As is the case with all other walks of life, women have what it takes to match and even outclass their male counterparts in racing. What they probably never had in our part of the world, was the opportunity.
The Final leg of the TVS Women’s Training and Selection at Mumbai saw 30 riders unleash their racing potential on the race track. After an intense battle against fierce competition, 16 women riders were shortlisted for the final round to be held at MMRT Chennai on 4th May, who further will be participating in Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship.
Shwet Priya, from Belagavi, has made it again this year to Chennai MMRT (Madras Motor Race Track) and hopes to race and clear the Chequered flag first.
If you’ve seen her Facebook posts they are full of some amazing photos she has clicked while traveling, did we also tell she is an avid traveler and likes to travel and explore new places.
Shwet Priya is a professional photographer and cinematographer and has shot many short films and as director of photography for a few which have won awards.
TVS Racing sessions included a full day training school conducted by national champions of TVS Racing to ensure riders are familiarized with their race tuned TVS Apache RTR 200 4V Race Edition 2.0.
Based on their best lap timings, physical fitness, and racing abilities, the top 15 riders were selected from each city. The final round of selection will take place in Chennai at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) on May 4th, 2019.
The achievements spoke volumes for the women riders, who managed to compete at the highest level and deliver results despite having significantly less exposure and experience than their male counterparts.
Shwet Facebook profile has this quote, “Aut inveniam viam aut faciam” is Latin for “I shall either find a way or make one”, and aptly she has been making her own way.
She did her schooling from St. Mary’s High school Belagavi and her bachelor’s degree from Gogte College of Commerce.
Shwet Priya spoke to AAB about her dreams-
You are Photographer/Cinematographer and racer?
Everything I do with the camera is my profession and anything to do with a bike is my hobby. Well Racer now, but have always been a rider and have been on Solo ride to worlds highest motorable road (KHARDUNG LA).
How do you manage all this?
Frankly speaking, I would be terrible at managing without my family and friends who are immensely understanding towards me. It’s because of them I have learned to prioritize and be productive.
Why Racing?
Because the checkered flag isn’t biased in terms of gender, riding has helped me rejuvenate and slowly I was introduced to the race track, I had to channelize my energy towards something while I wasn’t working.
Last year you missed the Race so this time are you fully prepared to cross the Chequered flag first?
When I first participated I was fearful and when I was on the bike this time I was much more Confident and fearless on the corners and speeding my way out, Training is little difficult because it is an expensive sport and you can’t train at public places. Right now I am concentrating on my time, which I need to improvise to get selected for the nationals, every second is important while on track. I just can’t wait to ride on the track of MMRT.
How is the Support from family and friends?
I have been blessed to have them support me in every adventure I am in Especially my younger brother. When I started last year my school buddy Harshvadhan Mutagekar an avid rider and Anil helped me with my safety gear and their advice is what I look for.
Suggestions to the women who intend to take up racing –
The bike knows no gender! Many brands are helping women get trained. Keep riding and never forget your safety gear! If I can do it, so can you!
Yo Girl! All the best.
Proud of you swet