On 15^th October, 2023, Pune’s Diana Pundole made history at the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023, at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai, by becoming the first female driver to score a double in a single round at the MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club) National Four-wheeler Racing Championship, in the MRF Saloon Car category.

Three races were held over the weekend and after a challenging qualifying session Diana qualified on pole position in the first race, and finished in first position. The second race, being a reverse grid formation, saw Diana start last and fight her way to the top (8 laps), to yet again emerge the winner! In the third race, though she started on pole, the driver behind hit the rear of her car, which sent her spinning off the racing line, due to which she lost a few positions. Even so, she managed to snag third position!

This historic win is super special because this is the first time that a female racer has been in top position, overtaking the men! This has never happened in the history of Indian National Motorsport. Usually, ladies race only in Ladies category but in keeping with Diana’s long-standing dedication and diligence, she has been setting fastest lap records on equal grounds as men.

Sharing her delight on this historic moment with Parsi Times, Diana said, “What makes it historic is that never before has there been a lady to take top position on a podium, among a grid filled with men. Racing has long been considered a man’s sport, but for a girl to prove otherwise is a rarity as this sport requires immense stamina, core strength and more than physical strength, it calls for extreme levels of concentration and ability to focus. I feel overwhelming pride in being Parsi and to be able to take our legacy forward and our faith sore to greater heights. I credit it all with much gratitude to my Zoroastrian upbringing.”

She adds ecstatically, “Winning a race against all the boys for the first time was thrilling but not just because I’m a girl. I am opposed to the idea of gender discrimination in this sport. Once the helmet is put on the head, the car doesn’t care about the gender of the driver. It’s how you connect with your machine. My unwavering dedication and passion has indeed paid off, as someone who’s always immersed in studying race strategy, scrutinizing every track condition, collecting data, analysing it and executing it with precision. I’m grateful all my efforts and training have proven so rewarding!”

Born in Mumbai to Jasmine and (late) Darius Buhariwalla, the family settled in Pune in the late ’70s, where Diana completed her education, furnishing a Masters in English Literature. She spent many happy childhood holidays in Mumbai with her grandparents from Cama Park when they would take her and her equally famous brother – Rayomand (Rayo Racing) go-karting. Her interest was triggered by her parents and brother – all exceptional drivers! Her strong competitive spirit grew into a full-blown passion when she won a Women’s Talent Hunt for the fastest female racers in the country, a few years ago. There’s been no looking back since! She went on to win the J K Tyre National Racing Championship for two years before moving into the MRF National Racing Championship in Chennai.

At the MRF National Racing Championships (2022-23), Diana notched the top spot in the Ladies Championship trophy, winning the ladies class in all the races of the season. She went on to secure several podiums in mixed categories, competing with men as well! Diana enjoys the proud distinction of being the only Indian woman to participate in two categories — Indian Junior Touring Cars (IJTC) and MRF Saloons – in a single racing season. She is the first and only female to participate in the acclaimed IJTC mixed category which is considered extremely competitive, competing and winning against seasoned drivers brandishing decades’ worth of experience!

Diana is also reckoned as an international racing sensation, crossing borders to race at renowned tracks like the Dubai Autodrome, Hockenheimring, F1 Circuit de Spa (Belgium) and numerous other globally famous Formula 1 racing circuits in Europe and the UAE, including the Renault Clio Cup, Ferrari 488 challenge, BMW M2 Competition, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, and more.

She now looks forward to the upcoming final round of the MRF National Racing Championship 2023, and is also excited about the oncoming racing events at the Dubai Autodrome. Here’s wishing Diana heartiest congratulations on her historic win and for keeping the proud Parsi flag fluttering ever high!

(Those looking for information or advice related to this sport can connect with Diana on her Insta handle: @diana.pundole )