Young Champion in the Making
Sixteen-year-old Muskaan Jubbal from Faridabad has mastered the art of balancing academics and her unwavering passion for car racing. As an 11th grader at Shiv Nadar School, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning the ‘best women driver’ title at the prestigious MRF MMSC Indian National Car Racing Championship in Chennai. Her school played a pivotal role in supporting her journey, which began with go-karting at nine. She recently raced in the LGB Formula 4 category alongside her role model, Mira Erda, the first Indian female on the Formula 4 podium. Muskaan’s dedication to motorsports is evident as she declares, ‘I live, breathe, and dream motorsports.’
Empowering Women in Motorsport
The landscape of Indian motorsport is witnessing a significant transformation with the emergence of talented young women on the racing circuit. In an effort to further this positive trend, FMSCI established the Women in Motorsport commission in 2017 with the goal of increasing female representation in motorsports. Their initiatives include awareness campaigns in colleges to identify and nurture female racing talent. A substantial part of their work revolves around persuading parents to support their daughters in pursuing careers in racing. Nivetha Jessica, a FMSCI member and professional motorcycle racer, highlights, “Many Indian parents still consider bike or car racing unsuitable for women. We educate parents by showcasing examples of women excelling in championships worldwide. While there is considerable interest from college students, schools often perceive motorsport as a hazardous pursuit. Promoting awareness about women’s involvement in motorsports within schools is crucial.”
A Racing Family
Muskaan’s family is a crucial part of her racing journey. They are deeply immersed in motorsports, with her elder brother Jasmehar Singh Jubbal achieving national autocross recognition and representing India at the APMC in Malaysia. Her mother, Aman Jubbal, has excelled in Auto Gymkhana, Autocross, TSD Rally, and INRC. Her father, Jyotinder Singh Jubbal, regularly participates in rallies and autocross events. Their shared passion for motorsports ignited during their visit to the 2013 Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit. Starting her karting journey in 2018, Muskaan aims to represent India in Formula 4 championships globally within the next five years, highlighting the variety of motorsport niches for individual excellence, while stressing that racing is for the track, not the road.
A Role Model and Aspirations
Muskaan’s favorite international champion is Lando Norris, the 23-year-old Formula One driver for McLaren. She admires Norris for his youthful enthusiasm and motivation, qualities that resonate with her own aspirations. Beyond racing, Muskaan is also skilled in the technical aspects of car maintenance on the track. However, even with unwavering support from her family, friends, and school, she acknowledges the presence of naysayers. Racing skills are sometimes dismissed or undervalued, especially in a country where stereotypes about women’s driving abilities persist. She comments, “Many people are not truly aware of what motorsports entails; it’s more than just driving a car. Nevertheless, there will always be individuals who seek to demotivate or undermine your abilities. Ironically, it’s these very people who drive you to perform even better.”
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Author :RRS Correspondent
