Harith Noah Interview
Q. You started your racing journey as a teenager in Kerala. Looking back, what was the first moment you realized motorsport wasn’t just a hobby, but something you wanted to pursue professionally?
Looking back, I wouldn’t say there was one defining moment where everything suddenly clicked. Even when I joined TVS and had a contract in place, I was quite young and not really thinking in terms of career, money, or sustainability. It wasn’t that structured.
What truly shifted things for me was the feeling after my first race. That experience stayed with me. I remember knowing, somewhere deep inside, that I wanted to get better at this, to explore how far I could go, and, of course, to win. It wasn’t a calculated decision - it was instinctive. That drive was there from the very beginning.
Q. Winning the Rally 2 category at Dakar 2024 made you the first Indian to achieve such a milestone. What went through your mind at that exact moment?
It’s honestly quite difficult to put that feeling into words. There was a strong sense of pride, something that felt special, but at the same time, almost unreal. Even now, there are moments when it still doesn’t fully sink in - that I’ve actually been there and done that.
That said, another moment from the same year stands out just as much, if not more. During Stage 10, I was leading overall until the last 30 kilometers and eventually finished fifth. That experience was incredibly eye-opening. In a way, it taught me as much - if not more - than the win itself.
Q. Rally-raid racing demands both mental toughness and physical endurance. What is harder for you - training your body or training your mind?
I actually enjoy both aspects. When it comes to mental training, I wouldn’t say I follow a very structured approach. It’s more something that develops naturally through experience.
Physically, though, there’s definitely a lot more work involved. I spend time training my body, pushing it to improve, and for the most part, I genuinely enjoy that process. Of course, there are days when it’s tough and motivation dips, but overall, I like the stress and challenge that comes with it.
Q. The Dakar Rally is known as one of the toughest motorsport events in the world. What was the most challenging stage or moment for you, and how did you push through it?
It’s hard to single out one specific stage or moment because every Dakar brings its own set of challenges. Over the years, there have been countless situations that tested me in different ways.
But if I had to point to the toughest experience, it would be not being able to complete the rally. You spend an entire year - sometimes your whole life - preparing for it, and when it ends abruptly, it’s mentally very difficult to process. That’s probably the most challenging aspect of it.
Q. If you weren’t a professional racer, what do you think you would be doing today - and would your life still involve adventure?
I think I would still be involved in sports in some capacity. I enjoy pushing myself physically, so something like cycling or running would probably be a natural fit. As for adventure, I’m not entirely sure how it would look, but I’d like to think it would still be there in some form - just expressed differently.
Q. On days when you’re not training or biking, what does a regular day in your life look like?
I enjoy keeping things fairly simple. I like spending time at the beach, diving, or doing anything around water. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly great at it yet, but it’s something I’d like to get better at. Otherwise, I’m usually just relaxing - watching races like Supercross online, occasionally playing PlayStation, or spending time working on my brand. Nothing too intense, just a good balance.
Q. For someone in India dreaming of reaching the Dakar Rally, what does the real starting point look like?
There isn’t a single defined path to Dakar. It really starts with riding - just getting on a bike and enjoying it. From there, moving into racing is important.
There are several teams you can join, both within India and internationally. As you improve and progress through competition, opportunities begin to present themselves. The key is to recognize and make the most of the right ones.
Right now, having two Indian teams at Dakar is already a positive sign, considering how limited the grid is. There’s also the option of competing as a privateer if you have the right sponsorship or financial backing. So there are multiple routes - you just have to stay consistent and keep building.
Q. What’s next after Dakar 2024? Do you have a goal that scares you - the kind that pushes you out of your comfort zone?
Deep down, I definitely want to be better than what I’ve achieved so far. That’s always there. But at the same time, results aren’t entirely in your control - they depend on the entire field, not just you. So my focus remains on doing my best every time I compete. As long as I can continue doing this, enjoy the process, and make a living out of it, I’ll keep going. That, for me, is what matters most.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to your 15-year-old self starting out, what would it be?
Ride more - simple as that. The more time you spend on the bike, the better you get.
Training, fitness, and everything else are important, but at that age, nothing replaces hours of riding. Especially in India, where riders are still catching up globally in terms of skill, that extra time really matters. Even in my case, it wasn’t just about riding skill - it was also about navigation and understanding rally racing as a whole. But ultimately, skill on the bike comes down to time and experience.
There’s that idea of 10,000 hours - if you put that into anything, you’ll likely become very good at it.
Bio:
In the world of motorsport, where endurance meets instinct and resilience defines success, Harith Noah has steadily carved out a name that goes far beyond borders. Hailing from Kerala, India, he is best known for his achievements in rally-raid racing - one of the most demanding forms of motorsport in the world. Harith rose to global prominence after making history at the Dakar Rally 2024, becoming the first Indian to win the Rally 2 category. But his journey isn’t just about podiums - it’s about persistence, learning through setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to getting better with every race.
From local tracks to the unforgiving terrains of Dakar, his story reflects a rare blend of quiet determination and fearless ambition. Today, he stands not only as a top competitor on the global stage but also as a source of inspiration for a new generation of Indian riders looking to push boundaries and chase the extraordinary.
Interviewed by: Gunjan Joshi
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