Zipping their way forward

Jasmine Singh

When it comes to women and motor-racing, let’s admit they are not taken too seriously! The tag of being clumsy drivers is hard to avoid and the ‘dangerous sport’ isn’t considered a woman’s domain. 

This glaring stereotype has been challenged by many women riders and bikers from the region, who have successfully taken top positions on the podium and made machines their best friends. 

Shifting gears 

Nidhi Aulakh from Chandigarh has not only taken part in various motorsport competitions, but has also won many. “Even though there hasn’t been a tremendous change, the number of women participants at motorsports events has gone up by three times,” she says. 

This was validated at the recently concluded 21st JK Tyre National racing championship, where an all-girl team of six participants scripted history when they drove the Formula LGB cars at the Kari Motor Speedway. Led by popular Marathi and Bollywood actress Manisha Kelkar and dentist Ritika Oberoi, the Ahura team came into existence after Hataria handpicked 12 women out of 190, who had sent their entries online a fortnight ago.

Manisha, the daughter of veteran Bollywood screenwriter Ram Kelkar, was one of the six lucky ladies whose dream had come true. The 32-year-old, a self-proclaimed adventure junkie, was elated to be a part of the historic moment. She explained that her motive was mainly to inspire young girls who dream of a career in racing, but, unfortunately, can't afford the expensive sport.

"I am an adventure junkie and always wanted to sit in a Formula car, but never ever dreamt of participating in the Nationals; so that way it's a dream come true moment for me," Manisha says. 

Technically sound 

While it is okay for her to take up modelling, dancing, swimming... motorsport, calls for a round table conference in the family! Says Divya Miglani, a known name in the motorsport circuit and a professional rally racer, “Women these days are not only participating, but also performing in motorsport events.” 

Divya believes that there are many women in India who have the hunger to drive and she is more than glad to help them realise their dreams. 

Chandigarh-based Anu Rana has been rallying for almost four years now, and has been part of Raid-De-Himalaya, Dakshan Dare, SJOBA and various other competitions. “There wasn’t much exposure earlier, but now women not only participate but also win various championships,” says the avid traveller, who feels that women have busted the notion that they cannot be good with machines. 

“Well, I have seen men who would rather wait for assistance to fix a flat tyre! Today, I understand my machine in and out because I wanted to rally, and also understand the machine; this is true for other women rallyists too.” 

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