In Malaysia’s motorsport scene, one name has become impossible to ignore — Leona Chin. Known to many as the “Drift Queen,” Leona has transformed her childhood fascination with cars into a career that breaks boundaries and inspires a generation. Her story isn’t just about racing — it’s about resilience, grit, and proudly carrying the Malaysian flag onto the world stage.
From Curiosity to Commitment
Leona’s journey began not with a plan to race, but with a spark of curiosity. As a teenager, she was drawn into the world of cars through friends, motorsport shows, and games like Top Gear. What began as casual interest quickly evolved into a full-blown passion. At 19, she took her first steps onto the Sepang International Circuit, feeling the rush of speed that would define her life.
Raised by a single mother after her father’s passing, Leona grew up in a home where dreams were encouraged but reality was never far away. With little more than determination and a supportive circle, she threw herself into the male-dominated racing world — learning, training, and building her career one lap at a time.
Training Harder, Pushing Further
Leona admits racing is as exhausting as it is exhilarating. “As a woman, I have to train three times harder than my male counterparts,” she says. Her routine includes intense strength training, technical learning, and mental preparation — memorizing braking points, visualizing corners, and simulating race conditions before every event.
She jokes about the physical toll: “Racing brakes aren’t like regular brakes. Imagine doing a 60-kilo leg press with one foot — over and over for an hour.”
Racing Against the Odds
Sponsorship has been one of her biggest challenges. With high costs, especially for overseas competitions, Leona often relies on her small team and private backers to keep her racing dream alive. Despite limited funding and minimal government support, she has never let that stop her from representing Malaysia internationally.
Her proudest moment came in October 2024, at the 8-hour endurance race in Shanghai, where she claimed third place in the Porsche GTC category. Standing on the podium with the Malaysian flag was, for her, proof that persistence pays off.
Carrying Malaysia Around the World
Beyond the track, Leona has made it a personal tradition to share a piece of home wherever she races. From Malaysian snacks to conversations about durians, she introduces fellow racers to the warmth and flavor of her country. “They all say Malaysia is amazing — good food, good weather, and of course, they mention Lee Chong Wei,” she laughs.
Defining Victory Her Way
For Leona, pride isn’t about the number of trophies. It’s about knowing she’s faced setbacks, pushed through failures, and earned her achievements through relentless effort. “The sweetest victory,” she says, “is the one you fought the hardest for — the one you almost gave up on, but didn’t.”
Whether she’s drifting, sprinting down the straights, or preparing for her next endurance challenge, Leona Chin isn’t just racing cars — she’s racing towards a legacy that proves Malaysian talent belongs on the global stage.
