Meet Aarav Sureka: The 9-Year-Old Go-Karting and Motorsports Rising Star

Motorsports, once considered a niche sport in India, is now rapidly gaining traction, fueled by the global success of Formula 1 legends like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel. With the rise of international racing leagues, India’s interest in motorsports is accelerating, and young talents are stepping onto the tracks like never before.

One such inspiring young racer is Aarav Sureka, a nine-year-old go-karting prodigy from Mumbai, already making his mark in the motorsports world. At a young age and with over two years of experience, he made his debut in the FMSCI Rotax Max Challenge 2024, displaying remarkable skill and race craft. Trained by top coaches like Rayomand Banajee and Saurav Bandyopadhyay, Aarav has mastered strategic overtaking and advanced racing techniques. His love for racing especially in challenging conditions like rain, sets him apart as one of the most promising young stars in Indian motorsports. We at Youth Incorporated had the pleasure of interviewing Aarav to learn more about his journey, inspirations, and insights from his coaches on what makes him a standout racer.

Interview

Q.1) Could you tell us about how you developed your passion for racing? and how did your parents support your decision?

Ans: I’ve always loved speed and competition, and karting was the perfect way to combine both. My passion really grew when I first got behind the wheel at IndiKarting, Wadala (Mumbai) and felt the thrill of racing. My parents have been my biggest supporters — they introduced me to karting, helped me train, and always motivate me to push my limits.

Q.2) What was your reaction when you won your first race? Also you mentioned you love racing in the rain, can you tell us what makes it special? 

Ans: Winning my first race was an unforgettable moment! It felt amazing to see all the hard work pay off. Racing in the rain is special because it’s all about skill and control. It levels the playing field and forces you to be precise and smooth — it’s a true test of a driver’s ability! Also, having been brought up in Mumbai, I have driven and trained a lot in rain, which makes me more confident.

Q.3) You’ve done great in the FMSCI Rotax Max Challenge 2024! How has your experience in 4-stroke karting helped you with smart overtaking and making the right decisions on the track? What other skills do you want to improve?

Ans: 4-stroke karting taught me patience, racecraft, and how to position myself for overtakes without making mistakes. Since it’s more about momentum, I learned how to make the most of every opportunity. In Rotax, those skills help me make quick, smart moves. Also, 4-stroke helped me a lot with kart awareness as there is a lot of close racing in 4-stroke. I want to improve my qualifying pace and consistency over long races.

Q.4) How do you prepare before a big race? Do you have any special routines?

Ans: I make sure to stay focused and calm. I visualize the track, go through data with my coaches, and get into the right mindset. Before getting into the kart, I do some warm-ups to stay sharp and ready. Most importantly, I try to get a good night sleep a day before the race.

Q.5) You mentioned you have great coaches like Rayomand Banajee and Saurav Bandyopadhyay who helped you improve your racing skills? Could you tell us about your journey with them? What is the best piece of advice they have given you?

Ans: Both of them have been amazing mentors. Rayo Sir has helped me refine my racecraft, while Saurav Sir has worked a lot on my technique and mindset. The best advice I’ve received is: “Be patient, but when you see a chance, take it without hesitation.”

Q.6) How do you balance your academics, extra curricular activities (mention a few if you have) and racing together?

Ans: It’s definitely challenging, but I make sure to manage my time well. I focus on studies when exams are near, and I train hard when I’m at the track. However, training doesn’t stop at the track, but is a process which includes daily fitness workout, high-protein diet and a bit of meditation daily. Racing has taught me discipline, which helps in everything I do. I also enjoy playing games like Fifa 25, Roblox, F1, etc. which help me stay balanced.

Q.7) Who is your racing inspiration, and why do you look up to them?

Ans: I really look up to Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna. Their driving style, determination, and mindset inspire me. They show that hard work and belief in yourself can take you to the top.

 Q.8) What is the biggest challenge you have faced on the track?

Ans: One of the toughest moments was during one of the Rotax Max Challenge rounds in Bangalore, where I started 4th on the grid, but got hit from behind by another driver in the first lap, first corner of the race, which resulted in DNF (Did Not Finish). But incidents like these make you stronger, and I’ve learned to never give up, no matter what happens in a race.

Q.9) Do you ever feel nervous before a race? How do you overcome it? 

Ans: Yes, many times – Almost before every race! But I use that energy to stay focused. I take deep breaths, remind myself of my training, and trust my instincts once the lights go out. Also, once you are in the kart, you feel more settled and ready to go.

Q.10) Do you dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver? If you could race against any famous driver, who would it be?

Ans: Yes, my dream is to reach Formula 1! If I could race against anyone, it would be nice to race with Lando Norris. He seems to be a chill guy to be around with, and at the same time, competitive.

Q. 10) What message would you deliver to other kids who want to follow their passion like you?

Ans: Believe in yourself and work hard. No dream is too big if you’re willing to put in the effort. Keep pushing, learn from every experience, and never give up!

Insights from Aarav’s Motorsports Coaches

Q. 1) What do you think sets him apart as a young racer, and how has he improved under your guidance? 

Ans: Aarav has the hunger to achieve which not many kids of his age have. He is also a fast learner and adapts to situations which makes coaching easier. Since joining our program, he has shown tremendous growth—his racecraft has matured, his technical understanding of the kart has deepened, and his ability to analyze data to refine his performance is remarkable. His recent 5th-place finish in the Rotax Max Challenge Final, despite being amongst the youngest on the grid, speaks volumes about his potential and determination.

Q. 2) What key skills and qualities does a young racer like Aarav need to develop to succeed at higher levels of racing? What challenges do you face as a coach, and what makes coaching special for you?

Ans: To succeed at higher levels, a racer needs more than just speed. Discipline, consistency, race strategy, and mental resilience are crucial. Aarav is already developing these traits, and as he gains more experience, his ability to read races and make split-second decisions will set him apart. Another critical factor is fitness—racing demands high levels of endurance and strength, which he is actively working on.

As a coach, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring young drivers balance aggression with control. Karting is highly competitive, and channeling their energy in the right direction is key. What makes coaching special is witnessing their growth—not just as racers but as individuals. Seeing Aarav push boundaries and achieve milestones at such an early stage is incredibly rewarding. He has the hunger to win, and if he continues on this trajectory, the future looks very exciting for him.

Just like that, Aarav Sureka’s journey in motorsports is just beginning, but his passion, dedication, and talent already set him apart as a future star. With the right training, determination, and support, he is well on his way to making a name for himself in the racing world. His story is an inspiration to young motorsports enthusiasts across India, proving that with hard work and a love for the sport, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see where his racing career takes him next!