Kudos to Pune’s Diana Pundole who has made history yet again by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Championship Title in the MRF Saloons Category, at the Indian National Car Racing Championships 2024, held on 18^th August, 2024, at the Madras International Circuit. The trailblazing, 28-year-old Diana’s committed dedication and passion for speed has succeeded in shattering stereotypes and has inspired countless women to chase their dreams in the field of motorsports.

Diana clinched a coveted podium position, securing the national championship title in the saloon category of the Championship, which featured men and women. Her record-making triumph marks a crucial moment in Indian sports history, setting a new precedent for women in car racing. Also being her birthday weekend, this win was indeed one of the gifts she will treasure for life. For added focus, she put away from her mobile phone for a couple of days, “a sacrifice which worthwhile when I clinched the championship title,” she shared.

Earlier, Parsi Times had covered Diana Pundole making history at the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023, on 15^th October, 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 – a fiercely competitive racing championship for seasoned racers with a minimum of 10 to 20 years of experience.

The mother of two, Diana Pundole has come a long way since her debut in professional motorsports, eight years ago, when she participated in a car racing championship, after getting a call from Coimbatore, inviting her as one of 200 women from India to undergo rigorous trials as part of a national talent hunt. She came out as one of the top six contenders. Her father served as the main inspiration to take up car racing – as they would watch Formula One races together. They would frequently race at go-karting tracks. Her brother was also very encouraging.

Even so, she was often on the receiving end of much skepticism for pursuing a sport with little recognition for women, where she had to struggle to keep her work-life balance. But all that is yesterday’s news in keeping with Diana’s fabulous successes and record-setting feats! Diana is today 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.

Heartiest congratulations to Diana on her historic wins and for keeping the proud Parsi flag fluttering ever high!