Star rookie

In his very first year as rally driver, Poona’s Byram Godrej turned in a spirited performance to place second behind Mazdayar Vatcha in the Rally Star Cup (RSC) group at the MAI WISA Rally of Maharashtra in December 2007. Godrej was also awarded the title of "most promising driver.”

Godrej and his navigator Anjay Kapadia had started the 2007 season of the Indian National Rally Championship as privateers (drivers without a sponsor), with a car they hired from Chettinad Sporting. Completing the course despite threatening roadblocks like a damaged fuel tank and broken windshield, the team recorded seventh place finishes in the first three legs (Cochin, Chikmagalur and Bangalore). The runner-up position at the WISA Rally saw them cruise up to fourth position in the RSC standings at the end of the competition.

Byram Godrej (left) and Anjay Kapadia with trophies and in action

Venturing into circuit racing shortly thereafter, Godrej burnt rubber at the Kari Speedway in Coimbatore, securing third position and posting the second fastest lap time at the MRF Racing Challenge 2007. "Ever since I could walk, I wanted to drive!” he quips. Though he had participated in a rally in 2001 when he was 25, an early accident put paid to his hopes at that time. Family support is excellent, he says. Though people usually quit racing when they get married, "my wife Zeba tells me I should start sooner rather than later, if I want to race competitively.”

With Poona’s Marvel Realtors their new sponsor, Godrej is looking at a stronger showing in the 2008 season.