AXLatvia interviewed Janar Kadak, winner of the autocross class buggy B1600. Janar is one of few estonian drivers who competes with all latvian guys. In interview, driver reveals that being one of the few neighboring racers definitely gives additional tension, but he also thinks it is very interesting.
Janar Kadak, winner of the B1600 Buggy class in the season 2021
How did you get into motorsport, maybe you have a family story related to it?
“Well, I have been driving and repairing any vehicle that I could get my hands on from an early age. It all started with motorcycles. I think my uncle was the first person from whom I received the interest in motorsport.”
You are athlete from neighboring country, not many drivers faces Latvian racers in Latvian autocross championship, does that give you extra tension?
“Yes, it definitely gave me extra tension, but it is also very interesting. And luckily I am not the only estonian.”
Why did you choose to compete in Latvia?
“The last years have been quite difficult in autocross, there was no Baltic cup. So I decided to compete in Latvia. Everyone was very friendly. Thank you very much for having me!”
2021, you won the title, you are the fastest in the 1600 buggy class - how did you feel when you aware of it?
“I was and I am really happy and thankful for it!”
With what drivers you had the fiercest fights this year?
“Very good competition and exciting experiences I had from Edgars Zīverts, Arnis Odins and of course Tautvydas Urba and Justs Grencis.”
Why did you choose the 1600 buggy class, why participate with a buggy instead of a saloon car?
“I chose to drive buggy beacause it’s very fast, interesting to build and it is also very creative machine. My hometown Tõrva is also known from having good buggy builders and buggy 1600 drivers.”
“At first I wanted to build a hobby buggy. But then my good friend Maido Ruusmann told me that he has some buggy spare parts and that I need to build a machine to compete. So my first debut was at Smiltene track in 2016. I won the race, because I was one of the last ones whose buggy was still on the track and driving.”
What do you think is the main difference between a buggy and a saloon car?
“Buggy cars are more attractive and interesting, quite a masterpiece.”
Please tell us an interesting incident from races.
“I have had quite many and it is hard to bring out something special. All races are interesting and fun in autocross.”
Who has been your most painful loss in a race?
“My most painful losses have been to lithuanian Tautvydas Urba in situations when winning him had been almost palpable.”
2022 season. Is the plan ready?
“This year I am taking some time off and will just try to rest a bit. I sold my buggy to another estonian and will be attending the races as a spectator.”
Who are your biggest supporters in the race?
“My biggest supporters have been my team, friends, family and of course the fans. Thank you all very much!”
What is the real taste of autocross? What do you enjoy most about this whole process?
“It’s about all the processes together. The atmosphere at competitions, the other drivers, spectators, adrenaline.”
What are you striving for in your motorsport career?
“Now i can say - let the time show.”
Do you have a hobby outside of motorsport?
“All my current hobbies are related to motorsport.”
Information prepared by:
AXLatvia
