Sports India

A dozen drivers keep their fingers crossed to be one of the four for the 2006 JK Tyre National championship. India’s Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan prefers to keep the final pick under the wraps for the next couple of days.

“I had a close look at each one of them and I feel they all did fairly well. But, pardon me, they may have to wait for the next few days because the job isn’t that easy,” says Narain.

Sole authority

He says he is the sole decision maker and that there is no question of external influence when it comes to picking the top four. “The lucky bunch need not necessarily be the best timers of the day. I am also looking at their skills and consistency. I have seen most of them perform before, and that may well decide their fate. But, believe me, nobody can influence my decision because I am doing it from my heart.”

The drivers have great faith in Narain. “He is the fastest and the most experienced driver in India. Naturally, the selection will be fair,” says Kartik Shanker of Delhi. The others were quick to back him.

Narain affirms that he will devote more time for training the youngsters this year. “I may be available for at least four of the National championship rounds, and that surely is sufficient time for me to guide them.”

He says, besides support from Amaron, Speed (BPCL) and JK Tyre, he will also be spending a substantial sum on these youngsters.

For the love of the game

What drove you into this dream project? “I know what it takes to be a champion driver. I have driven in almost every category, and I am sure my vast experience will play a vital role in moulding talent. Also, I am concerned about the future of the sport,” says Narain.

Of the 14 candidates picked by Narain, only 12 showed up for the `Young Guns Shootout.’