Fast, Fearless, and Resilient: Women are Reshaping the World of Motorsports

“I was either courageous or reckless, or foolhardy—call it what you want. I just liked to go at full speed,” said Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman to qualify for a Formula One Grand Prix in the 1950s. Her words capture the indomitable spirit required to shatter barriers in motorsports: a relentless drive to challenge limits, defy conventions, and establish a presence where few dared to venture.

Motorsports, a realm long defined by roaring engines, high-stakes competition, and entrenched male dominance, is witnessing a seismic shift. Women are not merely stepping into the field—they are rewriting its rules and redefining its future.

Their stories of resilience and fearlessness inspire a new generation. Globally, initiatives like the F1 Academy and Girls on Track champion female participation, while pioneers such as Maria Teresa de Filippis laid the foundation for progress.

In India, platforms like TVS Racing (established in 1982) and the Indian Racing League (IRL) have gained momentum, with TVS Racing making history by introducing the world’s first all-women racing team in 2016. Competing on the high-performance TVS Apache series motorcycles, TVS racers have consistently pushed the boundaries of motorsports, setting new benchmarks on national and international tracks.

Among the most inspiring success stories is Aishwarya Pissay, a TVS Racing factory racer, whose journey from road racing to rally championships showcases her transformation into a global champion. Her landmark victories in events like the Indian National Rally Championship, Dakshin Dare, and the 2019 FIM Bajas World Cup have solidified her position as one of the most accomplished women in the motorsports arena, with multiple podium finishes on the global stage last year.

A Quiet Revolution

Women in motorsports may not be a new phenomenon, but their stories remain as compelling as ever. Maria Teresa de Filippis, the trailblazer who raced into history as the first woman in Formula 1 in 1958, defied critics who doubted her capability. Her legacy inspired a generation, with icons like Danica Patrick, Simona de Silvestro, and Susie Wolff breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for inclusivity in motorsports.

In India, motorsports dates back to the early 20th century, though it gained traction only in the 1970s. The establishment of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in 1971 played a pivotal role in organizing and promoting the sport. A watershed moment came in 1982 with the establishment of TVS Racing, India’s first factory rally team, which became a launchpad for professional racing careers. Since then, TVS Racing has been a cornerstone of Indian motorsports, fostering talent through initiatives like its One Make Championship and the groundbreaking introduction of the world’s first all-women racing team in 2016.

Aishwarya Pissay stands out as a shining star in this evolving landscape. Spotted by TVS Racing, she clinched multiple titles in prestigious events, including the Indian National Rally Championship and Dakshin Dare, and went on to achieve historic victories on the global stage, including her triumph in the FIM Bajas World Cup. Her story exemplifies the potential for women to thrive when given the opportunity and support.

The Uphill Climb

Motorsports is one of the few sports where men and women can compete as equals. Yet, only 1.5% of total licensees recorded globally are women. The barriers are manifold—lack of representation, limited sponsorship opportunities, and deep-seated biases. Motorsport demands not just skill but significant financial backing. Moreover, the lack of representation at grassroots levels and limited visibility of female role models exacerbate these challenges, creating a cyclical barrier that restricts broader female participation.

Cultural perceptions compound these challenges. Society often questions women's capabilities in a physically demanding, high-octane field, perpetuating skepticism. However, as history has shown, these obstacles have only made their victories sweeter and their resolve stronger.

Driving Equal Opportunities

Progressive initiatives are accelerating the shift toward equality in motorsports. TVS Racing's One Make Championship (OMC) plays a pivotal role by standardizing machines and resources, ensuring fair competition for all racers while actively encouraging women’s participation.

Since its inception, OMC has seen over 750 women racers, with a dedicated women’s category that has provided a platform for them to hone their skills and compete at a professional level. Complementing this is the Young Media Racer Program (YMRP), which introduces women journalists and influencers to the world of motorsports, helping them deepen their involvement.

In addition, TVS has committed to developing young race riders through multiple initiatives. Over the past 30 years, TVS has created opportunities that make motorsports affordable and accessible, nurturing passionate talent from across India.

This includes the TVS Women Class, a specialized initiative that offers comprehensive support to women riders, from identifying talent through regional selection processes to training with top mentors and providing high-standard safety gear like Alpinestars airbag jackets, FIM-certified helmets, and FIM spec racing suits. Riders also benefit from race-built machines with personalized tuning, ensuring optimal performance with a focus on safety and success, all provided at no cost to the participants.

Industry collaboration has been essential in levelling the playing field. By partnering with advocacy groups and launching sponsorship programs targeted at female racers, organizations are not only making the sport more inclusive but also creating pathways for young women to view motorsports as a viable career. These efforts help break down the barriers women face in motorsports, fostering an environment where skill, resilience, and performance are prioritized over gender.

Women Shattering Stereotypes

Aishwarya Pissay’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with opportunity and support. Her record-breaking triumphs on a global stage not only brought her global acclaim but also showcased Indian women's potential on the international motorsports stage. Additionally, the TVS Racing Asia One Make Championship marked a milestone in motorsport, featuring Japan’s Miu Nakahara as its sole female rider in 2022. Her participation underscores the increasing presence of women in competitive racing, paving the way for a more diverse and equitable future in the sport.

Beyond racers, content creators and influencers are also championing women’s involvement in motorsports. Utilizing social media, they are building communities, engaging fans, and inspiring future generations. These women are redefining the narrative, proving that motorsports is about passion, not gender. Globally, Jamie Chadwick’s success in the W Series—a women-exclusive racing championship—has further demonstrated that women can excel at the highest levels of competition.

The Future of Women in Racing

The road ahead brims with possibilities. Women are no longer passengers in motorsports—they are leading the charge. As the sport evolves, the emphasis is shifting toward skill, resilience, and performance, irrespective of gender. Aishwarya Pissay’s journey from road racing to rally championships, culminating in her becoming a global champion, has inspired a new wave of women to pursue motorsports as a career. She continues to create impact by mentoring aspiring racers and breaking barriers on the global stage. Industry-wide, progress is accelerating with F1 and MotoGP introducing key policies to drive inclusivity.

Formula 1’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter, the F1 Academy, and gender-neutral regulations are ensuring more opportunities for women, while MotoGP’s FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship and grassroots development programs are actively fostering female talent.

These structural shifts, coupled with advancements in technology, safety gear, and policy reforms, are paving the way for a more equitable future in motorsports—one where skill takes precedence over gender, and the sport truly becomes fast, fearless, and undeniably female.

TVS Racing is proud to be part of this transformation. As we continue to empower women racers in India, we are now expanding our racing program to new frontiers. TVS Racing is actively working to bring its initiatives for women riders to the LATAM market, providing young female riders with the same world-class support and opportunities we’ve established in India. This expansion will further foster a diverse global motorsports community, proving that racing has no boundaries—only limitless potential.

Vimal Sumbly is Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company. Views expressed are personal.