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A 25 year old champion, who has a long way
to go.
Saurabh Pense, this year's National
Motor Cross champion in the  Novice
Class, started racing at the age of 11. It is
no surprise as both his mother and uncle come
from a racing background.
The 25-year-old National champion said
on winning the championship, " I was leading
the championship when I went in to the final round
at Bangalore. I was tense as I knew even a small
mistake on my part could ruin my chances of winning
the race. All my hard work for the last five years
has been rewarded, by winning the championship."
When asked about his chances in the expert class
next year, he sounded confident and said, "Though
my confidence is high, the competition in that
class will be tough and demanding. I am confident
that I will be the national champion."
Saurabh started competitive racing in 1995,
taking part in rallies, as there were no motor
cross then. From 1995-97, he took part in the
Ashta Vinayak Rally and various dirt track
events.
He is now being sponsored by the TVS-Suzuki
team. According to Saurabh the team riders
get a lot of help from the team. "The
sponsorship by the TVS team has made it much easier
for me to participate in the rallies. A rider
just goes to the venue and does not have to worry
about anything. He is in a fresh state of mind,
as all the administrative facilities like food,
hotel and stay are taken care by the company.
The team has its own Research and Development
facility which continuously improves the bike.Team
Pacer Yamaha is the other factory team that is
participating in the event," he says.
 Saurabh
practices 4 times a week at the practice track
laid out at the Singhad Road. He even goes for
hill running, to build up that extra stamina.
Apart from being a racing champion, Saurabh
is a successful businessman and he says there
are times he has to concentrate on his business
too. Each race means that he is out of town for
at least ten days at a stretch. He would like
to give more time to his business but at the same
time not give up his racing career. It's a tight
ropewalk for this young rider from Pune.
All the best Saurabh. Hope 2001 is as successful
as 2000 for you!
By Rahul Surkund
Photo - Courtesy Saurabh Pense
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