Chetan pushing his way into F3 racing with prosthetic legs

By Vikneswaran Raman

SEPANG, Aug 25 – Losing both limbs upon turning one might demoralise and break down many people but not Chetan Korada.

Chetan lost both his limbs below the knee due to amputations after being born with deformity, and has to depend on prosthetic legs for his entire life.

Apart from growing up facing more difficulties compared to other children his age, he also needed to change his legs every six months as he grew to fit his body size and height.

However, all these challenges did not stop Chetan, 32, from growing up in the same way with his peers – walking, running, cycling and playing sports with his friends, with basketball and tennis being his favourite sports during his school days.

But once he tasted the adrenaline rush of motorsports, there is no turning back. Chetan, who has had a deep interest for cars since young, spent his earnings on karting during his teens.

Only in 2007 he came to know about a race track in India during the Madras Motor Sports Club’s (MMSC) track open day in Chennai through a school friend, where the public can rent a basic race car for a few laps in the circuit.

“I stood outside a Formula 1300 car for 30 minutes, wondering if I could fit into the car… It was a moment of courage, thinking what people will think of me. Then I just got into the car, felt very comfortable that I just wanted to drive that.

“When I drove it, I got the feeling (confidence) that I can drive a race car. From there, I have moved up racing in many different series for the last 12 years. I never took a break from racing,” he told Bernama when met at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here.

Born in the south-eastern coast state of Andhra Pradesh, India, Chetan pushed his way to become the second person in the world to race with prosthetic legs after Italian former F1 driver Alex Zanardi and is the first driver in the world to win a race using synthetic feet.

Having won races and competed in various series of championships, Chetan is now testing Formula Masters cars with Eurasia Motorsport, aiming to push his way into Formula 3 Asian Championship Winter Series end of this year.

While many differently-abled racers in the world use modified cars with hand control for clutch, brake and accelerator, Chetan wants to compete fair against any other racers without opting for modified controls.

It forces Chetan to use prosthetic legs made of carbon fibre to resist shock and help in applying the brakes, as he needs to use power close to 8 kg from the calves and thighs for such manoeuvres at corners.

“Many approached me to help me modify my car for my comfort, but I wanted to use a car that is equal to any other competitors. In my perspective, racing is supposed to be a level playing field.

“I understood I am able to do it; it is all about adapting the whole system...If I was able to walk, run like any other kid, I think I can do the same even when I grow up. I am differentiated from others.

“Ever since childhood, I have not been dependent on any kind of clutches or special services to move around. I would say I was rather a self-motivated person, where if anyone tried to stop me saying that is not possible, I still go for it,” he said.

Supported by QNet since 2011, Chetan’s success in motorsports is largely inspired by his mother Padma and wife Manasa, after he worked as a disc jokey for eight years since 2002 upon graduating in audio engineering.

Career highlights

2007-09: Participated in various races in India, emerged champion of 2009 MMSC Summer Cup Champion

2010: Raced in JK Tyre Jr. National racing Championship (Class-FISSME), winning a race win and three podiums.

2012: Won MMS Mini Enduro and Sprint.

2013: Formula 4 debut at the JK Tyre racing series and finished third in MRF FMSCI National racing Championship final round.

2014: Achieved fourth place among 24 participants in the Mercedes Benz Youngster Driver Challenge shootout session.

2015: Second runner-up in Formula 1300 MRF MMSC FMSCI National Racing Championship; also competed in the Formula 1600 of the championship and appointed as Instructor for Nissan PS3 GT Academy, India.

2016: Instructor for TATA Prima truck racing programme

2017: Second runner-up in MRF MMSC FMSCI National Racing Championship.

-- BERNAMA