Avdumber Hede is Goa's face of karting. He is now 22 years old and here's what he had to say to eGoa
Here's Avdumber Hede sharing his karting insights with Antonio Furtado
How and when did you start karting?
Avdumber: I started go-karting seven years back. It happened when my friend told me about the car racing happening in Nuvem n asked me to go n visit Goa kart racing track. From the time I was a kid I had this craze about cars. Every time my dad saw me upset he knew the best way to cheer me up was by gifting me a toy car. I always wanted to drive but cause of the stupid Indian rules n regulations it was not possible till I turned 18. The best way to get rid of my frustration was to get on the race track and that's how I reached the track. In the start I was too scared to get into the kart. But now I don wan to get out of the kart.
Can you tell us a brief about achievements please?
Avdumber: My first race took place four days after I started karting. It was the all Goa carnival race. I won the race even though I was rookie n raced with the best Goan racers. The second race was the all India JK tyre national karting championship, Goa was one of the regional rounds. I won that race. I took part in the junior category. With that win I was promoted and sent to Delhi for the final event, where I started in 8th position but I did not lose my focus and I finished second all India national title. From there I won lots of events all in senior category. The major events I won have been the 2006-07 and 2007-08 all India second place in M.R.F national karting championship.
What have been the hardships you have faced?
Avdumber: Racing is an expensive sport; you need lots money to keep you going. This is always been my major issue in my racing career. My dad always stayed by my side but as my racing career progressed, it got more and more expensive and then it was difficult to keep it going. I went to Goa government to ask for support but they just promised a lot and never did what they said. I guess that's why we are so far behind because there is lot of talent here but there's no one to help them.
What are your comments on karting as a career?
Avdumber: Karting as of now is not a sport to take up as a career. You need sponsorships in this expensive sport to make it your living. You need big companies to get involved in this sport then only I think there will be a future in racing.
Do you have any advice for young karters?
Avdumber: Karting is a great sport. If your dream is to get to formula one u got to start with karting as most of the top formula racers started their career with karting. I think if u can handle the money issue I think karting is the best sport anyone can take up as a career. You can see that top racers don't reach formula one because of no sponsorship. But there is a great future as big companies are getting involved and looking out for good talent.
What do you have to say about eGoa?
Avdumber: I think eGoa is the best place where I think you can share everything with the rest of the people of Goa.
Interview by Antonio Furtado