JAISALMER:“This is just my third year as a professional rally driver, and I can proudly say that I’m giving the men a run for their money,” says Bani Yadav who stands 9th overall in the extreme category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. The lady exudes confidence when she says that, and for a reason certainly.
Although there’s no shortage of women participants in the event, there is something that separates Bani from other drivers — perhaps it’s her knowledge of the car she is driving. All she needs is a 1300cc Gypsy to prove her mettle and make herself a known face among pros like Santosh Rana and Sanjay Agarwal, who are best in business in India. “I think I don’t need a faster car to be among the best. A sturdy car like the Gypsy is all I need to do well. I understand the car in and out... And if that’s the case, you are bound to do better.
“A heavier machine will not give me the kind of control that I want in a desert. And moreover the Gypsy can go up to 100kmph, which is the perfect speed for this kind of terrain,” Bani told Express.
One who always speaks up for the increase in women participants, Bani feels the numbers should not just swell for the sake of it — talented drivers should come to the fore. “Well, if the women drivers are good, they should definitely be here to compete. Merely increasing their participation wouldn’t be of any use. There are a lot of talented women racers in the country and a couple of them are taking part here too. I expect them to do well in the future,” she added.
With two more days to go for the event, Bani is hopeful of improving her position and get in the top five.
“It is such an unpredictable race. You just don’t know what is going to happen during the course of the day. So I have just set one target, finishing in the top five,” Bani concluded.
madhav@newindianexpress.com