At what age did you realise that you wanted to race professionally? Could you take us through your journey?

I think it all started when I was in 11th grade, but because of my height everyone laughed at me and never took me seriously. It was like racing was never meant for short people. My journey started back in 2010 when the Bajaj Pulsar 180 had just launched and a couple of my friends owned it. They used to go racing illegally, but I loved watching them race. This made me want to learn to ride professionally. However, no one would let me ride their motorcycles as I was short and back then, women barely rode motorcycles. At the time, motorsports  in India was known to be a man's game. I was able to convince my parent's to buy me a motorcycle and eventually booked a Yamaha R15. To my bad luck, I met with an accident before my bike arrived and my parents cancelled the booking of my YamahaR15 and booked a Honda Dio scooter instead. I was so heartbroken that I did not ride my new scooter for a week after it arrived. I was struggling to collect my pocket money to buy a bike back then and used to be so stressed about it. Today, I own more than five motorcycles.

My journey has been tough as I am a woman trying to compete in what was traditionally a male dominated sport. I have hopped from team to team and tried my luck, but when you’re a woman trying to grow in a male dominated sport, you get to hear all sorts of things that send chills down your spine. I came to a point where I was going to quit racing and give up. But my mother kept reminding me that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ and that kept me going. I was placed 2nd among 47 male racers in 2017 in Bangalore for the India Speed Week National Championship, and in the Valley Run races in 2019, I was placed 3rd among 45 male racers. I am now looking forward to my next race at the MMRT track in Chennai.

Of all the different types of motorsports, what made you choose drag racing?

Drag racing has a different kind of adrenaline rush. When the gushing wind touches my skin, I feel powerful. The faster I go, the more powerful I feel. It’s a general misconception that drag racing happens only on an empty strip of road where all you are supposed to do is race straight and just tap through all the gears. It sounds very easy, right, but trust me it's way more intense than any other type of motorsports. Firstly, it’s very important to have a technician who understands the engine well. Then you need someone who can source parts from across the globe to make the bike go as fast as possible. The rider needs a lot of practice and riding a drag bike is not a joke. Imagine riding a motorcycle on thin race tyres at a top speed of 170 kmph. If your launch is not perfect, you lose precious micro seconds and if your shifting is not precise, your clocked time suffers.

 Racing predominantly is gender biased and there are many misconceptions  about female drivers. What are your thoughts on this, based on your experience in racing so far?

Motorsports is mainly known as male dominated sport, but it definitely depends on the upbringing you’ve had. There are many male racers and colleagues who actually support me and want to see me grow in this field. Many women including me suffer during races as some of the male riders never want to be beaten by a woman on the track. I face a lot of sarcasm and other racers think it’s a joke when I pull up to race against them. I have had people tell me "Tere mom dad kuch boltey nahi hai kya?". Also, "Humari ghar ki ladkiyaya bahu log kabhi race karti to hamare baap dada kaat ke rakh dete". You can imagine how sentences like these can demotivate you and bring you down.

 Being a racer, how do you take care of tyres?

Tyres are the most important part for us racers and I literally take care of my tyres by using different products. I sometimes end up changing my tyres after every race because I want the traction to be at the top level. Motul being my official sponsor, I use their tyre repair kit which is really good and it helps me a lot. Also, during the time after the race and the time before the next race, I just don't let my bike stand – I use it at times so that the tyre health is good.

 Has there been any instance where you felt a set of tyres was just not right or worked really well for racing?

Definitely, there have been instances where I should have used a set of tyres but ended up using another and it completely ruined my race. Tyres play a vital role and are very important during a race. I used to use normal road tyres for my races but always landed up with the rear wheel spinning out, which ruined my race and affected my race timing. Then I started using Vee rubber tyres which gave me amazing traction and helped me achieve high speeds without any hiccup – and "boom" I won. That’s how important tyres are in a race. You can have your motorcycle set up perfectly, but if the tyres aren’t right, it could cost you the race.

Apart from racing, what do you do and what is the future plan?

I am currently working for Cathay Pacific Airways in the Regional Team. A fact that most people don't know about me is that I am an animal rescuer and have many rescued animals living with me. I have planned to complete my diploma in veterinary science or medicine while continuing to race in my free time. I am also planning to race in Thailand hopefully next year.

What do you tell to women who want to try their career into racing?

For all the women out there, if you love bikes and love speed, do not think twice – Just go for it. Life does not give you many opportunities, so make the fullest of whatever you think is best for you. People will always try and bring you down because your growth is going to hurt them, but you need to follow your dreams. Being scared is no option; it's either your way or the highway!

