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In a remarkable achievement, Afnan Almarglani has become the first Saudi woman to hold an autocross and safe driving skills trainer license, shattering stereotypes and excelling in a male-dominated field. Her journey from biomedical engineer to autocross champion is a testament to determination, passion, and the evolving landscape for Saudi women in motorsports.Almarglani’s fascination with cars and racing ignited during her childhood, thanks to her motor sports enthusiast brother. Their fierce competition in video games like Gran Turismo 3 laid the foundation for her enduring love for cars, their shapes, engines, and the thrill of speed.
This shared interest nurtured her dream of becoming a race car driver.Balancing her role as a biomedical engineer, where she works in a demanding healthcare discipline, and her burgeoning career as a racer, Almarglani is a unique blend of talents. Her dedication and exceptional skills have opened doors that many women in Saudi Arabia rarely have the opportunity to explore.Having earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from a US university, Almarglani found herself drawn to sports cars due to her unwavering passion. She decided to dive into the world of motorsports to gain valuable experience.The historic decision to allow women to drive in Saudi Arabia provided her with a unique opportunity. Almarglani participated in the first women’s autocross championship and secured second place in the qualifying round. This marked the beginning of her journey into competitive racing.Over the years, Almarglani honed her skills by participating in local autocross championships in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alkhobar. With each competition, she gained experience and elevated her performance. Her dedication paid off when she clinched the top position in the women’s category at the Toyota Autocross Championship in Alkhobar.Almarglani’s journey has not been without its share of challenges.
As a woman in motorsports, she faced criticism and skepticism, given the traditionally male-dominated nature of the field. However, as Saudi society evolves and more women embrace auto racing from a young age, perceptions are gradually changing.Another significant challenge in motorsports is securing sponsorships. The sport demands substantial investments in training, equipment, and team support. Almarglani acknowledges the importance of exposure and winning races in attracting sponsors to support aspiring racers.When questioned about her family’s concerns regarding the risks associated with racing, Almarglani emphasized the sport’s emphasis on safety measures and high safety standards. Her family’s initial worries were alleviated when they witnessed her passion and happiness after each race.Almarglani’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation congratulated her on obtaining a training license, highlighting her groundbreaking accomplishment.
She attributes her success to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s transformative vision that empowers women to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Almarglani’s ambition is to pave the way for more women to enter motorsports and establish a professional women’s motorsports team to represent Saudi Arabia in global championships. To realize this vision, she hopes for sponsorships to support her and other Saudi female drivers in local and regional competitions.Afnan Almarglani’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the immense potential of Saudi women in unconventional fields. Her story is a testament to the changing landscape for women in Saudi Arabia, where they are increasingly breaking stereotypes and achieving remarkable milestones.
