Phoebe Dale Nongrum

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  Phoebe Dale Nongrum is a groundbreaking motorsport racer from Shillong, Meghalaya, who made history as the first woman from Northeast India to compete in Formula 4 racing, shattering gender and regional barriers in Indian motorsports.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born and raised in the vibrant city of Shillong, Meghalaya, Phoebe displayed an extraordinary fascination with cars from a young age. By 12, she was already deeply interested in driving and motorsports, often waking up early to ask her driver for rides around the city. Her passion led her to secretly learn driving under the guise of playing basketball, showcasing her determination even as a child. By age 14, she had mastered driving, frequently practicing on the challenging Shillong-Guwahati highway to hone her skills. Her father played a significant role in inspiring and encouraging her early interest in motorsports, supporting her unconventional path despite initial family expectations for her to pursue a more traditional career.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  In 2019, Dale Nongrum’s talent shone through when she was selected through a national talent hunt by Ahura Racing to join India’s first all-women Formula racing team. This opportunity marked her entry into organized motorsports and validated her natural abilities behind the wheel. She officially launched her professional racing career in 2021, quickly establishing herself on the national stage. Her early competitive experience included playing basketball, which helped build the discipline and athleticism that would serve her racing career well. As part of Ahura Racing, she became one of 12 women drivers on the team, quickly emerging as a lead driver and demonstrating leadership qualities that complemented her racing skills.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2021: Became the first woman from Northeast India to participate in Formula 4 racing[1].
  • 2021: Secured a podium finish in the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championships[3].
  • 2024: Finished the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) season just two seconds shy of the championship title[2].
  • 2024: Participated in the JK Tyre-powered Indian Racing Festival, a multi-city event promoting motorsports across Northeastern India[2].

  REPUTATION

  Phoebe has earned recognition as a trailblazer who shattered both gender and regional stereotypes in Indian motorsports. Her reputation for resilience was cemented when she narrowly missed the INRC title in 2024, showing grace under pressure and determination to return stronger. Beyond her racing accomplishments, she is valued as an inspirational figure for aspiring racers, especially women from underrepresented regions of India. Dale Nongrum often speaks about racing as a form of therapy and personal fulfillment, rather than just competition, giving insight into her deeper connection with the sport. Her perseverance in pursuing racing despite initial family expectations for a conventional career path has earned her respect among peers and fans alike. As the first female racer from Northeast India to compete at national championship levels, she has become a symbol of possibility for young women across the country.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Looking ahead to 2025, Phoebe is firmly focused on capturing the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) title that narrowly eluded her in the previous season. She has openly acknowledged her determination to overcome the two-second deficit that cost her the championship. Beyond domestic competition, she aims to represent India in prestigious Asia Pacific rallies, expanding her racing footprint to international circuits. Her long-term vision includes competing in Formula championships at the global level, further cementing her place in motorsport history. Through her continued participation and success, she hopes to inspire more women from Northeast India to pursue careers in racing, creating a lasting legacy that extends beyond her personal achievements.

  References:

  Phoebe Dale Nongrum: Breaking Barriers in Indian Motorsports
  INRC 2025: Phoebe Dale Nongrum’s Championship Pursuit
  Women in Indian Racing: The Pioneers
  From Shillong to the Racetrack: Phoebe Dale Nongrum’s Journey
  Northeast India’s First Formula 4 Female Racer