From dreaming of racing while watching motorcycles on TV to conquering the track as the 2024 Women’s Champion in the TVS One Make Championship, Saimah Ajaz Baig has proven that grit, passion, and perseverance can drive you to greatness. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares her journey, challenges, and the lessons learned on her road to victory.
I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 10 years, but I've never been able to race. Before I learned to ride, I always wanted to be on a race track. I imagined racing while watching superbike races or motorsport movies as a kid.
Eventually, I started looking for ways to enter motorsports—and that’s when I discovered the TVS One Make Championship. My racing journey started there, with the selection rounds in Mumbai. That was the first time I understood what being on a race track meant.
It feels surreal. It’s been a long journey, and when I sit with myself and reflect on it, I realise how much this title means to me. I’ve worked incredibly hard for this—every race, every season, pushing myself to improve, correcting mistakes, getting more training, and increasing my track time.
Honestly, I owe a lot to TVS Racing. I come from a non-motorsport background and had no mentor when I started. However, the structure, support, and encouragement that TVS offers made this win possible.
The way TVS conducts the entire championship is what truly sets it apart. They offer structured training with expert coaches, one-on-one mentoring, and detailed technical guidance from day one. You don’t need to own expensive racing gear—TVS provides everything.
This makes it accessible for newcomers who may otherwise be held back by cost or lack of experience. The environment is supportive, and they walk you through every element—from understanding the track layout to mastering cornering techniques and braking styles.
Initially, my biggest challenge was the lack of information and guidance. I didn’t know where to start or whom to reach out to. But as far as the motorsports ecosystem is concerned, I didn’t face any gender-based barriers, and I’m genuinely grateful to TVS for creating a women-only grid. It allows new riders like me to grow before stepping into higher-level categories with more experienced racers.
Focus, preparation, and discipline. In 2023, I narrowly missed the title due to minor mistakes. So in 2024, I came in with a clear mindset: I wanted that number one spot. I trained harder, practised more, improved my fitness, and most importantly, raced with a calm and strategic mindset. I planned every race, didn’t take unnecessary risks, and stayed consistent throughout.
I’m super excited—it’s a step up, with a more powerful machine and an open-grid format where I’ll compete against the top riders in India. For now, I’m focusing on the selection round coming up next month at the Madras International Circuit.
Thankfully, I have the RTR version of the RR 310, so I’m getting familiar with the machine and increasing my ride time. It’s a big challenge, but I’m ready for it.
Absolutely. I’m open to any opportunity that comes my way—national or international. Track racing is my favourite format, but I want to explore other racing styles and grow my skill set. Ultimately, my dream is to represent India internationally in motorsports.
Believe in yourself—don’t wait until you feel “ready.” No one is ever 100% ready at the start. If you get an opportunity, take it. Learn, fail, improve. Don’t hold back because of self-doubt.
Also, platforms like the TVS Championship are great starting points. You can understand where you stand, go back, train, and come back stronger. But you won’t know what you can do until you step onto the track.
Yes, your background doesn’t define your future. I didn’t come from a motorsport family. I was just someone who loved bikes and wanted to chase a dream. And now I’m living that dream. So whatever your story is—if you’re passionate, persistent, and open to learning—you can make it happen.
