She swapped the office life for the fast lane. Now she’s one of Asia’s top female racers

Afraid to switch careers? These women took the leap – overcoming doubt and fear to find fulfilment in doing what they love. In this three part series, we speak to a race car driver, a palmist and a ceramicist.

Having loved cars since she was a teenager, Gladys Lam never imagined she would one day be racing professionally.

She and her friends had spent hours on driving simulators, go-karting, and taking their first turns on the track, before her first spontaneous race in 2019 at the Malaysia Street Festival Series, a competitive community race that is now a national-level racing series.

She clinched the top spot in the women’s category, and the thrill left her hungry for more. From there, she raced in competitions across South-east Asia before gradually moving on to international events.

“At first it was just fun, but the more time I spent driving, the more I knew I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to keep doing it, and I realised I had to take risks if I wanted to chase this dream,” says Gladys.

Formerly a project manager in the events industry, Gladys had little time for racing while working full-time. She managed only a few hours a week on home simulators, with the occasional karting session or trip to the track.

She eventually made the switch to racing full-time and content creation in 2024. While she enjoyed her previous role, increased demands from racing and content projects meant she had to let her former job go.

“Being a race car driver wasn’t planned, but over time, I figured out how to turn my passion into a career,” says Gladys.

Naturally, her parents were concerned about her doing a dangerous sport – she can hit around 180 to 200kmh at top speed – but they have become her biggest cheerleaders. Her mother has also watched her race in Thailand.

“My parents are my emotional support system. They don’t have to be at the track because I know they’re always cheering me on,” says Gladys.

Her journey comes with its fair share of challenges. Going into a male-dominated industry means constantly having to prove that she deserves a seat behind the wheel.

Another challenge was the high cost of motorsport, which can range from five to six figures.
“Racing requires not just the car, but a full team, constant maintenance, equipment and logistics. None of this would be possible without the support of my sponsors and brand partners,” she shares.

For a race car driver, sponsorship pays for race entry, car costs, tyres, travel, transport, gear and technical support.

Now, she races once every two months around South-east Asia. When not on the track, she’s training on simulators and in the gym three to four times a week to build her endurance. Strength training helps her handle G-forces and steering load in the car, while cardio helps maintain stamina.

Last December, she pushed her limits during a 25-hour endurance race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand – one of her greatest achievements – hitting over thousands of kilometres with her team.

“It tested everything, mentally and physically. Crossing the finish line after 25 hours wasn’t just unforgettable – it proved to me that nothing is impossible with the right team beside you.”

It was also her first race with Team Supersonic Singapore, a private all-Singaporean team. She hopes to pave the way for more diverse faces in the sport, believing that the hard work of her and her team will create more opportunities for the next generation.

“With the right support, we can break barriers and prove that racing isn’t limited to one type of person; it’s for anyone who’s willing to put in the work and take the risks.”

For those considering a less traditional route, she says: “Don’t let stereotypes stop you. If it’s something you’re passionate about, go all in. Work hard, stay determined, and believe in yourself, even when others don’t.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: Angela Guo
ART DIRECTION: Adeline Eng
COORDINATION: Syed Zulfadhli
HAIR & MAKEUP: Benedict Choo, using NARS