Mumbai, March 28 – The WIAA Women's Car Rally to Valley 2026 was launched from NSCI, Mumbai, on Saturday, in a ceremony that combined the energy of a festival with the determination of a movement.
Over 200 women participated in the rally, with vehicles decorated around themes such as women's empowerment, cancer awareness, gender equality, and many others, before setting off towards Khopoli. The rally was launched by Nitin Dossa, Chairman of the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), along with JK Tyre officials, with a lively atmosphere at NSCI before the engines were started.
Participants arrived in themed attire, with vehicles decorated to match their chosen causes, and families and supporters lining the starting point, creating a festive atmosphere.
The rally follows the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format, where precision, consistency, and teamwork are prioritized over speed. Unlike conventional races, the TSD format rewards accuracy and strategic pacing as participants navigate from Mumbai onto the hilly roads, covering approximately 125 km to reach the Novotel Imagica hotel, making it a test of both driving skill and strategic planning.
Srinivasu Allaphan, Director-Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries, said, "For over a decade, we have been committed to encouraging women's participation in motorsport, and the JK Tyre–WIAA Women's Car Rally to Valley stands as a testament to this vision. This rally, now a major event, celebrates the spirit of motorsport while championing important social causes. We are encouraged by the strong enthusiasm of the participants as we continue to raise awareness about road safety."
Organized by the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), a 107-year-old non-profit organization committed to safe mobility, road safety awareness, environmental sustainability, and policy advocacy, the rally has evolved beyond a competitive motorsport event into a vibrant platform celebrating womanhood and resilience, while emphasizing the urgent need for women's safety on roads. This year's edition carried forward these values with renewed force, echoing global road safety campaigns such as #CommitToLife and #BeSafeBeStrong.
Over the years, JK Tyre has established a strong and consistent presence in Indian motorsport and has championed the cause of promoting women in motorsport through various initiatives specifically designed for women. The company's association with the WIAA Women's Car Rally to Valley reflects its belief that motorsport can be a powerful platform for change – both on and off the road.