It takes a lot of courage, passion and determination to take a big leap in order to fulfil your dreams. That is exactly what Advait Deodhar did; a racing champion from Mumbai, who aims to become an international name to reckon with.
Born and bred in Mumbai, India, Advait was always fascinated with fast cars and speed. It didn't come as a surprise to his family and friends that he had finally decided to choose racing as a career. He said, “I'm very lucky in many respects that my parents were supportive and they said, 'the fact that you're going to go into it 110%, we'll support you'.”
It was during his time as a student in Italy, studying Automobile Design which proved to be instrumental in Advait becoming more determined to go down this path. And that was it- there was no looking back for him. “It is something innate, I wanted to do this all my life... but I never actually pursued it. In Italy, growing up and being exposed to this sport, I said, 'I think this is what I'm good at and I think this is what I want to do. It's a big risk that I'm actually going to go down this path.' But I didn't want to be 50 years old and look back on life and say, 'What if?'”
He started his career as a racer in 2012 and what seems even more astonishing is the fact that he had no prior karting career behind him, making him a late bloomer in this field. Nevertheless, with each race, he showed potential and improved massively, taking each race as an opportunity to learn, as well as showcase his talent. “I started at the back and I struggled. As the season progressed, I started to build up and got towards the front.”
After reaching the pinnacle in the sport in India, his career now moves to Europe. Advait will be competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain in 2016. Speaking about his aim for the future, he said, “I will be the only Indian competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, and I am also the only Indian competing and going down this journey. The ultimate aim is to become the first Indian to win at Le Mans... the most iconic race in the entire world... I also want to be the only Indian to compete and win the Porsche Carrera cup GB 2016 and I shall make it happen!”
Advait's passion for the sport resonates through his words, as well as his confidence and optimism in succeeding in his future goals.
For those who aim to go down the racing career path, his advice is that dedication, hard work and commitment is key. “If you seriously want to make a career in this sport, you need to commit yourself 110%. I don't think you can do anything else apart from this... People just think of motorsports as glitz, glamour, fun, fast cars and champagne- but I think that's just a percent of what the sport is. The amount of work that goes on behind the scene to even get behind the wheel is tremendous. So my advice to anyone is if you want to do it, you've got to commit yourself 100%. It's a very physically demanding sport and also a very expensive one. It’s more work outside the car than inside a car. Talent alone does not cut it; drivers need to bring in large sponsors to compete. It's extremely demanding on track and off track. If you're not going to give it 110%- don't [choose this profession].
Join Advait on his journey in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and support him for this venture. This young man is passionate, hard working, hungry to succeed and relentless. Advait is definitely going places.
