Record setter Sophia’s racing ahead of her age

Young and quick: Sophia posing beside her racing car.

PETALING JAYA: At just 15 years old, Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal has already made her skid marks in the motorsport industry.

She was awarded the Malaysia Book of Records Award on Saturday (Aug 10) at the Sepang International Cirucit (SIC) for being the youngest female driver in the SIC and the youngest female racer in track racing.

Sophia’s passion for motorsports was ignited at the age of five when she was first introduced to the exhilarating world of go-karting.

Sophia was born into a family of racers.

Her mother, Shasha, was once a competitive racer, while her father, Shafiq, continues to steer in the driver’s seat.

“My mum brought me to the go-kart track for the first time and I have never looked back since then,” she said.

“I guess it naturally runs in me to enjoy racing, given the fact that both of my parents enjoy the sports as well and they have been supportive of me throughout my journey.”

The Penang-born driver admires Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, finding his story both inspiring and admirable.

“I look up to him because of his sheer determination and will to win, despite facing racial discrimination and feeling like an outcast during his career.”

She hopes to one day become an F1 driver herself but she acknowledges that it is a very competitive process to achieve that dream.

“Of course I want to become an F1 driver but it is difficult because most of the drivers are from Europe and their level of competition is slightly higher compared to our local races.

“For now, I’m aiming to become a Porsche Carrera driver first and hopefully in the future, I can become a Grand Tourer driver.”

In addition to her racing career, Sophia is also a skilled fencer.

She represents Perak and will be competing in the Malaysian Games (Sukma) from Aug 17-24 in Sarawak.

Her interest in fencing began at age six, inspired by her mother as well.

“My mum used to fence and whenever she headed out for training, I would follow and sooner or later, I asked her if I could try it out as well.”

With both racing and fencing keeping her busy, Sophia has not allowed that to neglect her academic responsibilities.

She is a Principle List Student at Sri Kuala Lumpur International School, a finalist in International STEM Olympiads and a medallist in various economic quizzes and math competitions.

“I do not have trouble balancing sports and school,” she said.

“It has become a norm for me since I was young, so I guess I am already accustomed to it.”

Following the Sukma Games, Sophia will prepare for the Malaysian Championship Series Round Four, which starts on Sept 6 at the SIC.