All-women team announced for 2020 INRC

In a first for Indian motorsports, the FMSCI Champions Yacht Club Indian National Rally Championship 2020 will have a woman owner promoting an all-women rally team in the championship proper.

Vasundhara Diamond Roof Pvt Ltd, a Vijayawada-based jewellers promoted will own the team comprising renowned Indian women rallyist Dr Bani Yadav of Gurugram and Pragathi Gowda of Bengaluru.

Christened ‘Team Vasundhara’ the team will be competing in the INRC 3 classification as well as aim for glory in the overall championship. Both drivers will be piloting a Volkswagen Polo 1.6 shod with MRF Tyres.

“It is a huge moment for Indian motorsports, as for the first time we have a woman team owner promoting an all women’s team. As a promoter we have always strived for more women participation and this association is seriously a stepping stone towards bringing in more women enthusiasts into motorsports,” said Vamcy Merla, INRC promoter and director of Champions Yacht Club.

“Being a woman, my mother (Vasundhara Kasaraneni, owner, Vasundhara Diamond Roof Pvt Ltd) had to overcome many tough hurdles and challenges. Our brand is all about woman empowerment as that is a personal journey. So keeping in motto, we want to promote and empower women in all walks of life. We are pleased to have this opportunity to be part of an all women’s team and are glad to have been able to convince Bani, a legend in her own right and the youngster Pragathi,” Ashish, director of operation, Vasundhara Diamond Roof said.

The INRC 2020 will begin on the December 16 in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, and after two rounds in the scenic north-eastern state, will move to the south with one round each in Coimbatore and Hampi, and the finale in Bengaluru, on January 30-31.