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With the Troodos Rally approaching this weekend, LGR caught up with Nicos Thomas to ask him a few things about rallying...
LGR: How did you get into rallying?
NT: Well, my father was a rally driver, and I’d always followed him from a young age. When I turned 19, he asked me if I was interested in driving a rally car, and competing in an event. I didn’t have to think about it twice and grabbed the opportunity to race, then without even realising I ended up winning that event. Afterwards, I realised how challenging and enjoyable it was to be a driver, so as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I raced in another event. I managed to come second, and then my father gave me the chance to start my first ever championship season.
LGR: Did you always want to be a rally driver?
NT: When I was younger, I had always wanted to be a basketball player and played for a national team in Cyprus. But as I got older, I became more interested in cars, as most boys do in their late teens. I often played Playstation games involving cars to get that rally feeling, and with my father competing, it was almost inevitable that it would be something I wanted to do one day.
LGR: When did you first drive a rally car?
NT: I drove my first actual rally car when I was 19, it was a Mitsubishi Evolution 6, a day before my first event!
LGR: If you weren't a rally driver, what would you be?
NT: It’s difficult to say, you never know with life. What I do know, is that I am a rally driver now, and I am enjoying every moment of being behind the wheel, so I’d rather not think about anything else and work hard for what I do now.
LGR: Good Answer. So, When did you start your own rally team?
NT: Well, I’ve been competing for three years and have gained lots of experience from all over the world, especially when competing at the highest level in the World Rally Championships. I also feel competing in the Middle East and of course, my local Championship has given me lots of useful experience. I decided to start my own team so that I could share all my experiences with other drivers, who are interested in competing for my team. I am really passionate that my team has great spirit and functions with the utmost professionalism.
LGR: What is your ultimate dream?
NT: My ultimate dream is one day to be given the chance to compete in a manufacturer’s seat and really utilise all my energy and skills to compete amongst the biggest names of the world level
Check Out: nicosthomas.com |
