Q: What sparked your interest in racing, and how did it become your passion?
A: It was back in 2004, when my parents took me for my first Formula One race in Sepang, Malaysia. Ironically, I was not used to the loud engine sounds and cried so much that my parents had to bring me out of the circuit, not that it got in the way of my interest in the end. The Disney movie “Cars” also released around that time, which coincided with my obsession with Hot Wheels and remote-controlled cars, and these influences contributed to cars and racing becoming a life passion. My passion eventually led my family and I to a Go-Karting excursion in Spain when I was around 17 years of age, where the track owners pointed out that I had the pace and potential to pursue racing professionally. The rest, is history!
One year old Rishab eager to take over the wheel even as a toddler
Q: What qualities you need to excel in this sport?
A: Patience. In racing, things like sponsorships fall together at the very last moment, so you really need to keep it together, stay focused and be mentally prepared that things may or may not work out. Consistent training, staying in good shape and being mentally prepared are key to being race-ready.
All suited up and ready for flag-off
Q: What have your greatest challenges been in competitive racing, and how did you overcome them?
A: I would say the greatest challenges are adapting to new car models and tracks quickly. Being relatively inexperienced, another challenge is competing with far more seasoned drivers. In addition, being based in Singapore makes accessibility to practice tracks very tough, particularly during the two years of pandemic lockdowns. Drivers based in Europe on the other hand have far better access to racing tracks. This also put me at a disadvantage, as I had much less practice time than other racers, but I make up for this with a racing simulator, which allows me to practice at my own convenience.
Rishab practicing hard on his racing simulator even at home
Financial support and sponsor is also another ongoing challenge, because it is an expensive sport to upkeep, and the infrastructure in Singapore is still growing into maturity. But I’m determined to keep up the good fight and do my level best to excel!
Rishab Jain, BBA Year
A grinning Rishab posing with his car
Q: Are there parallels between your racing journey and NUS Business School journey? How are the two similar?
A: I believe both are similar in that everyone wants to win. I also see that in both fields, success comes not only by studying hard, but study smart. It has not been the easiest journey juggling a college education and a racing career, and often times I find my way around things by studying on flights and dialing in for virtual lectures at 4am from Europe.
In the thick of racing action
Q: How has NUS Business School supported you in your racing endeavours?
A: NUS Business School has been understanding, and has supported me in various ways like granting extensions for project and assignment deadlines, facilitating Zoom lessons, granting me occasional leave of absence when I have to compete. My professors have also been very accommodating without being unfair to the rest of the class. I can’t imagine myself to be a model student as a result, but I’m doing my best!
Q: What are your personal dreams and aspirations?
A: I aspire to be the first Singaporean racing at the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. Not much more to add with that statement!
