Investing In A Son's Passion

Where fathers would discourage their sons from pursuing a career in racing, Logan Ravishankar is behind his all the way.

- Ian De Cotta

It started innocently enough. After driving a friend’s go-kart, Pavan bugged dad Logan Ravishankar to get him one. Around Christmas in 2009, the 10-year-old got his wish – a brand new $5,000 kart.

That kart flagged offa dizzying racing journey. Sitting in his home last December with his father, who has spent more than $2 million on him since the speed bug bit, Pavan is animated and upbeat.

Ravishankar eyes his son appreciatively as the 19-year-old recalls his achievements so far in his budding motor racing career. Indeed, from the day a decade ago when Ravishankar, an avowed motor racing fan, saw the passion his son had for the sport, he decided that a new type of investment was in order.

He was fully aware that motor racing required deep pockets from those who wanted to indulge in it. But the 57-year-old entrepreneur had taken calculated risks, not least of which was his founding of private jet firm My Jet Asia. The company began operations in 1995, two years after the Sri Lankan who emigrated to the UK in 1980 moved to Singapore from Malaysia, where he had been based since 1991. Today, My Jet sells and operates aircraft for clients around the world, providing Ravishankar with the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on his other business venture – Pavan’s motor racing career.

“I see Pavan as a business and have spent time talking to fathers of Formula One drivers,” says Ravishankar, who has been a Singaporean since 2000. “Those who invested in their kids were able to get them into top-level racing. So I believe if Pavan does well on his own talent, and with my support, people will take notice of him.”

Success in the industry, it’s to be noted, does not necessarily mean winning races, but also the ability to promote and sell goods. To which end Pavan has gained the attention of teams such as Red Bull. But his wins certainly help.