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What were you doing when you were 15 years old? Studying for exams? Figuring out your hobbies? Maybe arguing with your parents about weekend plans?
But for Sophia Zara, she was strapping into a race car, flying down Sepang International Circuit at full throttle, and going wheel-to-wheel with seasoned adult racers.
She’s not just dabbling in motorsports but also rewriting what it means to be a young woman in a field heavily dominated by men.
As the youngest female driver in Malaysia’s national car-racing scene, Sophia is chasing podiums, breaking stereotypes, and showing the world that talent doesn’t wait for permission or age.
Runs in the family
Sophia’s journey into racing began long before she got behind the wheel. Growing up in a motorsport-loving family, it wasn’t surprising that she was exposed to the sport at a young age.
Both my parents used to race, and my dad still does,” she said. “I grew up watching them at the track, and I was always drawn to the speed and competition.”
While her dad is an auditor by profession and her mum runs a family business, both have racing in their blood.
But it wasn’t until she was five-and-a-half years old that Sophia took the plunge into karting. After a trip to the karting track with her mum, she was hooked. “That was basically where everything started,” she recalled.
From there, Sophia started her go-kart racing journey by competing in club karting events at the age of seven before racing internationally the next year.
I transitioned to cars when I turned 12 and began attending track days and receiving coaching sessions. I haven’t looked back since.”
Getting on the track
Sophia’s track debut came in August 2024, marking the beginning of what would become a remarkable racing career.
In 2024, she partnered with her dad and competed in three major races, including MCS Round 3, MCS Round 4, and the gruelling Sepang 1000km (S1K) endurance race.
Finishing fifth at S1K was unforgettable. It was only my third race, and I was so proud to be part of such a historic event,” she reflected.
The race also earned her a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records as the youngest female podium finisher in an endurance race.
This year, Sophia is stepping up her game even further. She competed in the Malaysia Speed Festival and finished in 5th place in Round 1 of the Myvi Cup. As for the Toyota Gazoo Racing, she raced in the Sporting Class Round 1 and secured 8th place.
Then came the Malaysia Touring Car Championship (MTCC), where Sophia finished in 3rd place in the MT2V Category and became the youngest female podium finisher in a sprint race.
The race was unforgettable because in our first round, we had car issues and started from the back. But we managed to push through and finished third, which was a huge win for me,” she explained.
However, Sophia’s journey is not just about racing; it’s also about breaking records and making history.
In addition to her impressive debut and podium finish, she was also recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the youngest female race car driver in Malaysia.
It’s such an honour to be recognised in this way, and it motivates me to keep pushing further,” she said.
Age is just a number
It’s common knowledge that motorsports is a male-dominated space, but surprisingly, Sophia hasn’t faced many gender-related challenges.
If anything, my biggest obstacle has been my age,” she shared. “I wasn’t selected for a rookie program because they felt I was too young. But instead of being discouraged, I saw it as motivation.”
Sophia’s story took a positive turn when a team trusted her enough to race in the Sporting Class, a highly competitive category which pitted her against 19 other drivers.
I’m really grateful that they took a chance on me. Competing against more experienced drivers is exciting and challenging, and it’s how I learn and grow.”
Train hard, dream big
Racing might seem all about speed, but it takes a lot of discipline and focus—something Sophia mastered from a young age.
I train with my coach twice a week, where I focus on sharpening my strength, endurance, and core stability.
“I also do track day sessions to test my times and improve. Reviewing race footage is a huge part of preparing mentally for the next race,” she explained.
With all these preparations, Sophia’s eyeing a wildcard seat at the F1 Academy during the Singapore Grand Prix in 2025.
Being nominated for the wildcard seat is a huge honour,” she said. “It shows that Malaysian drivers can compete at an international level. I hope this opens more doors for future racers in Malaysia.”
However, her goals don’t stop there. “In the future, I’d love to race in GT cars or maybe even the Porsche Carrera Cup. I’ve always been drawn to endurance racing.
In five years, I want to be racing internationally, representing Malaysia, and showing girls everywhere that they can do this too,” she declared.
Beyond the racing track
Despite her busy schedule, Sophia never forgets about her education.
School is my top priority. I’m on the principal’s list, so I need to make sure I’m excelling there, too. Balancing racing and academics isn’t easy, but I’ve learned to manage my time well.”
With an IGCSE curriculum to follow, Sophia sticks to a strict schedule, balancing study time with her racing commitments.
I plan everything out in advance, like my study time, track days, and races. If I have a race, I bring my books and do my homework during the downtime. It’s all about making sure I stay on track with both,” she said.
In addition to her racing career, Sophia is also a passionate fencer, and she won gold and bronze at the SUKMA Games.
Fencing teaches me to focus and be disciplined, skills that I can apply to racing. It’s a great way to stay sharp.”
Besides fencing, Sophia has also been going horseback riding since she was younger. And it doesn’t stop there. She has also recently taken up ice hockey.
I don’t have much free time, but I make sure to stay active. Ice hockey is super fun, and I love horseback riding whenever I can. It’s all about finding the balance and enjoying what you do,” she added with a laugh.
The sky is the limit for someone talented like Sophia, as she excels in her artistic pursuits. In addition to completing the 8th grade in ballet, she’s in her third year learning to play the violin and is already working towards Grade 3.
‘Just try’
Aside from being a rising star in motorsports, Sophia is looking to pave the way for the next generation of racers.
Her determination, passion, and focus are setting her up for a future filled with international accolades and groundbreaking achievements.
I don’t feel any form of pressure. I’m just enjoying the ride,” she said with a kind of confidence that makes one thing clear: the road ahead is hers for the taking.
But her story is more than just racing. It’s about inspiration, resilience, and defying expectations.
My advice to young girls who want to follow their dreams is to just try it. Chase your dreams, even if the path is different from others. That’s what makes us stand out.”
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