In the realm of motorsports, where men have long dominated the scene, Phoebe Dale Nongrum is making waves and defying expectations. With her vibrant turquoise tresses catching the eye, Phoebe stands as a symbol of breaking through the glass ceiling in a sport traditionally considered a male bastion.
Hailing from Shillong, Phoebe proudly holds the distinction of being the first woman from the Northeast region of India to race in Formula 4. Her talent and determination have earned her a coveted spot in Ahura Racing, a professional team established in 2017 and led by three-time National Champion, Sarosh Hataria.
Recalling her journey, Phoebe shared, “When I saw the advertisement for Ahura Racing selecting women drivers for India’s first Formula team, I immediately reached out to them. However, securing a place on the racing team was no easy feat. I had to compete against 60 other talented women to earn my spot.”
As one of the lead drivers for Ahura Racing, Phoebe is part of a team comprising 12 women drivers, including six primary drivers and six substitutes. Her passion for racing began at the age of 12, maneuvering through the winding roads of Shillong, encouraged and supported by her father. Little did she know that this childhood love would pave her path to prominence. “Growing up, I always had this burning desire to drive a race car. I was captivated by cars, but coming from a small town like Shillong, I never truly believed I would make it one day,” she added.
Despite a 10-year hiatus for studies and work, Phoebe’s return to her hometown in 2016 reignited her racing aspirations. She swiftly conquered the dirt track, winning her first autocross competition. Reflecting on her journey, Phoebe remarked, “At times, I thought my dream of becoming a race car driver was unreachable. But life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. In 2017, I caught my lucky break, started honing my skills on the racing line, and participated in numerous events, propelling my journey forward.”
Transitioning from a co-driver to a solo racer required relentless practice and dedication. “After autocross, I delved into rallying as a co-driver for a friend. We participated in two rallies, securing podium finishes and unexpected trophies. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the advertisement for Formula 4 racing,” Phoebe explained.
As trophies from various podium finishes adorned her home, her father, O Pasi, who had initially been skeptical about her career choice, finally became convinced. Pasi, an IPS officer, had emphasized a career in the civil services. “Upon my return from Bengaluru, where I had planned to prepare for the UPSC exams, my father insisted that I give racing a chance. I joined a coaching program and began my preparations. However, along the way, I got an opportunity to race. I took that chance, participated in a few races, and kept bringing home trophies. I believe I changed my dad’s perspective on the idea that one must pursue a government exam to succeed. We can forge our own paths and become the individuals we aspire to be,” Phoebe proudly shared.
Now, against all odds, Phoebe is breaking the glass ceiling in a sport that accounts for just a mere 1% of race drivers globally. With unwavering determination, she emphasizes, “Personally, I never believed that motorsports were exclusive to men. We are all human beings, and the decision to pursue our dreams lies within us. It’s up to us to determine what we want, how we want it, and when we want it.”
Beyond her formidable racing persona, Phoebe is a spirited individual with a multitude of hobbies, including gaming, jamming to music, and, unsurprisingly, experimenting with hair coloring. Her presence in the motorsports world exemplifies that one does not need to conform to a particular mold to excel in extreme sports such as racing. When asked about her role models, Phoebe offered a unique perspective. “I don’t believe in having a role model. When you truly desire something, you must go out and seize it. While I do look up to certain individuals, I firmly believe that we must forge our own paths,” she expressed.
Having conquered dirt tracks as an Indian National Rally Champion and currently competing in Formula 4, Phoebe now sets her sights on achieving podium finishes. From Formula 4, her aspirations extend to even grander dreams. With a smile, she reveals, “I can dream bigger; you never know, maybe one day, I will race in Formula 1 as well.”
Phoebe’s story serves as a testament that nothing is impossible when one pours their heart into it. Before taking on significant performances, she hums a heavy metal tune to ignite her adrenaline. She has already established a prominent place for herself in the racing world, serving as an example for other women to follow.
In a world where barriers are meant to be broken, Phoebe Dale Nongrum is an embodiment of resilience, talent, and an unyielding spirit that paves the way for a new era in motorsports.