Malayali racer wins women’s title in Indian National Rally Championship

A fleet of cars tore through the narrow, unpaved roads snaking across the coffee plantations, kicking up clouds of dust in their wake. Cheers rose from the sidelines as the machines drifted through hairpin bends at breathtaking speeds. Even when a car flipped, it landed back on its wheels and thundered ahead. These were the electrifying scenes from the Indian National Rally Championship in Coorg.

Behind the wheel of one of those speeding machines was a Malayali woman, Athira Murali from Kottayam. Beside her, in the navigator’s seat, was Arun Chackalakkal from Cherthala.

In the Coorg Robusta Rally, a round of the Indian National Car Rally Championship (INRC), Athira finished fifth overall and secured first place in the ladies’ category. Athira is also an automotive influencer, content creator and a young entrepreneur in the tours and travel sector in Kochi.

Beginning in off-roading
Athira is the elder of two daughters of VN Muraleedharan and Usha, of Shaiva Vilasam House at Lakkattoor in Kottayam. She grew up surrounded by vehicles at home, including a Willys Jeep and a lorry. Today, she drives all kinds of vehicles — from buses to tippers.

She holds entries in the India Book of Records and the Universal Record Forum for becoming the youngest woman to earn licences to drive multiple categories of vehicles, a feat she achieved at 21. Her passion for driving eventually led her to the rally track.

She first began with off-road events and later moved into motocross competitions. In 2020, she entered the national rally scene with George Varghese from Kottayam as her navigator. However, the high expenses forced her to take a three-year break. She returned after securing a new team sponsor, Tribe from Hyderabad.

INRC
The Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) is organised by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India. Each season, it is conducted across multiple locations, with several rounds held in four categories. Winners are determined by who completes the nearly 300-km track in the shortest time. The routes span varied terrains, making the competition especially demanding. All stages must be completed within two days.

This season, the first and second rounds were held in Chennai and Coimbatore. The third took place in Coorg, while the fourth is scheduled for next month in Coimbatore. The final round will be held in Madhya Pradesh.

Safety first
Safety protocols in rallying are uncompromising. Only cars fitted with an iron roll cage and a five-point seat belt are allowed to race, ensuring occupants remain protected even if the car rolls multiple times. Both the driver and navigator wear full rally suits and personal safety gear, which offer protection even in the event of a fire.

Racing comes at a price
Athira competes in a Polo 1.6 petrol, fully modified for racing. The conversion alone costs ₹15–20 lakh. Without a sponsor, each round costs ₹2 lakh. With six rounds in a season, the total expense without sponsorship comes to ₹12 lakh.

“I love speed, but only on the rally track. On public roads, my rule is to drive responsibly and stay accident-free,” says Athira.