Marvellous Mira Kirit Erda promises a lot

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Mira Kirit Erda is on the cusp of growing into the all-exciting world of teenagers — an age where dolling up with the trendiest cosmetics and climbing on to those treacherous high heels take precedence over other things in a maiden’s wish-list.

However, for this eleven-year-old female karting racer from the Maini Racing, all that gloss can wait as she is focussed to climb the ranks in the world of racing and is not worried to get her hands grease-stained.

In a male-dominated sport, Mira was one of the two girls — the other being Athmiha Lakshmi of Meco Racing — to kart around at the JK Tyre Rotax Max national championship at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore last week. And the Baroda girl did it in style.

With a runners-up trophy, Mira showcased her mettle even as the remaining five male racers, who finished behind her, struggled to cope with the pace Mira was churning.

Mira, who stopped the clock at 45.22s for her best lap time, will graduate to the junior-max category next season and hence wants to leave the lowermost category on a high. “My immediate plan is to finish on top of the podium in the last two races of this season.

Though I won’t be able to win the championship, I will give it my all to take the second spot in the overall ranking,” said Mira.

For someone who sat behind the wheel just two years ago, Mira has done well in the micro-max category. Mira’s first tryst with her love was a memorable one.

“We took her to Pune so that she has a first-hand experience about karting and motor-racing in general. At the track, she witnessed a massive crash. However, that didn’t deter her from going ahead and taking the plunge,” said Mira’s dad Kirit Erda.

Coached by her dad, Mira knows that the physical demands of motorsports can get gruelling but she is prepared to do the hard yards. “In addition to the practice that I do on weekends, I will be doing lots of physical training once I get into the junior category next year,” she said.

Kirit, who has built a karting track in Baroda called Erda Speedracer, is confident that his daughter will go on to progress in the highly-competitive world of racing.

“Mira is an extremely focused racer. She strives to improve with each event. She has a lot of potential to make it big in the future. In a male-dominated racing world, it would be great if Mira comes out with flying colours. We will do our best to help her fulfil her aspirations,” he said.

When asked how she balances racing and studies, the 7th standard student of Rosary Higher Secondary School, replied: “My school has been very supportive about racing. My classmates, too, help me with notes when I need them. In bargain, they ask me for a treat.”