Diana Pundole from Pune Makes History as First Indian Female Driver to Win National Racing Championship Title
Diana Pundole from Pune Makes History as First Indian Female Driver to Win National Racing Championship Title
Pune’s Diana Pundole has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a championship title in the MRF Saloons category at the Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024. The 28-year-old racer, who is also a mother of two, expressed her joy at the achievement, stating, “I didn’t touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend’s races. I can’t describe the feelings now, but I’m very happy, of course.”
The championship concluded on Sunday at the Madras International Circuit with several notable victories. Teenagers Jaden Rahman Pariat from Shillong and Bengaluru’s Abhay Mohan also achieved significant milestones. Jaden secured the championship in the premier MRF single-seater categories despite finishing second in both MRF Formula 2000 races of the day. The 17-year-old, who had already amassed eight wins, said, “I have proved to myself that I have it in me to win a championship. After my win yesterday, I just wanted to bring the car home without trying anything risky.”
Abhay Mohan, at just 16, clinched his first championship in the MRF Formula 1600 category. He finished his debut season with an impressive 11 wins out of 12 races, though he was edged out by Mumbai’s Zahan Commissariat in one race. Abhay expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning a championship in my debut season is great, but I can’t find words to express my happiness. It was a good run overall and I thank my JA Motorsports, my family, and friends for their support.”
In other categories, Biren Pithawalla from Mumbai won the Indian Touring Cars title, Srinivas Teja from Chennai emerged victorious in Indian Junior Touring Cars, and Viswas Vijayaraj from Nellore claimed the Formula LGB 1300 title despite retiring early in the last two races. Mira Erda made headlines by winning her first-ever single-seater race since 2014, a historic victory as it was the first by a female driver in the FLGB 1300 category.
The event’s post-lunch session saw delays due to crashes and spins, but it ultimately showcased intense and exciting racing throughout the day.
