One of India’s few female car racer, Humaira Mushtaq is a young trailblazer from Jammu and Kashmir. Last year she became the first Indian national and the only woman to compete in the British Endurance Racing Championship. On the occasion of Women’s Day, we bring to readers a candid conversation with Humaira on her journey as a car racer. She talks about her father’s support, the importance of training hard and how she doesn’t let others’ opinions dim her shine.
There exists a general perception in India that women make bad drivers. Steeped in gender stereotypes, this notion is highly offensive to say the least. But it is also inaccurate.
A look at race car driver Humaira Mushtaq behind the wheel and this age-old notion goes out the window. As India’s first and only female car racer from Jammu and Kashmir, this young trailblazer zips and zooms past her opponents in national and international events. Last year, she became the first Indian national to compete in the British Endurance Racing Championship and the only woman racing among competitors from many nationalities.
Apart from leaving her opponents behind on the race tracks, this spunky racer also overtakes preconceived notions of a conservative society. Humaira is not just a racer but a pioneer as she exemplifies how passion and determination defy odds and silence the doubts of all naysayers. With unwavering determination, she has never let gender define her capabilities, paving the way for future generations of women in motorsports.
Humaira’s story also exemplifies the important role that parents play in nurturing an individual’s talent. For Humaira, her father was her strongest supporter and the force behind her taking up car racing.
From building go karting tracks for her to practice on to pushing her to pursue excellence, her father played a key role in her success.
With the next season on the horizon, Humaira is focusing on the extensive training across Europe and the Middle East to refine her skills. With key races lined up in Spain, England and Dubai, Humaira is eager to compete on behalf of India.
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we bring to readers a candid conversation with Humaira Mushtaq on her journey as a car racer. She talks about her father’s support, the importance of training hard and how she doesn’t let others’ opinions bother her.
This is her story!
Early Life Years & Origin of Passion for Racing
Humaira’s passion for motorsports emerged naturally at a young age. “As a child, I was captivated by cars and was highly fascinated with their movement and mechanics. While my parents, introduced me to conventional toys, I gravitated towards miniature and remote-controlled cars.”
Seeing her interest in cars, Humaira’s parents nurtured her interest. “I received my first toy car at three, and by four-and-a half, my father built me a custom go-kart with a backyard track, where I spent hours honing my skill.”
By the time she was five, Humaira transitioned to real go-karting and road racing, driven purely by passion. Over the years, she advanced through single-seaters, Formula Racing, Touring cars, and Saloon cars. “Now competing in Grand Tourers, I aim to improve and push my limits into prototype racing, continuing an exciting and fulfilling journey,” says Humaira.
Professional Journey as a Trailblazing Racer
“My motorsports career started at the tender age of six with go-karting, which later set the stage for my transition into competitive single-seater racing in India.” Humaira began her professional journey with JK Typres, where she was identified by Sanjay Sharma, the head of JK Tyre Motorsports. “He recognized my potential, took me under his wing and provided me with sponsorship opportunities that propelled my career ahead.”
To gain exposure in the touring car segment, Humaira transitioned to MRF. Overtime she secured an international racing licence, allowing her to compete at the British Endurance Championship. “As the first and only Indian, as well as the only female driver competing at that level, representing my country at such a prestigious platform was an extraordinary achievement,” says Humaira with pride.
Making of a Champion: Mastering Physical Endurance & Mental Sharpness
Competitive racing requires the perfect balance of physical endurance and mental sharpness. A racer’s performance relies on both, fitness and cognitive strength. Motorsport is a test of durability, precision, and the ability to perform under extreme conditions. Humaira highlights the importance of resilience for sustained focus and precision, particularly in long-duration races, where maintaining a high degree of mental intensity is important.
Humaira explains that strength training is indispensable for a sports person such as her. She goes on to explain, “The neck bears significant strain under intense braking force, while the core and the shoulder must remain engaged throughout the race. High G-force in braking zones place extreme pressure on the body, requiring exceptional strength and endurance. Heat endurance is another critical factor, especially in regions like Middle east where cockpit temperatures can exceed 45°C. Unlike European circuits with milder conditions, extreme heat may pose threatening risk of dehydration and drivers passing out mid-race.”
Battling Gender Bias to Emerge as a Champion
Although motorsport is taxing on the body and mind, it is tougher for women in sports to battle people’s preconceived notions. Humaira reflects on her journey and says that her journey in motorsports has been anything but easy. She has had to encounter gender bias and pre-conceived notions of unfamiliar people or a new team. She narrates, “Particularly as a woman from Jammu and
Kashmir, where motorsport is not a conventional career choice for women, doubts and bias were the major hurdles.”
But Humaira remains unfazed. Exuding strength and confidence, she says, “people are entitled to their opinion, but they do not influence my determination.”
For Humaira, people’s scepticism is a lesser challenge. “My greatest challenge is proving my credibility. Many people are quick to judge until they see me on the track.” She continues to say, “External opinions have no bearing on her. I have confidence in my abilities and seek no external validation.”
Since the industry is male-dominated, Humaira often goes up against men in her races. But the gender of her opponents does not faze her. “Throughout my career I have been the sole woman in male-dominated racing environments. But when you are on track, fully equipped in your gear, distinctions of gender fade away; you are simply a driver. Success and performance on the track are defined by skill, focus and strategy, and not by gender identity. That is the mindset I believe every racer should adopt,” says Humaira.
A Supportive Father: Wind Beneath Her Wings 
One might wonder, how Humaira pursued and excelled at a unique path in life, especially considering the traditionalist society that she comes from. The wind beneath this motorsport champion is her father.
Humaira talks about her father’s supportive role in her life’s journey. She reminisces, “My father was my strongest mentor, my biggest supporter, and my first coach. He played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and pushing me toward my goals.”
“My most cherished memories of him are at the racing track, where he would carry my racing gear, ensure I was prepared and always stood by my side as a proud supporter,” she says.
Her father’s unwavering encouragement reinforced Humaira’s confidence. Therefore, competing with the opposite gender never dissuaded her. “His influence is the foundation of my career and the reason I am here today,” adds Humaira.
Develop Driving Skills & don’t Let Scepticism Bother you
When on Indian roads, one often hears stereotypical comments about women’s inability behind the wheel. However, the automobile does not understand genders and neither should people. Humaira echoes this sentiment and says, “Driving proficiency is not determined by gender, but reflects one’s skills and temperament. Just as cars operate without bias, we should adopt the same mind sent when evaluating a driver’s capabilities.”
Humaira has advice for aspiring women drivers. She says, “If you aspire to race, it is essential to build a strong foundation by training at a professional driving school as there is no substitute for structured learning. Once you begin you may encounter unsolicited opinions from family and friends, but the best approach here is to remain focused and develop confidence at your own speed. The priority should be your steady improvement aiming toward mastering the skill.”
Message For Women of The World
Humaira has a quest for building the best possible life for herself and she advices other young women to do the same. She says, “I believe that one’s life is one’s greatest investment; never let others manage it for you. The power to design your own path lies in your own hands, it all requires determination to act.”
Humaira also highlights the importance of having goals in life and pursuing them relentlessly. “Pursuing significant goals inevitably attract both, challenges and distractions, but the key here is to focus on resources and not disruptions. I would advise professionals to approach every endeavour with full commitment and not out of fleeing inspiration, but because they align with your vision and drive.”
For Humaira, success is not just about visible rewards, instead it is a reflection on the effort, enterprise and perseverance behind it. She says, “Instead of being fixed on the outcome, commit to mastering your craft, refining your strategy and delivering value. The results will be positive and a natural by-product of your dedication.”
