Gurpreet Sandhu counts Lexus, Audi RS5 among fave cars; drift racing in Jordanian deserts is his fondest memory

Footballer and car buff Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says that going drift racing in the Jordanian deserts is among his fondest memories.

First car
“The first car I purchased was a Mahindra XUV 500. I bought it eight to nine years ago. I loved it so much that I drove it for about 60,000 kilometres in just one year. I took it for road trips to Chandigarh and twice to Kolkata. But I don’t own it anymore. In 2015, after I moved to Norway to play for Stabaek FC, my parents sold it.”

Current cars
“Today I own two Lexus LX470s, both are white. One is a sixcylinder diesel car and the other is a V8 petrol car. The Lexus has always been my dream car.”

Car wishlist
“I would love to own an M6 coupe or an Audi RS5. I already own a powerful SUV and I want to experience the same in a sedan now. But I am unable to choose between the two, as I feel both are strong vehicles.”

Best drive
“It has to be an experience I had in Jordan last year, accompanied by drift racer Ahmad Daham, undoubtedly the best drifter in the Middle East. I love driving, and have been a huge fan of race cars. I also love playing car games. But I hadn’t ever experienced anything like this before. In drift racing, as in a conventional race, the car steers sideways to intentionally lose traction on the wheels. Following prolonged skidding and a rapid build-up of friction, the tyres of drift cars are burnt through within a few minutes.

“My favourite road trip was a Bengaluru to Mumbai ride I took with my friends, and one from Kolkata to Chandigarh a few years ago.”

Person I love talking cars with

“I love discussing cars with my best friend Manandeep. We both love cars so much that we opened a garage back home in Punjab. We called it Whipped Motors.”

Car care
“Make sure there is enough air in the tyres. A car is a delicate machine, so it needs to be driven carefully over bumps and potholes.”

Name for my car
“I would name it Panther because it is beautiful to look at and yet dangerous. It’s a name that suits my car the best.”

Car to make an entry in
“For a big awards night, I would love to arrive in a Lexus because it is as big as I am (6'6"). I would choose one of my cars as it will make my presence felt.”