Mumbai’s racer Manisha Kelkar, a step away from McLaren seat in GT Cup

Mumbai, 29 Dec. 2021: Mumbai’s Formula-4 racer Manisha Kelkar is one step away from becoming the first Indian woman to win a special McLaren driving seat for the year 2022.

The popular actress passed all the assessment tests organised a few weeks back in the United Kingdom by Formula Woman. The results were announced this weekend, a press release revealed.

‘I am the only Indian to qualify from the worldwide hunt held in the UK.800 women from 16 countries took part making it one of the biggest talent hunts,’ Manisha said. ‘We all had to first pass tough written and fitness tests. Then, I had to showcase my driving technique and skills to inch closer to my dream,’ she added.

Six ladies will earn fully-paid seats to compete in the prestigious McLaren GT Cup Championship in England. Two other Indian girls, who took part in a qualifying session in India itself, are likely to be part of the final round of selection.

Formula Woman founder and CEO Graeme Glew confirmed Manisha’s selection in a mail. ‘Congratulations on becoming one of the select successful finalists. The finals will be held in the UK on March 2 and 3,’ he said.

Manisha has been racing in the Indian National Racing Championship for the last three years. An avid motorsports lover, she has tried her hand at rallying too. She is keen on starting a racing academy to help other girls take up the exciting sport.

‘I have loved to race since I was a kid. It has opened many avenues for me and I want young girls to follow in my footsteps,’ she said, disclosing her future goals.

Manisha is a well-known face in Bollywood. She has acted in several Hindi and Marathi movies and serials and is all set to host a new show on television.

“It is good to see that more women are taking up motorsport seriously. Manisha is passionate about the sport & we wish her the best,” said Rayamond Banajee, former multiple National champion and the brain behind Rayo Racing Academy, where Manisha, sponsored by HPCL, will train in Mumbai for the next two months.