DEEPA S JOHN Makes History as First Malayali Woman to Podium in National Racing

February 6, 2026

• DEEPA S JOHN made motorsport history at the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship 2025, becoming the first Malayali woman and only the second woman ever to earn a podium finish in the Superstock category. Racing for DTS Racing India at Chennai’s Madras International Circuit, she secured third place in her debut national championship season while being the sole woman competitor in her category.
• Her journey from childhood motorsport fan to national podium finisher showcases the power of family support and determination. With parents who never questioned her choice to study automobile engineering or pursue racing professionally, DEEPA found her racing spark through college karting sessions. Her breakthrough came in 2021 when she was selected as one of only three participants from India for Formula Woman, an international initiative supporting women in motorsport.
• The 2025 championship run required serious financial commitment and engineering expertise, as DEEPA and her husband Sachin designed and modified their own race car to meet Superstock regulations. Through four rounds of competition, she demonstrated consistent performance that culminated in her historic podium finish and fifth place overall championship standing, proving that with proper support and resources, women can compete at the highest levels of Indian motorsport.

dts racing india, madras international circuit, mrf mmsc fmsci indian national car racing championship, superstock