Motocross Icon
He is unpretentious. But behind that simplicity is a stalwart of the motorcycle industry. Selvaraj Narayana has got nearly a four-decade experience in the industry and his commitment has made him a motocross icon. The 59-year-old has travelled around the globe and has achieved many milestones. But not many in Coimbatore know him because he goes about his work quietly. Mr. Narayana’s long-time friends and colleagues, recognising his contributions, presented him with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Supercross banquet in Las Vegas earlier last month. KTM’s North America vice president of racing and the Director of Logistics for Indian operations for KTM Power Sports AG, Selvaraj Narayana speaks to Rayan Rozario about his passion and hisgoals. . “The growth of motorcycles in India is huge and the passion for racing and owning superbikes is growing. We need to maintain this tempo, compete and keep up this image,” says Mr. Selvaraj. “Those who cannot afford to reach the four-wheeler sport can look at the two wheeler segment. I understand because car racing involves a lot of expenditure. It may count up to ten times or more than what they spend on a two wheeler,” he adds.
Selvaraj observes that motorcycle racing is popular in the Europe and the United States. “Back in our land, neither the sponsors nor the financial network is strong enough. This needs to be established because the basic endorsement comes from the sponsors.” Talking about talent in India, he says it is available in plenty. “Unfortunately, they have no real place to showcase their skills. Motorcycle racing requires a closed circuit, amateur or kids racing circuit. We need to help them remove the fear for riding and also teach them to respect the equipment.”
He cites the Motor Safety Foundation (MSF) as an example. “The Foundation spends more than millions in the United States every year to ensure safety. The United States system is State founded and supported by the MSF. Similar systems are in place in countries like Japan, Germany and the Switzerland. It is my dream to see such a system established in India.”
About bringing those exotic bikes from the KTM stables to India, he says there is a plan to bring some of these existing models soon. Mr. Selvaraj feels the Indian consumer is well educated now. “Many people talk about the GPs and what’s happening in the racing industry across the world. I am really fascinated about the Indian community because its culture is powerful. Also, the quality of life has increased and improved. So everything is going to happen automatically.”
Mr. Selvaraj also has words of praise for India’s Formula One racer Narain Karthikeyan who hails from Coimbatore and international rider Dilip Rogger from Chennai. “Narain’s efforts are truly incredible. I should take my hat off many times if I need to talk about his rare achievements. Dilip is of a similar mould when it comes to two wheeler racing. ” Having contributed much abroad, Selvaraj wants to give something back to India. “My heart beats for my country. It will not stop till I achieve something big for it.”
