right here in Coimbatore or right next to their seat.”
Gill had done a few small sessions last year. “But this two-day session at Coimbatore is the biggest. With lots of demand, we are trying it to make it even bigger. It may happen in the next two months and with a larger field as well consisting more of amateurs,” he said.
But why Coimbatore? “It is a central hub in the south. Lots of boys come in from Bengaluru, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The city has got some beautiful wide open stages and to our requirement. The geographical location of the stages also makes it easier for us to gain access,” said Gill.
The champion driver is not just conducting training sessions but also planning to set up three Rally Parks (by Gaurav Gill Advanced Training Academy) — one each in Delhi, Pune and Coimbatore.
The Rally Park in Delhi, to be launched mid-April, is a permanent facility. It has got a 3km gravel track, where one can hire rally cars, professional buggies and motorcycles. It has got a motocross track as well.” he added.
Gill wants to target people who have zero exposure and spread about the awareness of the sport that they may follow the sport, respect and hero worship its stars.
“It is important for the sport to grow. We are looking at ‘hire and drive’ ways to help people drive professionally built rally cars,” he said. “Having been in the industry for so many years, I feel I should create this for the many enthusiasts in the country,” he added.
He said he will start training kids from eight years onwards. “From eight to 80 all are welcome. Besides training, auto manufacturers can use these rally parks as a platform for R&D and for launches to showcase their products and the ability of their cars.”
Gill is confident that his rally parks will serve as wells to draw out exciting talents for the sport in the future.
