Meet Pune’s Diana Pundole, the first woman to win the Indian National Car Racing Championship
Images: Diana's Instagram
Diana Pundole is a teacher from Pune, who recently won the national championship title in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024, held in Chennai.
Her extraordinary journey from teaching to racing, overcoming gender biases, and balancing personal challenges, has made her a source of inspiration for many. Diana’s story of passion, persistence, and support from her family proves that with determination, it’s possible to excel in any field, even one as car racing, a sport often dominated by men!
Meet Diana Pundole, the 28-Year-Old Racer
Hailing from Pune, Diana is a mother of two kids. Her racing career has built an impressive resume, with participation in some of the most prestigious racing circuits around the world. Diana has previously competed at renowned tracks such as the Dubai Autodrome, Hockenheimring, the F1 Circuit de Spa in Belgium, and several other globally recognised Formula 1 circuits in Europe and the UAE.
Speaking to the media, the racer said, “I didn’t touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend’s races. I can’t describe the feelings now, but I’m very happy, of course.” Her words reflect the intense focus and dedication that drove her to achieve this milestone in her racing career.
Diana’s journey to the top is nothing short of extraordinary. Her passion for racing was kindled eight years ago when she received an unexpected call from Coimbatore inviting her to participate in a car racing championship. At that time, she was one of 200 women selected from across India to undergo rigorous trials as part of a national talent hunt. Despite facing skepticism and numerous challenges, Diana’s determination made sure she kept on pressing hard until she secured a spot among the top six contenders.
The championship victory on August 18, 2024, was a particularly special moment for Diana, as it was also her birthday weekend. In a strategic move to ensure her focus, her coach had taken away her mobile, days before the race, leading her to miss all the birthday wishes. However, the sacrifice paid off handsomely when she emerged as the national champion. Upon turning on her phone after the race, she was met with flood of love and congratulations from friends, family, and well-wishers.
Diana’s journey to the top was filled with challenges. She skepticism from those who questioned her decision to pursue a sport that often ignores female talent. It was also a daily struggle to balancing her personal and professional life and she often had to miss tournaments to spend time with her children, who have been her strongest supporters throughout her journey. Despite these hurdles, Diana kept on going, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Her love for racing can be traced back to her childhood, where she and her father would watch Formula One races together. This early exposure ignited a passion that led her to frequently visit go-karting tracks. When the opportunity to compete in the Coimbatore championship arose, her brother encouraged her, and she grabbed the opportunity to prove her mettle.
Diana’s accomplishments are not limited to the national stage. She holds the distinction of being the first and only woman participant in the prestigious Indian Touring Cars mixed category, a fiercely competitive racing championship where most participants boast a minimum of 10 to 20 years of experience. Her impressive racing resume includes competing at world-renowned venues such as the Dubai Autodrome, the Hockenheimring, and the F1 Circuit de Spa in Belgium. She has also participated in high-profile races, including the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Ferrari 488 Challenge, BMW M2 Competition, and Renault Clio Cup.
Her dedication and meticulous approach to studying data and refining her driving techniques has been instrumental in her success on the track. Diana has also spoken openly about the immense financial pressures, the challenge of securing sponsors, and the mental strength required to perform at the highest level. Her unwavering dedication has not only earned her the national championship title but also broken down gender barriers in the sport, setting a new standard for women in Indian car racing.
