Twenty-seven-year-old Fabid Ahmer, a lawyer by profession, has impressed rally enthusiasts this season, as the Palakkad-based driver sponsored by JK Tyres finished first in the INRC 3 category at the 2020 INRC season.
He made it to third position in INRC overall, much ahead of more powerful cars after coming to terms with the hard terrain and conditions at the six stages of dirt in Kethanur in January, which is outside Coimbatore before performing consistently in Itanagar in December.
Fabid’s journey in motorsport has been a unique one. He started competing in rallying as a sport in 2015 when he was already 22. “There were a lot of issues to be sorted out then as my father wanted me first to finish my degree. I did my engineering from Christ College in Bengaluru and then got the nod from the family,” said Fabid.
Soft-spoken and a quick learner, Fabid has no hesitancy in admitting the three-day session under Gaurav Gill at the rallying school was very good. “It was a great learning experience for me and I was able to use those inputs over the weekend at the Rally of Coimbatore. Given Gaurav Gill’s experience and ability to teach the nuances of the sport, I am lucky to learn. To absorb what he said during blackboard sessions and also put it in practice those three days was of immense help. Gill taught us how rallying is a science as well an art,” said Fabid.
Working as a lawyer Fabid says his entry into the sport may have been late. “I wanted to start early in rallying but my father said he needed time to give me the permission. It is not easy to be in the sport minus family support. Now I wish to thank JK Tyres for choosing me this season. Their support means a lot to me and I am fully focussed to make an impact in the INRC2 category in the upcoming 2021 season” said Fabid.
He says during the lockdown he was working on his fitness. Asked on his diet plan, Fabid was careful with words. “The main thing is not to put on weight. I eat the right things and my journey from the days of the Honda City car to now has been one of learning,” he said.
It is his passion and discipline which stands out. Being a lawyer and busy with his work, his first love is rallying. “We do not have too many rallies and for this season to go ahead after the pandemic has been awesome. Yes, this has been good for the sport. Being based in Palakkad, which has fast highways, one can gauge why he chose this sport.
Anyone else in his place may have settled for a comfortable corporate job. “No, I did not want that and being in the legal profession helps me pursue my passion,” said Fabid.