Make it happen, girls!!! (TT)

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Titan International has introduced the Radial Trail A/T, a new all-terrain high-speed trailer (HST) tyre described as the first true product of its kind in the industry. Unlike conventional trailer tyres that are often adapted from older light truck designs, this model has been engineered entirely from the ground up as a dedicated trailer tyre capable of performing reliably across diverse environments. Alongside this launch, Titan has announced a speed-rating upgrade to its established Radial Trail HD tyre.

The new Radial Trail A/T tyre’s field-tested design incorporates an aggressive tread pattern for enhanced traction on gravel, mud, grass and uneven backroads. The tyre also features a centre tread bridge that lowers rolling resistance to support better fuel efficiency and towing stability. Shoulder tread bridges promote even wear and extend the tyre’s lifespan while reducing road noise, and an open shoulder configuration helps dissipate heat and shed debris. Alternating scoops improve control on soft surfaces such as sand and mud, and extended tread elements along with a rim guard offer added protection against scuffs and impacts. The Radial Trail A/T is currently available in size ST235/75R15 LRE, with four additional sizes expected to roll out over the summer.

Now carrying an N speed rating, which allows for operation at speeds up to 87 mph (approximately 140 kmph), the updated Radial Trail HD tyre incorporates heat-resistant engineering to deliver reliable performance under demanding conditions while surpassing Department of Transportation standards. The enhanced Radial Trail HD tyres are available for order immediately.

Both product releases reflect Titan’s continued focus on advancing trailer tyre technology through purpose-built solutions. Whether used for long highway journeys or off-road exploration, these tyres aim to provide drivers with improved traction, durability, and dependability. Together, they represent the company’s broader effort to support trailer owners with greater confidence and peace of mind on the road.

Ryan Fuller, High Speed Trailer Product Manager, Titan Specialty Division, said, “Titan is setting a new standard in high-speed trailer tyre performance. The Radial Trail A/T is the first trailer tyre truly engineered for all-terrain conditions, not adapted from outdated moulds. Combined with the enhancements to the Radial Trail HD, we’re giving our customers unmatched confidence whether they’re hauling down highways or navigating rugged backroads.”

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Continental has once again been recognised as ‘Tire Manufacturer of the Year’ at the latest edition of Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, marking the fifth time it has received this prestigious honour. The independent jury acknowledged the company's groundbreaking tyre technologies, innovative measurement approaches and continuous production process enhancements for establishing new industry standards. Additionally, Continental received the ‘Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing’ award for its substantial progress in reducing water consumption during tyre production.

During the 3 March ceremony in Hannover, the jury specifically highlighted several key developments from Continental's 2025 initiatives. The company advanced sustainability through the adoption of renewable synthetic rubber components, including pyrolysis oil recovered from end-of-life tyres and recycled cooking oil. A collaborative effort with the Technical University of Braunschweig yielded an innovative method for detecting tyre wear particles using a specialised vacuum system positioned behind drive wheels, equipped with sensitive particle sensors capable of identifying even microscopic airborne debris from various vehicle locations.

The VanContact A/S Eco received special recognition as the first van tyre to achieve the highest ‘A’ rating across all three EU tire label categories – rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise. Continental's partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit promoting responsible natural rubber sourcing in Indonesia also earned jury commendation.

Between 2020 and 2025, Continental successfully reduced water withdrawal per metric tonne of product by over 10 percent across all production facilities, conserving an impressive 197 million litres of water. This achievement resulted from implementing advanced filtration and membrane technologies that enable approximately 90 percent of wastewater to be treated and reused. The company maintains a comprehensive water management approach, systematically refining processes related to heating, cooling and sanitation. External validation of these efforts came through a ‘B’ rating from the independent organisation CDP for Continental's 2025 water management practices.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of Research and Development at Continental Tires, said, “Tyres are our passion. We are committed to optimising them and making our manufacturing processes even more advanced and resource-efficient. Our greatest strength is our global team, working together closely to develop highly creative and innovative solutions. The jury honoured this very special commitment. And I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all our colleagues for their remarkable dedication.”

Henning Mühlenstedt, Head of Future Technologies and Sustainable Infrastructure at Continental Tires, said, “Water is a valuable resource. Our continued progress in reducing consumption at our plants demonstrates how effective our approach is.”

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The Tyre Recovery Association has confirmed that its 2026 TRA Briefing Day will take place on 15 September 2026 at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry. The event, themed Giving REAL Meaning to the Circular Economy, will provide essential insights into the challenges and opportunities currently facing end-of-life tyre recycling both in the UK and globally.

Now an annual fixture, the Briefing Day aims to bring together industry professionals to discuss key developments in the sector. Attendance is free of charge for TRA members, media representatives, industry partners and regulators. For all other participants, a fee of GBP 70 plus VAT will apply, which includes access to a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the TRA office via post, telephone, email or through the association’s website. The event promises to deliver valuable updates and analysis for all those involved in the tyre recovery and recycling industry.

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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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