When most teens are learning how to manage school, hobbies, and social life, 15-year-old Sophia Zara is juggling all of that with a race car thrown into the mix.
While others are still getting the hang of teenage life, Sophia is out on the Sepang International Circuit, going head-to-head with veteran drivers and turning heads in Malaysia's motorsports scene. As the country's youngest female racer, Sophia isn't just competing; she's making history, one lap at a time.
Sophia's racing journey didn't begin with a steering wheel in her hand; it started much earlier, as a toddler on the sidelines watching her parents race.
"My parents both used to race. My dad still does, she shared. I practically grew up at the track."
According to Weirdkaya, though her father works as an auditor and her mother manages a family business, both have motorsports in their DNA. So, it came as no surprise when a five-year-old Sophia fell in love with karting during a casual visit to the track with her mum. That moment ignited a passion that has only grown stronger with time.
By the age of seven, she was already competing in club-level karting events. The following year, she took her talent overseas and raced internationally. At 12, she made the leap from go-karts to race cars, attending track days, training with coaches, and preparing herself for the big leagues.
Sophia's official debut came in August 2024. In what would become a whirlwind year, she teamed up with her father for three major races, including the Malaysian Championship Series (MCS) and the grueling Sepang 1000km endurance race (S1K). Despite her newcomer status, Sophia and her team finished 5th at S1K, an extraordinary feat for a young driver.
That race not only earned her a podium finish but also etched her name into the Malaysia Book of Records as the youngest female endurance race podium finisher.
Her momentum didn't stop there.
In 2025, she's already chalked up appearances at the Malaysia Speed Festival (finishing 5th in the Myvi Cup Round 1), the Toyota Gazoo Racing Sporting Class (where she placed 8th), and the Malaysia Touring Car Championship (MTCC). Despite technical issues that forced her to start from the back of the grid, she battled her way to 3rd place in the MT2V category, securing another national record as the youngest female podium finisher in a sprint race.
In an industry where women are often underrepresented, Sophia's gender surprisingly hasn't been her biggest barrier.
"It's actually my age that people question," she said. "I missed out on a rookie program because they thought I was too young."
But instead of letting that deter her, Sophia used it as fuel.
Her big break came when a team decided to let her compete in the highly competitive Sporting Class despite her age. "They took a chance on me, and I'll always be grateful for that," she said. "Racing against experienced drivers pushes me to be better."
Sophia's ambition is clearand so are her goals. She's currently in the running for a wildcard seat at the F1 Academy during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix.
"Being nominated is a huge deal for me. I hope it shows that Malaysian drivers, especially young girls, can hold their own on an international level."
Beyond the F1 Academy, her dreams include racing in GT cars, taking on the Porsche Carrera Cup, and representing Malaysia on global tracks within the next five years.
While Sophia may be tearing up racetracks, she's also acing her academics. Despite her demanding racing schedule, she remains focused on school and is even on the principal's list.
"I follow the IGCSE syllabus, so planning is everything. I bring my books to race weekends, study during breaks, and keep a strict schedule."
Her talents don't end with motorsports and academics. Sophia is also a gold and bronze medal-winning fencer at SUKMA, practices ballet at Grade 8, horseback rides, plays the violin, and recently picked up ice hockey.
"Staying active keeps me sharp. I don't have much free time, but I make sure to enjoy what I do," she said with a grin.
More than just breaking records, Sophia wants to break barriers.
"I want other girls to know that they can do this too. Don't be afraid to take the road less travelled."
Whether she's stepping onto the podium, racing against adults, or juggling a mountain of extracurriculars, Sophia's mindset stays the same: enjoy the ride.
Her story isn't just about speed. It's about grit, balance, and daring to dream big, no matter how young you are.
"My advice? Just try," she said. "Even if your dream is different from others, that's exactly what makes it worth chasing."
Source: Weirdkaya
