Goa’s race track queen Neha set for Drag racing

MARGAOrrAfter all, it is her choice to compete with ace racers across the state on the track and realise her dreams. Regarded as the fastest woman in the state, her love for machines is evident. Her aim is to win national level TVS Drag race. For now Neha is preparing for the TVS Drag race and will undergo pre-testing in Coimbatore. r“I am excited about the season. And with the inputs from Amit Paiganikar it has helped me to perform better, which motivates me more,” Neha told The Goan. Describing her riding experience as thrilling, Neha till date, receives mixed response from the bystanders. Taking them in her stride, she welcomes the attention showered on those who look at bike with awe. “You can actually feel the warmth of their respect and fascination. I enjoy that immensely,” she confessed. rWith more women opting for bikes, she feels it is breaking the stereotyped thinking in the society about gender specfic activities. “Though we say cooking is a woman’s job, a majority of the world ‘s best chefs are men.Similarly, how can one say biking is strictly for men? It is a mindset we need to change. In a country when women have started flying fighter planes then what are bikes,” she counters. In fact, she wants women riders to be judged by their skill and not because they are novelties. r“I know of several male riders who are brilliant but never talked about it. The fault lies in the gender,” she jokes. Inspired by her, several women have contacted Neha in person. “I feel there is no point in following a fashion. You should take up what you are passionate about and not because it is fashionable,” she adds. rThe 26-year-old student of Formula 4 racer, who is also a Post graduate student, has to find ways to make time for the gruelling sport she has chosen and the profession she opted for.