Dr. Bani Yadav (born 7 September 1971) is an Indian rally driver, motorsports promoter and social rights supporter. Yadav was the only woman in India to win most of the major Cross Country Rally Titles in the national women's category.
Early life and career
She was born in Lucknow and later brought up in Delhi. She had her very first experience on the wheels at age 13, which made her want a career in racing. At the age of 43, she finally started off with her racing career for the first time in Jaipur Speed Sprint in 2013 and ended at 2nd position in the event.
In 2013, Yadav began Motorsport racing. In 2015, she was declared the fastest woman driver in IRC Asia Pacific cup in the year 2015. Yadav participates in women empowerment events and endorses equal rights and gender equality.
Bani was the National Autocross Champion-Woman in 2018 and 2019. She is the first woman from India to officially drive formula 4 cars outside of India at Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit. She is the only woman in India to have been awarded a doctorate in Motorsports.
The toughest time of her life was when she got spine injury in October 2013. She went through two back surgeries. Minor surgery was in October 2013, and then major one was in December 2013. It took her 6 months to get back to her feet. As soon as she recovered she got back on the track.
Personal life
She is married to her school friend Suresh and has two sons, who have also grown up to be speed-racers.
Career results
Achievements
National Autocross Champion India 2018 | 2019 - Ladies
1st woman to win second position in Rally De North part of Indian Rally
1st woman to have won – The Asia pacific rally Cup of Coffee Day Rally - Indian Rally championship women's category in 2015.
1st in Class 2000cc - The Asia pacific rally cup of Coffee Day Rally - Indian Rally championship.
4th in ASIA Pacific Rally Cup rally.
3rd 1650cc category in the Maruti Suzuki National Autocross championship 2016
1st woman from India to officially drive formula 4 car outside of India at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit and tested the PS 4 sports tyres for Michelin.
Only Indian Woman to be awarded with an International Doctorate in MotorSports in India ( Management by the CommonWealth Vocational University of Tonga )
Awarded the Haryana State Government “ Best Sportsperson Award for 2017 -18
Awarded "The TOPMOST Woman Rallyist OF The Year" Award for 2016 -17 ( International Association of Educators for World Peace - Affiliated to United Nations )
Awarded The Outstanding Woman in Motorsports for Rallying for 2016, by FMSCI.
Awarded the Nirbhaya Jyoti National Woman Achiever Award 2018
Awarded the Main Hoon Beti Award 2018 by the Uttar Pradesh administration
Facilitated By the Ambassador of Argentine Republic His Excellency Mr Daniel Chuburu for contribution towards Motorsports
Awarded by the Confederation of Indian Industries the CII – IWN Woman Achiever Award 2017.
Felicitated by The Ramraj Environment for outstanding contribution towards women Empowerment on Good Governance Day
Awarded the Top Woman Achiever Award by Bharti Airtel Ltd. in 2017.
Awarded with the Woman's Achievers Award by Amity University for the Year 2016.
Recognised as One of the Top 4 Woman Achievers on the eve of 70th year of India's Independence by Doordarshan in 2017.