Local kart racer aims for global dominance
She started racing at the age of nine.
At 14, local karting sensation Emma-Rose Dowling is racing towards history after being added to this year’s FIA Woman in Sport for the European Junior Trophy series.
The promising motorsport talent is on track to becoming one of the leading female racers in the world and has her sights on a spot in the F1 Academy.
Known for her kindness off the track and competitiveness on it, Dowling aspires to be a motorsport ambassador to inspire young female drivers to chase their dreams with belief, passion and persistence.
“The goal is to be in the women’s F1 Academy within the next five years. And, hopefully, inspire other talented young female drivers to pursue their passion,” she said.
She caught the racing bug as a nine-year-old when she supported her dad, grandfather and uncles taking part in an endurance race at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria.
“I loved the sound of the karts, the smell of the motors, and the hype of racing. Although I did not immediately jump straight into a kart, I was always at the track supporting my younger brother.
“After watching my brother for most weekends, I decided to also race. At the end of 2020, I got my first kart, and the rest is history,” Dowling said.
Already in her fourth year of racing, she is making waves in her age group and has become a dominant force as her career progresses.
She competes in the OK-N junior class in the Champions of the Future Academy programme. She was one of the 20 girls globally selected for the Iron Dames Talents initiative last year.
Also Read: Elektra goes full throttle at 24-hour race
Dowling is currently the championship leader in the junior max series championships as part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy. She has earned eight wins and fifteen podiums in national competitions across the ROK and Rotax series.
Despite her rapid rise and success, she still faces several challenges, including constantly proving to male drivers that she is as good a driver, if not better, than them.
“It is difficult racing against boys who will do anything not to let a girl beat them. My biggest challenge is proving myself and standing my ground amongst the boys.
“I also had to understand this sport is very unforgiving, given that there are many variables in the outcomes, penalties, mechanical issues, and other drivers on the track. I learnt not to give up and to always pick myself up and keep going.”
Dowling admires female trailblazers like the youngest champion in the 2WD Rally Series history, Lia Block (daughter of late American rally driver Ken Block), Turkish rally driver Burcu Centinkaya, who succeeded despite male dominance in the sport, and former F1 Academy driver Bianca Bustamante.
“I would love to continue my career in motorsport and ideally remain in single-seater racing if funds and my journey allow,” she said.
Also Read: A proud moment for young karting racer
