{"id":33216,"date":"2023-09-24T07:00:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T01:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalindian.com\/youth\/\/?post_type=story&p=33216"},"modified":"2023-09-21T17:46:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T12:16:43","slug":"need-for-speed-racer-nikeetaa-takkale-to-represent-india-at-2023-asia-pacific-rally-championship","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/old.globalindian.com\/youth\/story\/cover-story\/need-for-speed-racer-nikeetaa-takkale-to-represent-india-at-2023-asia-pacific-rally-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Need for Speed: Racer Nikeetaa Takkale to represent India at 2023 Asia Pacific Rally Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

(September 24, 2023) <\/strong>Nikeetaa Takkale, a prodigious Pune-based rally driver, has quickly made a mark in the motor racing arena. Within just a year and a half, she amassed over 60 trophies and clinched the title of the fastest driver at the INAC autocross west zone round in 2022. Furthermore, she won the prestigious motorsports award for emerging Indian women in 2022. In a true display of grit, during the Nagaland rally, she overcame severe challenges to secure third place in the Junior INRC. On the international front, Nikeetaa is gearing up to represent India as the sole female driver at the 2023 Asia Pacific Rally Championship. \u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

During a brief visit to her hometown, Pune, in 2021, Nikeetaa Takkale was attending an autocross event when she met the person who would change the course of her life. \u201cThat\u2019s where I met Chetan Shivram (sir) for the very first time,\u201d she tells Global Indian<\/em><\/a>. \u201cHe wanted me to drive the autocross just for fun. My dad encouraged me to try as well and I decided to take part.\u201d She ended up winning nine trophies and the best amateur laurel, on her first attempt. That sparked a passion for motorsports in the already athletic Nikeetaa Takkale.<\/p>\n

\"Indian

A prolific and accomplished sportsperson growing up, Nikeetaa Takkale shifted gears for a while, to study BBA and Cosmetology, before following her dreams in racing. In school, Takkale was an award-winning athlete, with 36 medals in the 400 meters, 100 meters and sprint to her credit. She played football too, and won a trophy for best football player\u2019. After completing her IB in 12th<\/sup>\u00a0in an international school, she did her BBA from MIT college along with fashion design from INIFD apart from a cosmetology course from Lakme academy.<\/p>\n

Accolades Galore<\/b><\/h4>\n

There was no looking back for Nikeetaa after that triumphant first race. She has been in motorsports for a very short time, but has won over 60 trophies in the last year and a half. In 2022, she bagged the fastest driver trophy in the INAC autocross west zone, and in the same year, won her first motorsports award for \u2018emerging Indian women in motorsports\u2019. \u201cThe very important people behind my success are my parents and Chetan Sir who have always kept me motivated whether I win or not,\u201d she says. \u201cThese awards have always made me do better day by day and I have kept improving and am making sure that I collect many more awards in the coming years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Indian

Now, Nikeetaa is gearing up for the international circuit and is in training for the Asia Pacific round. She will be the only Indian woman in 2023 to represent the country in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. In a short span, she has completed Pune Time Attack Autocross, Pune Auto Prix, Coorg Autocross, Hyderabad Indian National Autocross Championship, Pune Indian National Autocross Championship, and K1000 rally, among others.<\/p>\n

On Track\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n

The racetrack is an unforgiving place, filled with challenges. \u201cEvery rally has been a learning process. On many occasions, my car has broken down during the race but I always make it a point to finish,\u201d says Nikeetaa. She recalls an experience in Nagaland, for instance, as she participated in her second rally. \u201cEverything was new to me, from the route to the terrain. I was very new to motorsports and day one was fantastic as the timings were good.\u201d Day two started off well too, but as she neared the final stage, the car\u2019s steering wheel broke. \u201cI was not able to drive because the steering wheel was moving around everywhere and it was a downhill section,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\"Indian

Nikeetaa continued to drive downhill without reducing speed, clinging to the steering wheel with one hand because she knew she could make a podium finish and was determined to finish the rally. \u201cThen my key broke and I opened my car\u2019s bonnet to start it through wires because I had not carried my spare key with me.\u201d She called her tuner and explained the situation to him and followed his instructions to start the car. Despite all these challenges, she didn\u2019t just finish the rally, she placed third at the Junior Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). \u201cThis experience gave me confidence and I have learnt that no matter what, it is important to never give up,\u201d smiles the determined young driver.<\/p>\n

Training Hard<\/b><\/h4>\n

Each rally is preceded by rigorous training. Nikeetaa drives her rally car to get used to it and hone her skills. \u201cFor the Asia Pacific cup, I am training very hard, I have been learning new skills, techniques and getting used to high-speed turns. I am very excited for the APRC round and am hoping for a very good result. My upcoming Coimbatore rally will be fun and it is very new for me because this will be my first time in Coimbatore and I am hoping it will be a successful one,\u201d Nikeetaa explains.<\/p>\n

Future Perfect<\/b><\/h4>\n

When she has no rallies, she likes to shop and travel. At home, she likes to spend time with family chilling with her favourite coffee. She also likes learning new things as she believes she is a person who cannot remain idle.
\n\"Indian