From Toy Car To Race Tracks: Humaira Mushtaq's Path To Racing Glory

Humaira Mushtaq grew up in a conservative family in Jammu & Kashmir, where women behind the wheel were a rare sight. However, she defied expectations, taking her passion for driving a step ahead to represent India in racing championships worldwide. Humaira is the first female racecar driver from Jammu & Kashmir. She recently competed in the British Endurance Championships, where she broke barriers as the only woman - and first from India. 

Speaking to SheThePeople, Humaira recounted her journey in racecar driving, how she went from racing with just boys to becoming a pioneer in the motorsports community. Despite encountering many challenges and biases, she proved herself with relentless dedication and skill.

Excerpt From Interview

Can you tell us a bit about yourself -- where you grew up, what your upbringing was like, and how were you first introduced to racing?

I grew up in a traditional Muslim family in Jammu & Kashmir, a place where you rarely see women driving, let alone racing. But from as early as I can remember, I was drawn to cars. I think I was around three or four when my dad gave me my first toy car, and I was hooked. I was not the kind of kid who played with dolls; I preferred hanging out with boys because they had toy cars! My dad picked up on this and when I was four he got me a custom-made go-kart track. That is really where it started—and I spent hours there practising.

It may sound unusual, but I always felt a pull towards racing; it just felt natural. By five, I was competing with boys in professional go-karting championships and competitions, and I loved every bit of it. Not doing it out of competition or competing or winning from the boys but purely for the thrill and fun it brought me. It later escalated and advanced as I grew. I later moved to single-seaters, formula racing, saloons, touring cars and later on to more advanced Formula and GT (grand tourers) occasionally I like to drift. Even though both my parents were doctors, my dad had a love for motorsports and always encouraged me to follow my passion.

Describe a typical day in your training routine -- how do you ensure you are physically and mentally ready to take on tough situations?

Every day, I focus on both physical and mental preparation, which is essential in racing. My training routine involves a mix of cardio, strength training, and mental exercises that help me maintain focus under pressure. Racing is physically demanding, so I work hard on my stamina and reflexes. I also make sure to include meditation and visualization exercises, especially when preparing for races.

Mentally, I remind myself of what it takes to be on the track, particularly when representing my country. I practice visualizing each corner and turn, imagining the speed and the way the car responds. I have learned that in racing, mental endurance is as crucial as physical strength.

As a woman in motorsports, what were some struggles you encountered in your journey, and how did these experiences shape your career? Can you describe some of the biases you faced in your personal life as well as in the motorsports community?

Being a woman in motorsports has meant breaking down a lot of walls. At the start, people doubted my ability just because of my gender. For example, I was working with a new team in the UK, who hadn't seen me racing before and assumed I could not handle the technical demands or pressure. This changed five laps later after they saw me setting the lap records. But I knew I had earned my place, and I was determined to give my best shot. I was not going to let anyone take that away from me. Fueling the focus, starving my distractions.

Even personally, people could not understand why I wanted to pursue such an unconventional path. Coming from a conservative background, there was a lot of resistance and even disapproval when I told people I wanted to race.

Many told me to “back off” or tried to make me feel that motorsports wasn’t a place for women. But each of those experiences just strengthened my resolve. Racing is not just about being fast; it’s about showing that I belong, no matter what others think.

What was your experience like as the first Indian and the only woman on the tracks of the British Endurance Racing Championship?

It was surreal and overwhelming at the same time. Representing India at the British Endurance Racing Championship, racing for Aston Martin, felt like a dream. But it was also a huge responsibility. I wasn’t just representing myself; I was there for my country and for women everywhere who dream of breaking barriers.

There was scepticism from some of my male teammates and competitors, especially initially. But once I started racing, I earned their respect on the track. I proved that I was there because of my skills and determination, not as a novelty. Competing there as the only Indian woman on the grid was challenging, but it felt incredibly empowering. I knew I was setting an example, and that kept me going.

Coming from a family of academics and discontinuing your dentistry education to pursue race car driving must have been difficult. What were some struggles you faced during this career transition? Were there any thoughts of self-doubt or apprehensions that you overcame?

I excelled in science and English as a student so I took medicine as my subjects in the 11th and 12th. I never intended to become a doctor since I believe in giving 100% to everything. My heart belonged to Motorsports. I couldn't see myself doing a desk job from 9 to 4.

I made it to medical school upon an agreement I had with my mother which promised her to finance the initial years of my career in return for me making it to a medical school via government quota. I was in dire need of funds since I'd moved to advanced racing. I studied hard, not because I wanted to become a doctor but because I wanted to become a racing driver.

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What role did your family members play in encouraging and supporting you to pursue your passion?

My father was my biggest supporter from the start. He encouraged my love for cars when no one else did. Even when people questioned my dreams, he was always there, building tracks for me, taking me to races, and supporting me in every way he could. My family had its reservations, especially considering the risks, but my father’s belief in me made all the difference.

Unfortunately, I lost him when I was 13 just, a few days before my 14th birthday. My dad's last words to me were 'Don't stop racing, become a professional. You have this rarest talent which not a lot of people have. Reach it out to the world and create an example. Allah will help you and you will move mountains.'

Several sportspersons in India often find a lack of sponsorships and funding as one of their biggest challenges. Have you ever faced any such setbacks? How well supported is the Indian motorsports landscape, and what can be done to better it?

Funding is a huge challenge in motorsports, especially for women. Racing is an expensive sport, and getting sponsors has not been easy. I had to work part-time jobs when I was in the UK and apply for any sponsorships I could find.

The motorsports landscape in India is still growing, and I think if we could have more funding and sponsorship opportunities, especially for women, we would see more talent emerging. Recognition at an early stage is crucial to sustaining a career in this sport.

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As you have been into motorsports from a very young age, how have you seen the sport evolve, especially for women's participation in India?

When I started, there weren't any women in motorsports and it was almost unthinkable for a girl from Jammu & Kashmir to take up racing. But over the years, I have seen attitudes change, and women are coming forward I think seeing women compete internationally shows others that this is a possibility, even in a male-dominated sport. There is still a long way to go, but we are making progress. 

My fight is not with gender but the stereotype and system of society that designates careers based on gender.

How important have the success stories of other racers, especially women, been to you? What is the message or legacy that you hope to leave for someone who looks up to you?

Stories of other female racers have been a huge inspiration for me, reminding me that I am not alone in this journey. I want to be the inspiration for young girls, to pursue their dreams no matter how unconventional. My message is simple: if you have the passion and you’re willing to put in the work, there’s no reason you can’t achieve it. Racing is not just for men — it’s for anyone with the skill and drive. You have the power to create your own reality all it takes is the willingness to do it.