Yuven Sundaramoorthy, an Indian American open-wheel racer, discusses how his diverse cultural background shapes his journey in motorsports. Having roots in both the USA and India provides him with a global outlook, valuable in the diverse world of racing. Sundaramoorthy takes pride in breaking stereotypes as one of the first Indian Americans in the racing scene and notes the increasing acceptance of diversity within the community.
Transitioning from karting to the competitive F1600 Championship series posed challenges such as adapting to faster cars and strategic racing. Yuven Sundaramoorthy reflects on his remarkable victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at age 14, emphasizing how it shaped his determination to push boundaries in his racing career.
Moving up to higher levels like USF Pro 2000 and INDY NXT demands different mindsets and driving styles. Sundaramoorthy discusses adjustments needed to tackle tougher competition and faster cars.
Beyond racing, Sundaramoorthy established the YS Investment Fund to offer fans and investors unique opportunities to engage with his career. He emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive support team in preparing for the physical and mental demands of motorsports.
Balancing his racing career with charitable causes like autism and cancer, Sundaramoorthy allocates specific time slots in his schedule for charity work and leverages his platform to raise awareness.
Partnering with experienced racers like Alexander Rossi and Pieter Rossi provides valuable insights for Sundaramoorthy’s career development. He handles the media spotlight by staying authentic and views it as an opportunity to inspire others and expand his reach within the racing community.
Looking ahead, Sundaramoorthy aims to excel in the upcoming INDY NXT season, pushing limits and striving for victories with Abel Motorsports. His long-term vision involves climbing higher in the sport, pursuing championships, and making impactful contributions to the racing community.
In this exclusive interview of Mr. Yuven Sundaramoorthy will delve into his unique cultural background and how it has influenced his journey in motorsports, shedding light on the challenges and advantages of being an Indian American racer.
Can you share a bit about your diverse cultural background and how it has influenced your journey in motorsports?
Growing up with roots in both the USA and India has been a unique ride. It’s like having a cultural pit stop at every turn. This blend of backgrounds has given me a global outlook, which is gold in the diverse world of motorsports. It’s not just about racing; it’s about connecting with people from all walks of life in the racing community. Plus, there’s a sense of pride breaking stereotypes as one of the first Indian Americans in this scene. It’s cool to see the racing community embracing that diversity more and more.
Starting your racing career in karting, what challenges did you face during the transition to the competitive F1600 Championship series?
The transition to the F1600 Championship series was a whole new ball game. Karting was like my training ground, teaching me the basics. But moving up meant tougher competition, faster cars, and a totally different racing vibe. Adjusting to the higher speeds, understanding the dynamics of formula cars, and dealing with more strategic races were some challenges. Plus, it demanded a shift in mindset – from karting’s close-quarters racing to adapting to longer tracks and more strategic moves. It was a learning curve for sure, but it helped me grow as a racer.
Read more:- Youthful Champions: Inspiring Sports Stories
Winning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the age of 14 is a remarkable achievement. How did that moment shape your perspective on your racing career?
Winning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 14 was a game-changer for me. That place is like a sacred ground in motorsports, soaked in history. Crossing that finish line brought a mix of joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. It made me realize that age doesn’t define what you can achieve in racing. The victory at such an iconic track fueled my determination to push boundaries and make the most of every opportunity. It’s a memory that constantly reminds me of what’s possible with passion and sheer determination, shaping my perspective to always aim for the extraordinary.
Moving from USF2000 to USF Pro 2000 and now to INDY NXT, how do you approach each new challenge and what adjustments do you make in your driving style?
Moving up the ladder in racing means a whole new level of challenges. Each step demands a different mindset and approach. When I jumped from USF2000 to USF Pro 2000, it was about upping my game. The cars were faster, the competition tougher, so I had to adapt. Adjusting my driving style was key – refining the way I tackled corners, understanding the car’s nuances, and being more strategic during races. Now, gearing up for INDY NXT, it’s about fine-tuning those adjustments. It’s a whole new beast – more speed, tougher competition, and demanding tracks. So, I’m focusing on understanding the car better, improving my racecraft, and being mentally prepared for the challenges that come with this elite level of racing.
