Orjwan Ammar’s journey into the fast-paced world of motorsport is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up watching Formula 1 and GT races on TV, she never imagined that one day she would be behind the wheel herself. What started as a childhood fascination quickly transformed into a deep passion that drives her today to break boundaries in rally racing—a sport known for its demanding precision, adrenaline rush, and mental toughness.
Orjwan’s story is not just about speed or winning trophies; it is about resilience, growth, and challenging traditional norms. As the youngest Arab female rally driver to secure third place twice in the Saudi Rally Championship, she is proving that age, gender, or background should never limit what a person can achieve.
A Passion Fueled by Speed and Challenge
Orjwan’s inspiration to enter motorsport came from more than just the thrill of speed. “What inspired me to enter motorsport was the combination of precision, adrenaline, and mental resilience it demands,” she says. Rally racing isn’t only about how fast you go. It’s about how well you can prepare for the unknown.
Each rally covers different terrains, forcing drivers to adapt quickly and make split-second decisions. “Every kilometer brings a new terrain, a new test. You never know what’s coming, and that’s what makes it the perfect fit for me,” Orjwan explains. This unpredictability requires drivers to be sharp, adaptable, and fearless—qualities that perfectly reflect her mindset both on and off the track.
The Beginning: Learning From the Inside
Orjwan’s journey began simply with curiosity and adrenaline. She started by exploring motorsport from a different angle—as a co-pilot in a navigation-only rally. “My first rally experience wasn’t even about racing; it was a navigation-only rally where I joined as a co-pilot,” she recalls. This experience helped her understand the sport’s teamwork aspect and gave her a deep respect for the navigational skills that are just as crucial as driving fast.
After gaining this insight, Orjwan made the bold decision to get behind the wheel herself. She entered her first real Baja rally and immediately made an impact by securing second place in her category. However, for her, it was never about podium finishes from the start. “My goal was never about podiums; it was about learning, step by step, at my own pace,” she says. This patient and consistent approach set the foundation for her continued success.
Overcoming Challenges with Grit and Growth
One of Orjwan’s biggest challenges has been entering a sport where she was inexperienced but determined to grow. “Knowing I was inexperienced, yet still choosing to enter the scene with a mindset focused on growth, not pressure, was difficult,” she admits. Instead of rushing to prove herself, she stayed smooth and consistent, which laid the groundwork for her later achievements.
This mentality has helped her stay calm and focused through the ups and downs of rally racing, showing that progress often takes time and that patience pays off. “Rally racing taught me that progress takes time and that staying calm, focused, and committed always leads to stronger, lasting results,” she shares. This life lesson now guides how she handles challenges both in motorsport and beyond.
Reaching New Heights: International Experience and the Dakar Dream
Orjwan is currently focused on racing internationally, gaining experience on a variety of terrains and in different conditions. She believes each rally teaches something new, and that growing into a complete driver requires more than just speed. “For me, it’s not just about speed, it’s about growing into a complete driver,” she explains.
Her ultimate goal is to compete in the Dakar Rally, known as one of the toughest and most prestigious rallies in the world. “Dakar is the dream for every rally driver. Every round I compete in now is a stepping stone toward that vision, helping me prepare mentally, physically, and technically for the world’s toughest rally,” Orjwan says with determination.
More Than a Driver: An Inspirational Role Model
For Orjwan, rally racing is about much more than personal achievement. “I hope to leave a mark that goes beyond trophies, to be remembered as someone who broke barriers, especially for Arab women in motorsport,” she says. Her journey challenges stereotypes and encourages others, especially young women, to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles.
She wants to inspire people to take control of their own journeys, even if society tells them they don’t belong. “I want to prove that with vision, discipline, and heart, anything is possible,” Orjwan shares passionately. Her story is a powerful reminder that courage and perseverance can open doors that were once closed.
Words to Her Younger Self: Embrace Your Own Pace
Reflecting on her journey, Orjwan offers advice to her younger self—a message full of wisdom for anyone chasing their dreams. “I’d tell my younger self to take your time, trust your pace, and don’t let pressure rush your growth. Focus on learning, not proving,” she says. This advice embodies the mindset that has helped her achieve so much and will surely continue to guide her future endeavors.
The Road Ahead: Continuing to Inspire and Achieve
As Orjwan Ammar continues to race and grow, her story is inspiring a new generation of Arab women and motorsport enthusiasts. With her eyes set firmly on international success and the Dakar Rally, she represents a fresh wave of talent and determination in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Her achievements in 2023 and 2024, including two third-place finishes in the Saudi Rally Championship, mark only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. Orjwan’s story proves that passion, patience, and persistence can help break barriers and redefine what’s possible.
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