Shillong, Apr 21: Phoebe Dale Nongrum, a trailblazing motorsport talent from Meghalaya and the first woman from Northeast India to race in Formula 4, is setting her sights on winning the 2025 Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). After narrowly missing the 2024 title by just two seconds, Phoebe is determined to secure the championship this year.

In a conversation with Northeast Live, Phoebe reflected on her near-victory in the 2024 season, stating, “I drove the whole season of the Indian National Rally Championship 2024, and I was very close to the championship but lost by two seconds. I am back this year to try and conquer that championship again.”

Currently competing in the JK Tyre-powered Indian Racing Festival, Phoebe is continuing her journey to inspire fans and aspiring racers. The 10-day event, running from April 12 to 22, is aimed at promoting motorsports culture and strengthening JK Tyre’s presence across key Northeastern cities such as Kohima, Aizawl, Shillong, Guwahati, and Gangtok.

Phoebe’s motorsport journey began in Shillong, where she secretly learned to drive at the age of 12. By 14, she was already driving a Maruti Gypsy on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. After a brief break from racing to pursue higher education in Bengaluru, Phoebe returned to motorsport through volunteer work, later becoming an organizer and finally a competitor. Her career reignited after a win at an autocross event in Shillong.

In 2019, Phoebe was selected through a national talent hunt by Ahura Racing to join India’s first Formula Women’s team. She made her professional debut in 2021 at the 23rd JK Tyre National Racing Championship, where she became the first woman from Northeast India to podium in the Formula LGB 4 category.

Now, Phoebe stands as an inspiration for young girls and aspiring racers across the Northeast and beyond, continuing to break barriers and make her mark in Indian motorsports.