You’ve established a unique investment opportunity with the YS Investment Fund. How did the idea come about, and what benefits do investors receive beyond traditional motorsport partnerships?
The YS Investment Fund was a bit of a passion project. I wanted to open up my racing journey to fans and investors in a unique way. The idea came about in 2018, driven by the desire to offer something beyond the traditional sponsorship model. Investors in the YS Investment Fund not only get the potential for returns on their investment but also VIP benefits and access that go beyond the usual motorsport partnerships. It’s like being part of the team, getting a closer look at the behind-the-scenes action, and sharing in the excitement of the racing journey. It’s about creating a community around my racing career and giving supporters a more immersive experience.
Your support network includes professionals in fitness, nutrition, mental coaching, and more. How crucial is this comprehensive team in preparing for the physical and mental demands of motorsports?
As I progressed through the INDYCAR system, each level brought bigger cars that posed more physical challenges. Notably, INDYCAR cars lack power steering, meaning I feel the full weight of the car while manoeuvring through corners. Being a vegetarian, and a selective one at that, posed additional challenges. To address these, I’ve built a dedicated support team, including physical trainers to enhance my fitness. I collaborate with a nutritionist to tailor my diet for optimal performance, an eye-care specialist to ensure clear vision on the track, and mental coaches to sharpen my focus. Regular fitness evaluations help me gauge my progress against top racers, ensuring I’m physically and mentally prepared for the demanding world of motorsports.
Read more:- OnePlus 12 Review: Pushing Boundaries with Flagship Innovation
Being involved in charitable causes like autism and cancer, how do you balance your commitment to social impact with your racing career?
Balancing my commitment to charitable causes with my racing career is a priority for me. I allocate specific time slots in my schedule for charity work, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves. Additionally, I leverage my platform in the racing community to raise awareness and support for causes like autism and cancer. This allows me to make a positive impact in the society while pursuing my passion for racing. It’s about finding the right balance and using my influence to contribute meaningfully to causes I deeply care about.
Partnering with Alexander Rossi and Pieter Rossi must have its advantages. How has their influence shaped your approach to racing and career development?
Many think of racing as a solo endeavor, but the reality is that it’s a team sport. I’m fortunate to have a stellar team, including the Rossis. Alexander, being a decade my senior, and his dad have already journeyed through this terrain, providing valuable insights that helped us steer clear of potential pitfalls. Given my family’s newness to the racing scene, tapping into the experiences of others has proven instrumental in navigating the complex world motorsports.
Your media recognition includes features in the Indianapolis 500 program book and interviews with the Asian Television Network. How do you handle the media spotlight, and what impact does it have on your career?.
When you’re performing well, the media spotlight naturally shines on you. For me handling the attention involves staying true to myself, sharing the racing journey authentically. It’s an opportunity to showcase the sport and inspire others. Impact-wise, it opens doors to exciting opportunities, partnerships, and expands my reach within the racing community and beyond.
Read more:- iQOO Neo9 Pro Review: A Powerful Contender in the Market
Looking ahead to the future, what are your goals for the upcoming INDY NXT season in 2024, and how do you envision your long-term career trajectory in motorsports?
In the upcoming INDY NXT season in 2024, the goal is clear: to push the limits, chase victories, and make strides towards the top. Partnering with Abel Motorsports is a remarkable step forward in my racing journey, and I aim to capitalize on this opportunity to compete fiercely and achieve remarkable results. Long-term, my vision in motorsports is to climb higher, taking on more challenges, and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of the sport. Whether it’s eyeing championships, pursuing new milestones, or making impactful contributions to the racing community, the trajectory is about constant growth and striving for excellence.
Follow: InsightConvey
