As a part of its unrelenting commitment to promote women in motorsport by hosting specially curated events, JK Tyre, a leading global tyre manufacturer, announces JK Tyre Ladies Power Drive 2023- a fun navigational TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) event in Kolkata on August 20.
The event is organised by Just Sportz, under the aegis of FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sport Clubs of India). A TSD rally is the simplest format of rallying where an individual with a driving license can participate with a navigator to guide through the route of the rally. This format specifically tests drivers and navigator’s skills on maintaining correct speed and timing while following a designated route using a tulip. TSD rallies are not about speed, as timing and strategy plays a vital role to achieve the best results on different stages. The participants will gain a valuable learning experience which help in understanding the nuances of the professional rally driving without directly involving high speeds and specialized vehicles. The skills developed in such TSD rallies which run on normal street cars can serve as a solid foundation for those interested in exploring or transitioning into the world of professional motorsport.
After hosting successful editions of women’s only TSD events in West (JK Tyre WIAA Rally to Valley), North (JK Tyre Times Women’s Drive), JK Tyre Defence Wives Power Drive, JK Tyre FICCI YFLO Power Drive, the company is all set to bring the joy of motorsport to the women of East through JK Tyre Ladies Power Drive. Over 40 all-women team will be participating in the event that will be flagged off from Hotel Westin and after traversing over 4 hours manoeuvring the lanes of Kolkata, will be flagged-in at the same venue where the winners will be announced over a glittering prize distribution ceremony.
Speaking on this, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head-Motorsport, JK Tyre, said, “Embracing the thrilling world of motorsport, we at JK Tyre are steadfastly committed to propelling women into the fast lane of this dynamic realm. Over the years, our journey in Motorsport has been marked by a relentless pursuit of providing opportunities and igniting the racing spirit among women, who now makes almost half of the population of our nation. As we accelerate ahead, we're remain resolute in our mission to drive gender equality within every thrilling twist and turn of the track. For our upcoming JK Tyre Ladies Power Drive in Kolkata, we intend to give each participant a memorable experience.”
The company has played an instrumental role in training women champions like Shriya Lohia, Mira Erda, Sneha Sharma who has represented the country at an international stage of Motorsport . Sneha Sharma and Mira Erda, both, emerged from JK Tyre karting programmes and are now competing in international formula racing. The young driver, Shriya Lohia on the other hand has been participating in global karting races and has already received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2022 for her contribution to motorsports.
The company, under the aegis of FMSCI, adopted FIA’s highly successful and global initiative: The Girls on Track (GoT) program encouraging women to enter the world of motorsports through karting. The program is aimed at creating awareness at the grassroots level in the country and embolden young girls to come to the track and understand different aspects of the Motorsport. Through this program, JK Tyre has identified key talent in the world of Motorsports at the bedrocks level who are then nurtured to hone their skills for a career in this thrilling sport.