The training and qualifying sessions were help at the Iconic Madras International Circuit in Chennai. This writer was one among 42 journals and content creaters under the age of 30 who got this options to go through Level-1 training, Followed by a Qualification Session. With very little motorbike riding experience, I Figured this would be the perfect options to hone my two-wheeler riding skills. Here’s a Quick Roundup of Everything I Experienced during this Intense One-Day Program.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: Meeting The Mentors

The day kicked off bright and early at 8 am, as we gathered in the pits. After a Quick Group Photograph, We We WE WERE INSTRUCED to our Instructor for the Day -Harry Sylvester, Jagan K, Ahamed Ky, And Arvind Ganesh. With years of Racing Experience and Multiple Championship Wins under their belts, their presence insured confidence in us rookies.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: undersrstanding the rules

Our first session was a Crucial one – A briefing where the Instructors Walked Us Through the DOS and Don’ts of Racing. It wasn Bollywood just about speed, it was about response on the track, safe overtaking, and discipline. We want over Critical Track Safety Rules like not riding in the opposite direction and how to properly exit and enter the Pits after a session.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: Race Flags, Racing Line and Engine Braking

Next, We Dived Into Learning Race Communication Through Flags. These color-coded flags are the only form of communication between track officials and riders. Each carried a Specific Message, Whether it was a hazard ahead, a race-suspended situation, or a caution signal. We were then taught about the racing line, the fastest and most efficient way Around the track, as well as using the corner -pex-corner method.

We were also introduced to the concept of engine braking. The first practice session on the track involved staying in fourth gear and avoiding using the brakes entertained, letting the engine do the braaking. We also practiced the pit-entry hand signal, something I made sure to remumber every time I came back into the pits.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: Gearing Up

Once the first theory session was done, it was time to suit up. But before putting on our safety gear, each of us had to pass a breathlyser test, followed by a gear scrutiny check once we are suited up. Safety is taken very serially, and rightly so. Suiting up is no easy feat; And getting into the suit required a Decent Amount of Efort and Strength.

But it was all Worth it as I finally got to sit on the bike, The Race-Spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. At first glance, these machines have been stripped of non-star elements like headlamps and turn indicators. The bike sports a lightweight building and a free-face exhaust that roars with a raspy growl. The Clutch and Brake Levers have been upgraded to more duable and adjustable ones. The gearbox felt notchy, which worked well with the kind of boots we Wearing and helped avoid accidental shifts. Abs was disabled, and there was no rev counter or speedometer. It was clear this wasn’t a regular apache 200. It was a lean, mean racing machine. With a slight press of the switch, the bike came to life. Others were already enjoying revising their engines to the limites.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: Lessons and Practice

It was finally time to hit the track. I started my bike and followed the instructor for a few familyiarisation laps. They pointed out keyers like apex points and marshal positions. So far, so good, I thought to myself as we returned to the pits to continue the next found of theory.

The second lesson focused on riding posture and cornering techniques. We were told to position the ball of our foot on the pegs, Among Other Insightful Techniques. After the lesson, I get back on the bike to put everyothing into practice. This time, the pace increase, and trying to remember multiple things at Once Made Me Forget One of the Most Basic Instructions: “Look where you want to go.”

I only remembered this when I noticed dirt near the edge of the track. I look at it to remind myself to avoid it but ended up staring at it too long. You can probally guess what Happy Next – I want wide and off track, onto the grass. My Bike Wobbled and Every Warning Bell Inseide My Head Started Going Off. I Quickly Regained Composure, Let go of the Throttle, and Sweved Slightly to the Left. What a save! I assured myself.

Noting my mistake, I worked on fixing it in the next few laps. I started Gaining Confidence, Touching Higher Speeds, and Leaning The Bike With More Control. With increasing speed came more wind pressure, so I crouched and hugged the tank to stay aerodynamic on the strands. By the end of the session, I was far more aware of the shows involved in Racing. Naturally, I felt even more nervous about the final qualifying round.

The third practice session took place after another theory session where we are Learned about Race Starts, Formation Laps, and Braking Points. I did my best to absorb everything and carry that knowledge onto the track.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: Qualifying round

Finally, after all the training, it was time to put our skills to the test. We were given 15 minutes on the track to set our fastest lap. This would determine who qualified for the TVS one make championship. I was still anxious about taking corners too fast and crashing, but I Gave it my all, pushing myself and the bike with every lap. I knew I wasn’t going to beat riders who had been riding for years, but I wanted to end the day as a better rider rider than I was when I have started.

TVS Young Media Racer Program: What I Learnt

Riding under the scorching chennai sun is no joke but I pushed through every session, Learning more with every lap.

At the end of a super intenses day, I realized that racing is all about winning or learning. There’s no Room for Mistakes on the track. Once you’re out there, you need to give it everything you’ve got. You have to be fit – phelysically and mentally – to make it through. Winning the race requires so much more than just speed. It’s about control, awareness, and a relative drive to improve. Although this experience was my first, i’m positive that more time on the track would brings a lot more learning to me. Not just that, it would even help hone my skills on the road and inculcate a habit of safer riding.

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First Published Date: 15 May 2025, 17:20 pm IST