Shriya Lohia: Racing Beyond Limits
“Don’t call me a woman racer; just a racer.” These words define the spirit of Shriya Lohia, a 16-year-old motorsport sensation determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field. A Class 11 student with an insatiable thirst for speed, Shriya is proving that gender is no barrier in the world of racing.
At just nine years old, she was already clocking speeds of 110 kmph in go-karts. By 15, she was pushing past 210 kmph at the Indian F4 Championships, racing towards her dream of representing India on the global stage.
A Passion Discovered by Chance
Shriya’s love for racing began during a family trip to Panchgani, Maharashtra. What started as a fun activity on a rental go-kart track quickly turned into a revelation. By the end of the trip, she made an unwavering declaration to her parents: “I want to be a racing driver.”
From Karting to Indian F4 Championships
Shriya dabbled in multiple sports growing up—tennis, basketball, swimming, and badminton—but none of them ignited her passion like racing. “I knew immediately that this was what I wanted to do,” she recalls.
Determined to support their daughter’s dream, Shriya’s parents, Ritesh and Vandana Lohia, went the extra mile. They researched training centers and realized that the best karting facilities were in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Despite the physical toll of traveling from Pune to Bengaluru, Shriya remained steadfast.
In 2018, at just nine years old, she began professional karting training in Bengaluru. The long journeys left her exhausted, but she persevered. “I used to rest for a full day after training; that’s how physically demanding it was,” she shares.
Her dedication paid off when she made her racing debut in the Rotax Max India Karting Championship, securing fourth place in the Micro Max category. Over the next few years, Shriya went on to win the FMSCI’s Outstanding Woman in Motorsports Award for four consecutive years and made history in 2023 as the youngest female to race and score points in the Indian F4 Championship, representing Hyderabad Blackbirds.
“We didn’t even know what go-karting was before that road trip,” she laughs, reflecting on how far she has come.
Overcoming Financial Barriers
Motorsport is an expensive pursuit, and the financial burden was significant. “Each championship cost around Rs 5-7 lakh, and the racing gear alone was a major investment,” her father Ritesh explains. Despite the challenges, the Lohia family made sacrifices to ensure Shriya’s dreams were not hindered by monetary constraints.
“Most drivers tested every weekend, but for us, even two sessions before a race were a big deal,” Shriya recalls. Yet, she made the most of every opportunity, proving that talent and determination can bridge any gap.
A breakthrough came when Shriya secured her first sponsor after one and a half years in the sport, lifting some of the financial strain from her family. “Without sponsorships, it’s nearly impossible to self-fund in motorsport,” she admits.
Her sister, Jiya Lohia, adds, “She sometimes feels guilty about being a financial burden, but we’ve never seen it that way. We’re just proud to support her passion.”
Shattering Gender Stereotypes
With over 120 races and eight awards under her belt, Shriya continues to prove that she belongs on the track. Yet, she faces an additional challenge—gender bias in racing.
“When I overtake male competitors, some get agitated, as if being beaten by a woman is unacceptable,” she shares. This often results in aggressive on-track behavior, with some racers deliberately trying to disrupt her race.
Her father, Ritesh, voices his concerns: “Already, I worry about my daughter driving at 240 kmph. The stereotypes make it even harder.”
But Shriya refuses to be deterred. “I don’t let it affect me. I focus on being the best racer I can be, not just a female racer.” She remains optimistic about change, believing that as more women enter the sport, barriers will break.
Balancing Racing and Academics
Despite her rigorous training and travel schedule, Shriya is still a 16-year-old student. To ensure her education doesn’t take a backseat, her parents opted for homeschooling.
“I balance racing and studies because I know both are important,” she asserts. She covers her syllabus during off-racing periods, ensuring she doesn’t fall behind.
Though she sometimes misses the social aspect of regular school, she recognizes the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she’s pursuing.
A Future in Formula 1?
Shriya’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2022, an achievement she sees as a milestone for both her and motorsport in India. “Motorsport isn’t widely recognized in India, so being acknowledged by the Prime Minister was a huge step forward,” she says.
As she speeds toward her ultimate dream—competing in Formula 1—Shriya remains steadfast in her mission to inspire young racers. “Motorsport is tough, but I’m ready to give it my all,” she declares.
With every lap she completes and every barrier she breaks, she’s not just racing for herself; she’s paving the way for future generations of female racers. Her message to aspiring athletes? “Focus on your goals and don’t listen to the naysayers. Your talent and dedication will speak louder than any criticism.”