<p>Bengaluru-based Aishwarya Pissay never set out to be a racer but today this young lady is one among the most sought-after people in the field. She says that every race teaches her something new and leaves her with enough memories to last a lifetime. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Racing, she says, has made her a strong individual and has given her the courage to face any tough situation. As a professional rider, she advocates safe riding more than speed. <br /><br />In an interview with Nina C George, Aishwarya talks about what got her hooked to riding and her journey so far. <br /><br />How did you take to riding? <br />I began riding as soon as I got my licence at the age of 18. My first ride was to Nandi Hills and I haven’t looked back since then. I used to travel a lot and did some rides like ‘SaddleSore’ and the ‘Bun Burner’which were risky, so a friend suggested that I use my skills in racing. So, I joined Apex Racing Academy and began coaching under Jeeva B Reddy. <br /><br />As a woman, do you find it challenging to prove your skills? <br />As a woman, I face a lot of criticism. I hear comments like ‘don’t fall down, you are a girl’, ‘you may regret going fast’ while some others say that I can’t do it. But the desire to carve an identity for myself overshadows all the criticism and this inspires me to get better and stronger.<br /><br />Any challenges you face when racing?<br />Apart from the multiple falls, finding sponsors for the racing or rallying event is a challenge.<br /><br />Tell us about your recently concluded races? <br />I just completed MRF Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad and secured the first place in the ladies class. I was the only girl to participate among 50 boys and finished in 22 position in MRF Indian National Motorcycle Road Racing Championship in Chennai. <br /><br />What helps you stay positive?<br />The fact that I am doing what I love leaves me motivated and helps me stay positive. <br /><br />Is there something that you do before you race? <br />I listen to music and visualise what I have to do, to stay focussed.<br /><br />What is the one thing that you would like to change about yourself ?<br />Everyday is a new beginning. There is something new that I learn about myself everyday and I try to improve.<br /><br />Who has been your inspiration?<br />My biggest inspiration is my mother because she never gives up no matter what. Both Kishore V S in the racing world and Vishwas S D in rallying inspire me to be a better racer or rallyist.<br /><br />What next? <br />My next will be ‘Raid the Himalayas’ which is one among the world’s top 10 toughest races. <br /></p>
<p>Bengaluru-based Aishwarya Pissay never set out to be a racer but today this young lady is one among the most sought-after people in the field. She says that every race teaches her something new and leaves her with enough memories to last a lifetime. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Racing, she says, has made her a strong individual and has given her the courage to face any tough situation. As a professional rider, she advocates safe riding more than speed. <br /><br />In an interview with Nina C George, Aishwarya talks about what got her hooked to riding and her journey so far. <br /><br />How did you take to riding? <br />I began riding as soon as I got my licence at the age of 18. My first ride was to Nandi Hills and I haven’t looked back since then. I used to travel a lot and did some rides like ‘SaddleSore’ and the ‘Bun Burner’which were risky, so a friend suggested that I use my skills in racing. So, I joined Apex Racing Academy and began coaching under Jeeva B Reddy. <br /><br />As a woman, do you find it challenging to prove your skills? <br />As a woman, I face a lot of criticism. I hear comments like ‘don’t fall down, you are a girl’, ‘you may regret going fast’ while some others say that I can’t do it. But the desire to carve an identity for myself overshadows all the criticism and this inspires me to get better and stronger.<br /><br />Any challenges you face when racing?<br />Apart from the multiple falls, finding sponsors for the racing or rallying event is a challenge.<br /><br />Tell us about your recently concluded races? <br />I just completed MRF Indian National Rally Championship in Hyderabad and secured the first place in the ladies class. I was the only girl to participate among 50 boys and finished in 22 position in MRF Indian National Motorcycle Road Racing Championship in Chennai. <br /><br />What helps you stay positive?<br />The fact that I am doing what I love leaves me motivated and helps me stay positive. <br /><br />Is there something that you do before you race? <br />I listen to music and visualise what I have to do, to stay focussed.<br /><br />What is the one thing that you would like to change about yourself ?<br />Everyday is a new beginning. There is something new that I learn about myself everyday and I try to improve.<br /><br />Who has been your inspiration?<br />My biggest inspiration is my mother because she never gives up no matter what. Both Kishore V S in the racing world and Vishwas S D in rallying inspire me to be a better racer or rallyist.<br /><br />What next? <br />My next will be ‘Raid the Himalayas’ which is one among the world’s top 10 toughest races. <br /></p>