
Natasha Chang
Sports Car racing // American
Don’t look at yourself as a female in a male sport, look at yourself as a competitor trying to be the best.
Natasha Chang, affectionately known as “China Doll,” has blazed a trail in motorsports as a record-breaking female racer who shattered barriers in the Caribbean racing scene and earned international acclaim with her historic climb of Thailand’s Doi Chang Mountain.
EARLY YEARS
Born in Florida to a Puerto Rican mother and Asian father, Natasha grew up in a diverse cultural environment that shaped her character and approach to life. Though no close family members were involved in racing—with her grandfather’s passion for classic Jaguars being the closest connection to automotive enthusiasm—she developed an intense craving for speed and adrenaline from a young age. Her parents instilled values of respect and class, emphasizing the importance of showing up early and earning respect through demeanor and effort[1]. Unlike many professional drivers, Chang started relatively late in motorsports, beginning go-karting at around 17 or 18[1][4]. Despite this late start, her fierce competitiveness and natural affinity for racing quickly became apparent, setting the foundation for her remarkable career trajectory.
EARLY SUCCESS
Natasha’s formal racing career began in 2008 when she purchased her first racing car, an RWD Corolla DX. That same year, she demonstrated her natural talent by winning several Dexterity racing events and a Dover racing event, signaling her arrival in the motorsport world[2]. Even before this formal entry, she had already made waves internationally in 2006 by participating at the Palisades International Speedway with the Jet Con Race Team[2]. Her progress was remarkably swift, showcasing not just raw talent but a determination to excel in a sport where she stood out as both a woman and a multicultural competitor. These early victories were particularly significant as they came without the benefit of family connections in racing or the years of childhood karting experience that many professional drivers enjoy.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2006: Participated at the Palisades International Speedway with the Jet Con Race Team, marking her international debut[2].
- 2008: Won multiple Dexterity racing events and a Dover racing event in her first year of formal racing with her RWD Corolla DX[2].
- 2013: Became the first Jamaican female to compete in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), racing in the Group Two class with a locally engineered 1995 Honda Civic hatchback[4].
- 2019: Set the Guinness World Record for the fastest ascent up Doi Chang Mountain in Thailand, competing against Filipino-American DJ Casey Wyatt Montero Mille as part of National Geographic’s “Record Rides” series[1][2][5].
REPUTATION
Known for her fearless approach and unwavering determination, Natasha has earned a reputation as a “daredevil” among her peers in the motorsport community[2]. Her ability to overcome obstacles—both on and off the track—has made her an inspirational figure for aspiring female racers. Chang stands out not only for her racing prowess but for her resilience in a male-dominated sport, especially as a woman with a multicultural background. She’s known for facing challenges with a smile, embodying the values her parents instilled in her about earning respect through demeanor and effort rather than demanding it[1]. This positive attitude, combined with her competitive spirit, has earned her respect throughout the racing world and established her as a role model who transcends the boundaries of gender and ethnicity in motorsports.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking toward the future, Natasha remains committed to active competition while advocating for increased visibility for women in motorsports. She plans to continue participating in high-profile events and record attempts, leveraging her partnerships with media organizations like Fox Networks to broaden her impact beyond the track[5]. A central aspect of her long-term mission involves solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer for minority women in racing, using her platform to inspire young women to push beyond societal limitations[3]. Though specific details about new teams or racing series are limited, her trajectory suggests continued involvement in diverse racing challenges that showcase her versatility and skill. By blending competitive racing with advocacy and media engagement, Chang aims to transform not just her own career, but the landscape of motorsports itself.
References:
Multicultural background and early influences
Racing career and achievements
Impact as a female pioneer in motorsports
Caribbean Motor Racing Championship participation
Guinness World Record and National Geographic feature
(bio created: 2025-05-21)
Upcoming races, appearances, launches, etc.