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

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Professional racing car driver Samantha Tan with her new BMW M4 GT4 endurance race car with the hashtag #StopAsianHate printed on its rear wing. Photo: ST Racing

Published: 9:15am, 12 Dec 2021

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?

“It’s surreal, but I obviously don’t want to be the last one,” Tan said, who previously told the Post of her lifelong mission to dispel the stereotype that Asians are bad drivers.

Samantha Tan celebrates with her Abu Dhabi 6 Hour Race trophy in Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Photo: Victor Chadarov

“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.