Noor Daoud By Naim Chidiac for Red Bull
Being an Arab woman, she has broken down many societal barriers. She’s a drift racer with a long standing love for motorsports, cars and bikes. Also a member of the Speed Sisters, a likeminded group of women with a strong passion for racing, who pursued their passions against all odds, Noor Daoud proves that being a woman is not an obstacle when it comes to achieving her drifting goals.
The Palestinian drift racer credits her mother for making her who she is today, and admits she would take her mother’s car to drift in when she didn’t have her own. She talks to AboutHer.com about how nothing ever stops her from achieving her goals, competing on an international level and what you need to know as a new driver.
Where did your passion for motor sports begin – what piqued your interest?
My interest in motorsports and cars started when I was really young. At 5 years old I was collecting toy cars and had a huge collection and have had a passion for motorsports since then.
What does it take to be a professional racer?
To be a professional racer you have to be mentally strong, to be brave, willing and believing in what you love and having a passion for the sport. Sponsorship also helps you to grow within the industry and is one of the main important things you need when racing as it’s a very expensive occupation. It’s not something everyone can afford to pay for from their own pocket.
Who are the women that inspire you and why?
There are a lot of drift racers I am inspired by from all over the world, but they’re mainly all men! I’m inspired by Japanese racer, Daigo Saito, and few others from the states, but my favorite is Daigo Saito, I love the way he drives and he’s very talented.
You’re an Arab woman, with an unusual career, in an industry that is dominated by men, have you had to experience any gender bias within the sport and if so, how do you combat that?
When I started drift racing, it was difficult in the beginning as people would say things like “what are you doing? You’re wasting your time and this is a man’s world...”, so it took time for people to understand my career. I had to deal with a lot of disrespect at the start, but now that they understand what I do following my success in the sport, and my passions for it, they now love and respect me and who I am. I represent Palestine and travel around the world pursuing my passion. It wasn’t easy for people, but I made them change their minds about women’s roles in society, we don’t just get married and have children and work in the kitchen – Arab women are much more than this.
As an Arab woman, did you have to face any challenges with regards to your cultural background or family?
My whole family support me, especially my mum. She’s the woman who made me who I am today!
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
I’m most proud of my participation in the Red Bull Car Park Drift. I competed twice in the finals and was live on MBC Action and was extremely challenging as I was up against the best drift racers from the Middle East. I’ve taken some top 8’s and top 10’s positions, which is really good, as have been training but not training like they do as I have some problems with my car and haven’t been so lucky in that respect! But I have been doing what needs to be done – it’s not quite enough so I’m looking forward to practicing more to enter more drift events.
Why do you think there are not more women involved in professional racing? Is it a lack of opportunity or interest?
I don’t think there is a lack of opportunity for women, it’s perhaps the lack of interest. For example, I came out of nothing, I was always interested in the sport and started in the streets of Palestine, this is where it all began for me; I didn’t have a car and was doing it in my mum’s car. So really, if you believe it, and live it you can achieve it. I think its lack of interest, or not trying hard enough. I believe if you really want something, you can achieve it no matter what.
In June 2018, Saudi Arabia will see women driving for the first time since the driving ban has been lifted. What are your thoughts on this and what challenges do you think they might face as the first generation of Saudi women drivers?
In my opinion, I didn’t like the idea at all that Saudi women couldn’t drive. It didn’t make sense to me at all that they weren’t allowed to drive. I am very happy to hear that they can now drive, and yes, they may face some adversity because they don’t have much experience in driving and may encounter accidents etc, and will face a few issues initially due to not being used to it. With that being said, I’m extremely happy that they are now being given the opportunity. I also got invited to attend a show in Saudi to inspire women to drive, so maybe that will help them to develop an interest in racing, not just driving on the streets.
What driving tips do you have for Saudi women who will be taking the wheel in June?
First of all, drive as much as you can to get used to it and secondly, know the car you’re driving so if anything happens, you know how to handle the situation. You don’t need to be an expert but you should know the car – for e.g. where to put the water, the oil, and check if the car is ok or not.
What empowers you and how do you use your position as a female race car driver to empower other women?
I have a strong personality and believe that I’m a strong woman, and this in itself speaks volumes when I’m socializing and meeting new people, which I love doing. I feel this helps to inspire other women, especially when they hear about what I do and my career in racing inspires them more and more.
