All-woman bike racing series launched

 

Chennai: In a first-of-its kind initiative, TVS Racing launched an all-woman two-wheeler racing series to be run as support event at the MMSC national championship, on Thursday. The inaugural race to be held at Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway on June 25 will feature 18 girls handpicked by former bike racer Alisha Abdullah.

The only factory-run team in the national championship, TVS has been at the forefront of bike racing scene in India over the past three decades and its latest venture is aimed at promoting women in motorsports.

Alisha said when the idea for an all-woman racing was first mooted she was not so confident of filling up the grid. “Our biggest challenge was convincing the parents who were apprehensive about the safety of their daughters. We took a few parents to the race track and showed them it was a lot safer on circuits than being on public roads. Some were still reluctant. One girl was so keen that she even wanted to run away from home to race with us,” added Alisha.

Alisha believes the team will inspire more women to take up the niche sport. “We want to show that Indian women too can compete at the highest level if given an opportunity. From next year, the selection trials will also be held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. We are eager to spread our wings,” she added.

The  16-year-old Varsha, youngest of the 18 girls, said her aim was to
emulate her father who was a former racer. “He has been my inspiration. I want to fulfill his dreams,” she added.