How did Rakesh Shukla start his journey into competitive racecar driving at 50+?

Age is often seen as a limitation when it comes to high-speed sports. Racecar driving, in particular, is associated with young athletes who start early and spend years building their reflexes and confidence behind the wheel. Yet the story of Rakesh Shukla challenges this assumption. Entering professional racing circuits in India after the age of 50, he shows how passion, discipline, and resilience can break barriers at any stage of life.

The Demands of Competitive Racing

Racing is not just about driving fast. It requires:

• Technical skill to control vehicles on unpredictable terrains.

• Physical conditioning to handle the stress of long, high-speed drives.

• Mental focus to make split-second decisions.

• Consistency under pressure to maintain performance in multiple races.

For someone starting in their 50s, these demands can feel even more challenging. Yet with preparation and determination, age becomes less of a barrier and more of a reminder that discipline matters above all.

Training Before the Track

Before entering the circuits, Rakesh Shukla committed himself to a year of training. This period was crucial for building confidence and mastering the basics of competitive racing. Unlike casual driving, racing demands:

• Mastering sharp turns and sudden braking.

• Learning how to push vehicles to their limits without losing control.

• Adapting to the unpredictable conditions of rally and autocross tracks.

This structured approach ensured that when Rakesh Shukla finally entered competitions, he was not simply participating but competing at a serious level.

Rakesh Shukla in INRC and INAC

After training, Rakesh Shukla began racing in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) and the Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC). These are highly competitive arenas in India, where both seasoned and young drivers push their limits.

Despite starting later than most, Rakesh Shukla has already achieved:

• Over 10 wins in INAC races.

• A best-placed finish of 5th in INRC4.

• Recognition as one of the oldest drivers competing in both INRC and INAC, showing that age is no barrier to performance.

These milestones highlight not just technical skill but also the mental toughness to stand alongside younger competitors and still perform at a top level.

Why Age Did Not Hold Him Back

Many assume that racing after 50 is impossible due to slower reflexes or physical limitations. However, Rakesh Shukla’s success points to deeper factors:

1. Discipline across life – Years of endurance sports and strength training built the mental and physical foundation for racing.

2. Patience with learning – Taking a full year to prepare before competing shows a long-term mindset.

3. Passion-driven focus – Racing was not just about winning but about embracing a challenge that demanded growth.

By focusing on preparation and resilience, he transformed what could have been a barrier into a strength.

Lessons for Aspiring Racers

Rakesh Shukla’s journey offers valuable lessons to anyone considering racing — or any passion — later in life:

• Invest in training first – A strong foundation ensures confidence on the track.

• Leverage past experiences – Skills from other sports or disciplines can translate into racing.

• Respect the competition – Success comes from treating the sport with seriousness, regardless of age.

• Don’t limit yourself by numbers – Age is just a context, not a restriction.

Conclusion

The path of Rakesh Shukla into competitive racing shows that passion, preparation, and mental toughness matter more than age. Competing in India’s INRC and INAC circuits after 50, achieving multiple wins, and standing among much younger drivers, he proves that the track is open to anyone willing to put in the work. His journey is not about breaking records alone but about redefining what is possible when determination meets opportunity.