Indian-American racer Yuven Sundaramoorthy is revving up for the INDY NXT with Abel Motorports

(January 10, 2024) At 14, Yuven Sundaramoorthy became the youngest racer to win the prestigious Indianapolist Motor Speedway. His career has been capped with numerous achievements since, and now, at 20, Sundaramoorthy has several podium and pole finishes to his credit in motor sports, not the least of which is the fact that he is the first racer of Indian descent to win the INDYCAR/Road to Indy Program and secured three podium finishes in the INDY Pro 200 Championships in 2022.

Yuven Sundaramoorthy

He also came in third in the Copper Tires USF 2000 Championship Series, with four wins, 14 top 10s, nine podiums, and four pole finishes. In India, Sundaramoorthy has completed the MRF Challenge Series and the Formula Race Promotions F1600 Championships with wins and podium finishes. That’s not all, though, even at 20, he’s thinking out of the box, and has established the YS investment, inviting investors to own stakes in his career. Yuven Sundaramoorthy tells Global Indian that success in racing is not just about crossing the finish line, it’s about discipline, resilience, learning to see opportunities in hurdles and the “relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the track.”

Early Days

Born in Wisconsin in 2003 with roots in Madurai, India, Yuven’s love affair with racing began at the age of nine, when his father took him to watch a Formula 1 race in China. “And boom – I was hooked. Schooling tagged along as my family zigzagged between the USA and China. Fast forward to now, I am on the brink of wrapping up my college at the University of Wisconsin, all while revving up for the racing adventures that lie ahead,” he says. Captivated by the speed and excitement, he began honing his racing skills on the go karting track. It ignited his passion and set the stage for the hard work and dedication he would need to progress into the higher echelons of competitive open-wheel racing.

Success through diligence

With all these achievements to his name, and more definitely on the way, for Yuven, success in racing is not just about ‘crossing the finish line,” he says. Instead, it is about a “relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the track. It involves soaking up every lesson from each race, win or lose.”

Motorsport racing is an expensive passion, and highly competitive at the top levels. There are more losses than wins and Yuven has learned to make the most of them, saying he has developed the ability to “bounce back after every setback, stronger than before.” It’s also crucial to understand that racing is a collaborative effort. “It involves a gold-standard team of mentors, trainers and the essential support system to propel you to victory.”

Yuven Sundaramoorthy

One standout moment for him came when he clinched his first win at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway at just 14, making history as the youngest winner there. Hitting the USF2000 championship with four victories, including wins at Barber Motorsports Park and the Indianapolis Grand Prix and stepping into the USF Pro 2000 series were other milestones, as he faced tougher competition and secured podium finishes. “And now, gearing up for INDY NXT by Firestone, partnering with Abel Motorsports for the upcoming season, feels like a momentous step forward in my racing journey,” he says.

Discipline and collaboration

When the lights go green and the engine roars to life, that’s when the magic on the track begins. “The adrenaline surges, the focus sharpens, and it’s just you, the machine, and the asphalt stretching ahead. As the tires grip the track and the wind rushes by, every turn becomes a challenge, every straightaway an opportunity. That’s the moment I live for,” he explains.

Racing is a demanding sport and demands total discipline, both mental and physical. “Physical fitness takes centre stage with a combination of strength and endurance exercises,” Yuven agrees. He’s a vegetarian, which means adequate nutrition is vital. “I work closely with a nutritionist to ensure my diet fuels peak performance,” he says.  “Mental conditioning is equally vital, involving techniques like visualization and mindfulness.” That apart, he has regular fitness evaluations, guided by a physiologist, keep him on track. “It is a holistic approach, ensuring I am physically and mentally primed for the intense challenges of racing at the highest level,” he says.

The support from my team, mentors, and the comprehensive support network has been crucial in navigating these challenges. Each setback is an opportunity to grow, evolve, and come back stronger, ready to tackle whatever the track throws my way,” he explains.

Yuven Sundaramoorthy

Resilience is key 

Being in motorsports, he has learnt that overcoming challenges in racing is all about adaptability and resilience. There are numerous hurdles to be met with along the way, from tough races to technical issues and intense competition. “I focus on learning from the situation,” Sundaramoorthy remarks. “It’s about finding adjusting strategies, and keeping a positive mindset.”

His journey on the track has been like a crash course in life’s most important lessons. “Resilience is a big one – no matter how tough the race, it is about bouncing back stronger. These lessons are not just for the track; they are shaping the way I navigate life’s twists and turns,” says Sundaramoorthy.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, while the INDY NXT by Firestone is the next big challenge on the horizon, Sundaramoorthy hopes to “keep climbing the ladder, conquering new challenges, and ultimately making it to the pinnacle of motorsports. Whether it’s chasing podiums or eyeing new championships, the road ahead promises more excitement, learning, and, of course, pushing the limits on the racetrack. It’s about living the dream and making every lap count,” he says.

Yuven Sundaramoorthy

When he is not zipping around the track, he finds solace in unwinding with things like music, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. “Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial. It allows me to recharge mentally and physically, ensuring I bring my A-game to the track. It is about finding that harmony between the high-speed excitement of racing and the quieter moments that keep me grounded and ready for the next challenge on and off the track,” Sundaramoorthy signs off.

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