Over the years the interest and inclination towards motorsports in India has grown rapidly. But one thing that hasn’t been that been very impressive about the trend is the limited interest of women in the area.
In order to change this, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) along with the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC) will be flagging off the first ever FLO women’s car rally in Bangalore. Starting from Tata Motors, Whitefield – the rally would cover a distance of approximately 80 kms.
The rally is an attempt to bring the focus on road safety, and also increase the confidence of driving among women.
Astonishingly this Rally is not about speed. For the top speed in this rally would be only about 40 km/h. In fact in most sections the participants would be travelling at about 30 km/hr. The aim is not about speed, but more about road safety and building confidence among the women drivers and promoting the concept of motor sports amongst women.
KMSC, part of the ‘Federation of Motor Sports Club of India’, which is solely responsible for promoting motor sports in the country. As per the federation the level of women participation in motor sports in extremely low. This event also seeks to introduce women to the sport of Rallying in India.
“The aim of the exercise is to inculcate the concept of road safety among the women and the general public. For women — confidence on the road is one of the greatest means of empowerment.”
Most people do not understand the concept of a Rally at all. It is not about speed. Usually two people (a driver and a navigator) in regular cars make up a rally team. A road rally is traversed over public roads within the legal speed limit. The challenge is to drive on time, arriving at points along the route neither early nor late (it’s not a race).
“The aim of the exercise is to inculcate the concept of road safety among the women and the general public. For women – confidence on the road is one of the greatest means of empowerment. They have a large role in maintaining the family – taking care of children – taking care of the house – the elderly,” says Rati Dhandhania Mundrey, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Bangalore. “This Rally would be a fantastic exercise in women’s empowerment — towards helping them have better confidence on the road. It also helps them understand the finer aspects of a Rally.”
FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) is a national body with the prime objective of women empowerment through the promotion of entrepreneurship and managerial excellence.