Exclusive: Mira Erda Is Driving The Evolution Of Women In Indian Motorsports

Indian motorsports prodigy Mira Erda is buckling up to electrify the tracks at the Indian Racing League 2024 season finale in Coimbatore. Representing the Chennai Turbo Riders, she is the only Indian female driver in the competition. Mira is not just competing to win, but also to ignite a legacy. “A lot is at stake, obviously, because we are in the championship fight. I have been preparing back home, physically and mentally” the Gujarat native said. “I am really excited and looking forward to being on the track.”

In an interview with SheThePeople, Mira expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing Indian Racing League (IRL), which is the only gender-inclusive racecar league in the world. The pioneering Indian driver also described how women in the motorsports industry globally are redefining the game with each lap. 

Mira Erda At The Indian Racing League 2024

The Indian Racing League, in its third edition this year, represents a massive leap for India in the global motorsports arena, drawing attention to the nation's flourishing racing culture and creating a diverse platform for talent from across genders and different backgrounds.

Mira Erda, a pioneering racer in the country, commented that the League has given much-needed recognition to the motorsports community here. She also mentioned that competing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry stalwarts, especially female racers, has been an exhilarating and motivating experience.

Since the IRL started in 2020, we have seen so many racers, especially those who’ve been competing internationally at a really high level, come to India every year… This is helping the Indian drivers as well because competition has gone higher than before… We also have more fans watching us and getting involved with Indian racing. It has also been a good way to have new sponsors supporting us. The IRL has been a great opportunity for India.

Mira also spoke about how the IRL has impacted her personally by building friendships within the industry. “[International racers] love coming to the IRL every year because they enjoy coming to India. We have a mixture of drivers in each team here, who always help each other out. We have become like a family.”

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Inspiring Next Generation Of Indian Girls In Motorsports

For Mira, the global recognition for Indian motorsports is particularly special as she has grown up with the evolving industry. She started professional racing at age 9 and became the first Indian woman to win internationally in Formula 4. Her journey was marked by relentless discipline and many sacrifices.

“I remember being the only girl on the track, and it was quite a challenge because people back then could not believe that even girls could race. They asked my parents why I was into such a sport, but I was lucky to have a family as a support system who believed in me and understood my passion.”

Pursuing a sport with limited infrastructure and support in India, Mira also faced many challenges to get financial backing in her initial days. “We did not have that many tracks in Gujarat so I would have to travel to South India for practice most of the time. I had to give up a lot of things because I come from a middle-class family and to have that budget to constantly travel was a big challenge.”

Mira said that Indian racing has come a long way since then, making an impact in the global community. “Now I see so many women across any motorsport, be it motorcycle racing, karting, or formula cars... We also have many tracks across the country and a lot more support from the Federation coming in."

Preparing For Challenges

Mira feels most at home at the starting line, with her helmet on, seatbelt strapped, and her eye on the prize. “Mentally, I just switch off before a race because I try to connect with the car and focus on how I can get the best lap. It really helps me get in the zone. Once you're on the track, you don't see anything else.”

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To give her 100% in competitions, Mira believes in keeping her mind healthy off the track too. “It's all about just constantly training yourself to be mentally very strong and focused while driving. And most importantly, enjoy it, otherwise there's no fun in it. As long as I'm happy while driving, that's all that matters.”

Motorsports has been a life-defining passion for Mira Erda, shaping her into an ambitious competitor. Her commitment to racing is unwavering, as she turns challenges into strengths. As she heads into the IRL 2024 season finale, her perseverance ensures that she inspires a new generation of Indian girls.