Motorsports in the country has been witnessing a steady rise in participation in recent times. Owing to the risky nature of the sport, it is important that participants pay importance to certain safety aspects. Along with a vehicle in perfect condition, the skill level of the driver/rider is also equally important.
To begin with, participants need to check the tyres first, ensure you have the right type of tyres that can handle the route you are participating in. On off-road circuits, you may consider lowering the air pressure than the prescribed limit, as this will help in easy rolling over rocks and help with better traction on loose gravel stretch. In case you are participating in events like the Desert Storm, it is also important here that you lower the tyre pressure. This helps with better flotation by increasing the size of your ‘footprint’, thereby dramatically improving the traction. However, it is important to keep checking it as per terrain requirements. As momentum is the key, a good tyre pressure on straight surfaces will help you get desired performance results.
Loading yourself with a certified body protective gear is as important as you are for the race. Investing in a good pair of protective suit, boots, gloves and headgear will save you from major injuries in case of an untoward incident. Though participants in motorsport events are expected to meet standard safety requirements, it is always a good idea to have additional protection, even if it means shelling a little extra from your pocket. Keeping basic first aid with you will help, till you are attended by medics at the venue.
Mental and physical fitness is vital to motorsports. Challenging routes do take a heavy toll on your body and it is important to start building and training yourself months in advance. Being mentally prepared is also important and it is a good idea to recee the area before the official race begins. This will help you get acquainted with the route and potential hurdles that you may encounter during the challenge. Also, briefly studying the participants helps as you to understand who holds what potential.
Motorsport is all about a perfect combination of human as well as automobile fitness. Hence, primarily you need to ensure that your machine is in peak condition and is free of all flaws, be it minor or major! A vehicle in good condition will help you cross the finish line. For beginners, it is advisable that they start off with smaller events in the country, which will help them fine tune their skills. Once confident, they can participate in challenging events like the Raid de Himalaya, Dakar raid, Desert storm and the Rain forest challenge.
