Suhail Khan
The Jammu and Kashmir doctor Humaira Mushtaq, 25, achieved a podium finish in the MRF Indian National Racing Championship in Chennai.
This prestigious championship has thrust her into the limelight as the first female Formula car racer from Jammu and Kashmir and the first from the union territory to achieve a podium finish in the first round of the championship.
Humaira has always been passionate about toy cars and was given a custom-made go-kart by her father at the age of five, who discovered her love for cars. She has fond memories of karting weekends with her father.
Humaira’s journey to success has not been easy but her passion for toy cars as a child has driven her to follow her dreams in the racing arena. She is a true inspiration for those who wish to pursue their passions, despite the challenges they may face.
A resident of Bhatinda in Jammu, Humaira honed her driving skills and eventually started doing Rotax Karting and later on moved single seaters Formula racing.
She started performing donuts, drifting cars, and street racing with grown up men at the age of 14.
Gradually, Humaira’s love for cars turned into a passion, but her parents, who were doctors, encouraged her to pursue a career in dentistry. Despite her studies in dentistry, Humaira never practiced it as a professional and instead focused on her career as a racing driver. Her father, who was her first coach and mentor, was extremely supportive of her passion for racing. He passed away when Humaira was 14, but his last words to her were to never stop racing and to become a professional. Her mother, who was initially skeptical about Humaira’s choice of career, eventually agreed to support her by funding her initial training and testing.
Humaira faced challenges in her mission to become a professional car racer, but she loves overcoming her fears and creating examples. She wants to be recognized for her skills and performance, not just for her gender. For those interested in pursuing a career in motorsports, Humaira recommends starting at a Karting track. She got her first breakthrough in 2019 with JK Tyres and MRF.
In the MRF Indian National Racing Championship in Chennai, Humaira started with low chances of winning, but remained optimistic and determined. Her hard work paid off, and she was able to secure a podium finish, which she dedicated to her late father. Humaira has two more rounds remaining in the championship and is determined to give her best performance.
Her message to the youth is to not expect quick rewards, but to be persistent and determined to achieve their dreams. For those interested in motorsports, Humaira recommends starting with Karting, which trains them for circuit racing in the future. Her message to everyone is to dare to dream the impossible, believe in their dreams, and work hard to achieve them
