Women's Day 2026: Meet The Historian Turned Rally Car Driver At 44 Years Old

At 44, Dr Kshamta Yadav is proving that it's never too late to chase the checkered flag. A PhD scholar and history professor turned rally driver, she's rewriting the narrative of age and ambition in Indian motorsport. From classroom lectures to dirt-track drifts, Dr Yadav's rare journey embodies determination, reinvention, and the fearless pursuit of passion.

Early Career Shift

By profession, Dr Yadav is a PhD holder in history and an educator who runs her own academy for children. Yet, her true calling emerged later in life through motorsport. "I'm Doctor Kshamta Yadav, and by profession I'm a teacher, and I'm teaching history. I'm a PhD in history..., but by passion I'm a rally driver, so I am a rally driver and a car racer," she shares.

Motorsport Achievements

She dove into autocross, quickly rising to prominence by securing first runner-up in the National Autocross Championship within a year. Dr Yadav has also excelled in TSD rallies, reaching the finals twice, including a recent 1st runner-up in Rally De North. "I was able to fetch a national championship, national autocross championship. So I was first runner-up, and that was the biggest thing for me ever," she recalls with pride.

Inspiration and Beginnings

Her son, a Formula 3 driver, sparked her journey during his early karting days. Despite limited opportunities and high costs in India, she pursued her passion relentlessly. "Apart from all the gods of motorsports, my son is my real inspiration. He is a Formula 3 driver," Dr Yadav explains, noting how she started connecting with the community around age 44.

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Barriers for Women

Social norms, perceived dangers, and financial hurdles deter many women from motorsport, yet Dr Yadav sees change on the horizon. Families often hesitate due to the sport's adventurous nature, but growing support from organisers, media, and parents is encouraging more participation. "It's a very adventurous, dangerous sport. So most of the time, the families, parents, they hardly allow any girl or woman to join the motorsports," she observes, while expressing optimism.

Balancing Act

Juggling academics and racing demands careful planning; Dr Yadav avoided institutional jobs to prioritise weekends for events. Her academy allows flexibility, turning potential conflict into harmony. "I'm professionally an educator, so that's why I never join any kind of institution for teaching, because that way I will not be able to do my motor sports," she says.

Lessons from the Track

Racing has equipped her with tools to navigate life's ups and downs, from mechanical failures to competitive setbacks. These experiences foster quick recovery and composure. "Sports has taught me many things... I can overcome my problems very easily, very quickly," she reflects.

Advice for Aspiring Girls

Dr Yadav urges young women to embrace karting as a foundational skill, dismissing fears of danger amid improved safety measures. The field offers vast potential with fewer competitors. "If you are passionate, please come and join Motorsports, start with karting. Karting is the first thing," she advises.

Vision for the Future

She aims to inspire the next generation to venture internationally, citing talents like Atika Mir. With enhanced support, Indian women drivers can shine globally. "My goal is to go international... they should not be confined to India. They should go abroad and make India proud as well," Dr Yadav declares.