The Nepali racer chasing adrenaline in Thailand’s Gymkhana circuit
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Brisha Shrestha, a Nepali student in Thailand, is carving a niche in the male-dominated world of Gymkhana racing.
- Initially drawn to motorsport by a friend's invitation to a local event, Shrestha embraced the challenge, overcoming language barriers and learning from scratch with her all-Thai team, D's Motorsport.
- Shrestha finds exhilaration in the adrenaline rush of racing, viewing her MG XPower 143 PM car as an extension of herself and emphasizing the connection with her team, car, and the track.
In the vibrant and adrenaline-fueled world of Thailand's Gymkhana circuit, a young Nepali woman is making her mark. Brisha Shrestha, currently pursuing business marketing in Bangkok, is defying expectations by competing in a sport few in her home country even recognize, let alone participate in.
My father forced me to learn how to drive and know about cars from a young age.
Shrestha's journey into motorsport was serendipitous. While her father's involvement in the automobile business instilled an early familiarity with cars, it was a casual trip to a local Gymkhana event with a friend that ignited her passion. Enchanted by the spectacle, she decided to dive in, seeking out racers to understand the path to participation. Despite the language barrier and the entirely Thai composition of her team, D's Motorsport, Shrestha persevered, learning the intricacies of the sport.
A single trip to view a local Gymkhana event with one of my friends started it all.
What makes Shrestha's story particularly compelling is the supportive environment she found. D's Motorsport, a Thai company, was actively seeking a female driver and provided her with unwavering encouragement. This stands in stark contrast to the often-intimidating atmosphere many women encounter in male-dominated fields. For Shrestha, racing transcends mere competition; it's a profound connection forged with her team, her meticulously tuned MG XPower 143 PM, and the demanding track itself. The sheer exhilaration and the focus required during each race, where the world fades away as she accelerates, represent an indescribable thrill.
Not everyone knew how to speak English, But we tried to talk it out, and they helped me go through the entire process.
Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.