Q: Introduce yourself
RA: My name is Reyhaneh, and I’m a 16 year old rental kart driver. I’ve been racing for two years now.

Q: When did you start racing, and what inspired you to get into the sport?
RA: I’ve always loved watching racing when I was little, especially Formula 1. The speed really drew me in. Two years ago, I started with indoor karting and eventually joined my local race academy, which opened the door to competitive racing.

Q: Is there someone you look up to in the motorsports world?
RA: I look up to many people in motorsport, the list is always growing! I admire drivers not just for their skill, but also for their perseverance and character off the track.

Q: Do you have any pre-race rituals? How do you mentally prepare for a race?
RA: I don’t have any unique pre-race rituals, I usually like to put in my right glove first than my left.

Q: Have you already learned some valuable lessons through racing? If so, could you share some with us?
RA:  Absolutely. One big lesson I’ve learned is that patience is a virtue. but too much of it can actually hold you back. You have to find the right balance between being calculated and being bold. I’ve also learned the importance of staying composed under pressure, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Q: As a female driver, do you think that women who get into racing have to face particular challenges? Have you faced any so far?
RA:  Sometimes, social media can make the gender divide in motorsport look harsher than it feels in real life. In my experience, there’s a lot of support out there but it really does depend. Though challenges still exist. I think women in the sport often feel like they have to constantly prove themselves, but things are slowly changing with more visibility and representation.

Q: What’s something that makes you feel like yourself, besides racing? What are your other passions?
RA: I have lots of passions outside of racing! I love cooking, painting, learning about history and politics, and I’ve recently gone back to learning piano and started playing tennis. These things help me stay grounded and express different sides of who I am.

Q: Since you’re still a teenager—and I am too—I wanted to ask: How do you manage to balance life, studying, karting, and everything that comes with it?
RA: It’s definitely a challenge. I’m not the most social person by nature, but I’ve been trying to step out of my comfort zone; trying new things, meeting people, even just saying yes to more experiences. This year, a lot of my focus has been on studying for my final exams, so racing had to take a backseat. It has definitely been hard being on the sideline this year. But I’m looking forward to getting back on track this summer and in the year ahead.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your racing goals for the next few years?
RA: I haven’t completely mapped out my future plans, whether I stick with rentals, move into cars, or do owner karting. It’s still up in the air, but I have promised myself to give myself time to grow and figure it out.

Q: Many young girls dream of working in motorsport, with many aspiring to become drivers. What advice would you give to those who want to start their career?
RA: The way I see it, there’s no harm in trying. If it interests you, go for it. Don’t worry if you’re starting late or don’t have all the answers yet. Surround yourself with people who support you, ask questions, make mistakes, and keep showing up. Even the smallest steps forward are still progress. Believe in your place in this sport.