(Written by Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head - JK Tyre Motorsports, published in Times of India on July 10, 2018)

Over the last couple of days, we have been inundated with congratulatory messages, following the successful debut of an all women's team in our National Racing Championship.

The truth is we were the first to encourage women to take up this macho sport, with the likes of Sneha Sharma and Mira Erda validating our efforts. In recent times, we have worked with FMSCI to create a women's chapter which is already yielding results.

So, when former champion Sarosh Hataria proposed the idea, we gladly backed him. Over 60 women turned out for the selection trials which is amazing. The fact that all those who eventually competed finished the races on their debut in the JKNRC is a great sign.

We are positive that they will do much better in the future, especially as we will do everything to get them up to pace, beginning with spending more time at the track. Our Round 1 took place in Coimbatore this weekend. As always, we had full grids, packed houses and an exhilarating stunt show. A variety of drummers entertained the crowds during the breaks.

LEARN MOTORSPORTS WITH US

How to get into racing: The good news is that racing is not just for the rich anymore. Anybody with will and skill can become a top racer. You can start with karting when you turn 8, by acquiring an FMSCI license.

Going forward, you may choose between various disciplines between 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers. But karting is the best place to learn the basics: the correct lines or brake points while attacking a terrain; how to carry speed into the corner etc. Luckily, there are many karting centres in India now to master all this. They are all so professional and safe that kids can easily race at over 120kmph now.

So, if you like the sport, hit the karting centre next to you! And watch this space to learn all about motorsports.