KUALA LUMPUR – What drives someone to break records? What motivates them to push themselves longer and further than anyone else?
For Praveent Chelvam, stamping his name in the Malaysian Book of Records was more than just a childhood dream – he wanted to be a part of history.
On May 23, 2022, Praveent created a new record in the Malaysian Book of Records for the longest distance covered in a go-kart in a day, but the 24-hour drive brought about challenges the 31-year-old did expect.
Speaking to The Vibes, Praveent said he drove a total of 1110.35km, equivalent to 895 laps around the Morac Adventure Track in Pantai Cenang Kedah, from 11am on May 22 until the same time the following day.
“The majority of people around thought that it was impossible, but I managed to get a strong team consisting of mechanics from Super GT and even managers from different teams.
“The hard part was selling them the story that something impossible could be achieved with the right planning and team,” said the racer, who has been involved in the karting and automotive scene since he was 15.
Praveent’s attempt included three karts that were rotated every three hours, spare parts, and tyres sponsored by the track’s owner, Red Bull Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, and several other sponsors around Langkawi Island.
Praveent said preparations were already in the works months ahead of time.
“We were solely planning it for six months. Everything needed time to prepare, but it was quite torturing, as we started to feel some pressure as the day got closer.
“I was worried about the weather, the kart, and other factors that could pop up. I needed to know that my team was in sync with me throughout,” he said.
Physically, Praveent’s tight work schedule of just one off-day a week meant he had to squeeze in whatever practice he could, even if it was under the rain.
“I experienced heavy rain during the trials, so we were well prepared to face all possibilities. We decided as a team that no matter what, we were going full force.
“Thankfully, the team and I were blessed with shady weather throughout the 24-hour attempt,” added the Ipoh-born racer.
Praveent also said he had to avoid doing interviews and meeting friends before the attempt, as he wanted to focus on the task ahead with a blank mind.
“Having a blank mind for me means not having any doubts, because that can affect your drive.
“Not even a single thought was going through my mind because once it does, it will affect your drive and it’s just a domino effect from there,” he said.
Fight or flight for end in sight
The attempt was not all smooth sailing as Praveent said that things started to fall apart at 6am, just five hours away from setting a new record.
“Aside from a snapped throttle cable that needed replacement and several other minor repairs, the attempt was going fairly well.
“But around 6am, I broke down. It was quite bad both mentally and physically for me,” he said.
Praveent recalled that the mental and physical strain the attempt took on him felt otherworldly, as he even considered calling it quits.
“The toughest part of the 24 hours was from 1am to 6am, because that is when my body began to shut down.
“I was also driving for 24 hours on a dark track with no intercom with the team. I started seeing things on the track because I was so tired. I really did feel very alone out there.
“You are not fighting with anyone else but yourself.”
Praveent said as he took over 20 minutes to be alone in the resting room, the team were disappointed that the almost-complete attempt looked to be fading away.
“But that is what made me put on my helmet and race suit back on. I told the team that we are going to finish it.
“We had people and sponsors that have been pushing us to prove those who doubted us wrong,” Praveent said.
Sunrise shifts drive into gear
Praveent said the golden moment came around 7.30am when the sunshine lit the track.
“It felt like a different environment because my body went back to normal.
“But my best friend throughout was muscle spray. There were so many cramps and sores the whole time,” he added.
After driving a small car without a suspension for 24 hours, Praveent was unable to move for several hours due to the pain, but he had stamped his name in the Malaysian Book of Records.
“Sure, it was tiring and painful everywhere, but at the end of the day it was all worth it.
“If I were to do it again, I think I can go further because I will be better prepared. I already know what to expect mentally and physically,” he said.
Praveent received his award from his idol, Datuk Azhar Mansor, the first Malaysian to sail solo around the world. – The Vibes, February 7, 2023
