Canadian-Chinese driver Samantha Tan hopes trailblazing achievements inspire other ‘badass Asian females’
- The 24-year-old eyes historic Le Mans outing as a means to ‘redefine’ stereotypes that Asian women are ‘docile, dainty and submissive’
- ST Racing team prepares for next season’s GT3 promotion after sealing six championship titles in 24H Series’ GT4 class
Samantha Tan became the first Asian woman to win a major endurance racing championship last month after a near-flawless season in the 24H GT4 Series.
The 24-year-old professional racing car driver won all six titles on offer alongside her ST Racing team, having clocked four wins and eight consecutive pole positions – despite it being their first foray into the series.
With the emotions just about sinking in since the season finale in Sebring, Florida, Tan will be preparing for next season’s promotion to the GT3. That she has entered the top class in sports car racing is huge, but is it merely a checkpoint in her overarching ambitions?
“My ultimate goal is to be the first Asian woman to win Le Mans. Not only as a personal goal, but for Asian women in general. I feel there is a stereotype that Asian women are perceived as docile, dainty, submissive, not outspoken, and I truly want to redefine that.
“When someone sees an Asian woman, I want them to see us as powerful, independent and valued. That’s why I think representation is so important. It’s critical for women to see their faces and hear their stories because it makes us visible and feel respected. I really want to help pave the way for others in the sport.”
Tan has already broken a lot of ground what with her overall GT drivers champion, GT4 Class Team champion, GT4 Class Drivers champion, GT Junior Cup and GT Ladies Cup trophies won in the BMW M4 GT4 with North American teammates Chandler Hull, Jon Miller and Nick Wittmer.
Though an invite to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the oldest ongoing endurance event in the world – may not be imminent, Tan hopes solid outings in the endurance circuit will lead to a pathway in 2024.
“I hope that if – when – I do make history at Le Mans, when they see me standing atop the podium against all odds as a badass Asian female racing car driver, that it will inspire and empower. I hope they feel they have the power, freedom and pride to be who they want to be. That we have a place in the sport,” she said.
Born in Ontario, Canada to immigrant parents from Taiwan and Malaysia, Tan is also active in the thriving Asian-American advocacy scene. She helped to raise US$33,000 (HK$257,000) via a ‘car meet’ this year to help non-profit #HATEISAVIRUS’ Stop Asian Hate fund-drive.
“I feel very strongly about the Stop Asian Hate campaign,” Tan said. “When I first saw the headlines [about violent acts against Asian-Americans], it really just broke my heart because I know our culture has been taught to just put our heads down, work hard and ignore the abuse.
“I don’t feel like people were standing up against all of this hate and abuse. So the younger generation and myself, we had to step it up. When I see some of those headlines, videos, I could envision my grandparents like that. It would completely break me if it happened to them. Very, very emotional topic for me.”
Next up for Tan and Co is the 24H of Dubai in January – their first GT3 class event. The team will be weaving in and out the 24H endurance series and GT World Challenge, donning their new BMW M4s having received the first two in the world earlier this month. They will also mull entry into the IMSA Endurance Cup in 2023.
“This season was incredible – I still don’t have the words to describe it – but we basically managed our expectations, wanting to finish very race, try our best to win – and it paid off,” she said.
“We’re hoping to repeat that [mindset] next year. Of course, it won’t be easy, but we’re all very passionate and we win and lose as a team. I think we’re ready.
“I think I’m still on the way there. There’s always something to learn but I do think this year was a major turning point. I think you’re just seeing the start of it.”
