Racing to the top

Off the road

One of the most successful names in the arena of drag racing, Joel Joseph is the reigning champion in the Indian Open, Prostock and unrestricted classes of Vroom and takes pride in setting and breaking records. He boasts of making the most powerful Honda City car; a mean machine that the most powerful front wheel drive car in the country and the most powerful Honda City in the world.

Having recently headlined the JK Tyre Vroom quarter mile drag fest in the city, Joel talks to Rajitha Menon about drag racing and more.
 
How did you get into this field?
I started off as an enthusiast; I used to drive bikes and cars before I was introduced to the world of circuit racing. I started watching a lot of videos and adrenalin kicked in. I wanted to see myself doing such stuff too. It’s been 12 years now and the journey has been a long but satisfying one.
 
How have the prospects of drag racing in India changed over the years?
Drag racing started in India around 10 years ago and it’s doing well. There was a lull in the scene for some time in between but over the last 4-5 years, it has picked up again and events are being organised on a consistent basis all over the country.
 
Most favourite moment on the tracks so far?
It was in May 2016. The first time I clocked a 11 second quarter mile in my Honda City. It was the fastest timing for an Indian car in the world and we were very happy at having reached the milestone.
 
What is the weirdest advice you have got before a race?
Some people tell me to take it easy and not drive so fast since I can always win the next time. What does that mean? Racers are supposed to be fast and I am a person who doesn’t like to postpone success.
 
What are the requisites to be a good racer?
You have to have the right attitude and set an example for others by driving responsibly. Drag racing does not mean rash driving. Going fast on public roads is stupidity; you are just playing with a lot of lives. Always keep safety first.

What do you do in your spare time?
I don’t really have that much spare time. However, I am an artist and love freestyle sketching and painting. Apart from that, I like travelling and enjoy going on road trips.
 
If not a racer...
I can’t see myself doing anything else, I would have done something within the automobile industry itself. Maybe I would have been a journalist writing about this kind of stuff.
 
Advice to drag racing aspirants?
Be aware of the risks you are getting into as well as your limitations before you enter this field. Racing is an expensive sport. Also adrenalin is good but never take it to the roads.