Humaira Mushtaq’s passion for motorsport began long before many of us could even ride a bike. Growing up in the culturally rich and traditionally conservative region of Jammu & Kashmir, where women rarely took the wheel, Humaira’s love for cars set her on a path few could have imagined. But for her, racing was not just a sport – it was a calling.

A natural instinct for racing

“I grew up in a traditional Muslim family where you don’t typically see women driving, let alone racing,” says Humaira. “But from as early as I can remember, I was drawn to cars.” She remembers receiving her first toy car at the age of four, which ignited a lifelong obsession. While most girls her age were playing with dolls, Humaira was spending her days with the boys, zooming around on toy cars. Recognising his daughter’s passion, her father, a motorsport enthusiast himself, built her a custom go-kart track. “I spent hours there practicing. It just felt natural,” she recalls.

By the age of five, Humaira was competing in professional Go-Karting championships, quickly moving through the ranks to single-seaters, Formula racing, saloons, touring cars and even occasionally drifting. What started as a pastime became a lifelong pursuit.

The memory of a father’s belief

Though motorsport was not widely accepted for women in her community, Humaira's father stood firmly by her side, supporting her against societal norms. “My father was my biggest supporter. Even when people questioned my dreams, he was there, building tracks for me and taking me to races,” she shares.

Tragically, she lost her father when she was just 13, a few days before her 14th birthday. But even in his final moments, he encouraged her to continue racing. “His last words to me were, ‘Don’t stop racing. You have this rare talent that not many have. Reach out to the world and create an example’.” It was this powerful message that fuelled Humaira’s drive to prove that women can excel in motorsport, despite the odds.

Balancing education and racing dreams

Though her heart was set on motorsport, Humaira’s academic journey took an unexpected turn. “I excelled in science and English as a student,” she explains. “My mother encouraged me to pursue a medical career, and I agreed to finance the initial years of my education in exchange for getting into medical school.” Despite excelling in her studies, Humaira’s heart remained with racing. “I didn’t want to work a desk job. My passion was in motorsport, and I worked hard to balance both.”

Endurance racing: Pushing limits

Having competed in a variety of racing formats, Humaira is particularly drawn to endurance racing. “Endurance racing challenges you not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. It’s about resilience and strategy, not just speed,” she says. The long, demanding races force drivers to push their limits while balancing physical endurance with mental focus. Humaira thrives in this environment, using both physical training and mental exercises such as meditation and visualisation to prepare herself for each race.

In endurance racing, managing factors like terrain, tyre wear and race strategy is crucial. “Choosing the right tyre can be a game-changer,” she notes, emphasising the need for tailored tyre options. “Different terrains and weather conditions mean the tyre that works on one track may not work on another. It’s a science.”

A historic achievement: Representing India at the British Endurance Racing Championship

Humaira’s biggest breakthrough came when she became India’s first female representative at the British Endurance Racing Championship. “Representing India felt surreal, but it was also a huge responsibility,” she recalls. Racing for Aston Martin, Humaira not only broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, but she also proved that women could compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Despite initial scepticism from some of her male teammates, Humaira earned their respect with her skill and determination on the track.

Looking ahead: The road to the future

As she looks to the future, Humaira is poised for more international racing opportunities, with upcoming races in London, Spain and Dubai. But it’s not just about racing for her – it’s about making a statement for women everywhere.

“My advice to young girls who want to pursue a career in racing is to stay focused, determined and unafraid of obstacles,” she says. “Motorsport may be a male-dominated field, but talent, dedication and self-belief are what really count. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do – just keep pushing forward.”

Humaira Mushtaq’s journey from the streets of Jammu & Kashmir to the world’s race tracks is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and belief. As she continues to break barriers and set new records, she remains an inspiring figure for future generations of women in motorsport.

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Tana Oy has appointed Panu Ärölä as its new Territory Business Manager, a role he will assume on 2 November. In this capacity, he will focus on strengthening customer and distributor relationships across designated markets while contributing to the company’s ongoing expansion within the waste management and recycling sector.

Ärölä returns to Tana after previously serving as Sales Manager, where he developed expertise in distributor network growth. His background includes extensive international experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategic leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing at Jet-Tekno Oy, overseeing customer relationship development and business growth initiatives.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, said, “We are delighted to welcome Panu back to Tana. His industry knowledge, customer focus and experience in international sales make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our business and create value for our customers and partners.”

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Stephan Sielaff took over as chief executive of the Schill+Seilacher Group on 1^st October , as the chemicals group seeks to strengthen links between its businesses and focus more closely on customer needs.

Sielaff brings about 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and organisations. His previous roles include positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma, Lenzing AG and SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

His priorities at Schill+Seilacher include getting closer to customers, encouraging greater knowledge-sharing across the group and making better use of capabilities across its businesses and locations.

“A good product alone is no longer enough. What matters is the value we create for our customers,” says Stephan Sielaff.

The group said it would seek to share knowledge, pursue opportunities jointly and strengthen connections between its locations and business areas.

Sielaff's appointment is intended to support a more integrated approach across the group as it develops its businesses in the years ahead.

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Toyo Tire Corporation of Japan (Toyo Tire) has announced executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU), effective 1 October 2026. Keiko Brockel has become President and Chief Executive Officer at TTHA, while Angelo Naval has beeen promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at NTU.

Brockel, the first woman and first American to hold the TTHA role, will oversee daily North American business operations. She joined NTU in 2008 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer. Over 18 years at NTU, she has held various executive leadership positions, providing strategic oversight in sales, finance, supply chain and operations, contributing significantly to the company's growth and evolution.

Angelo Naval

Naval, formerly Vice President of Sales and Business Strategy at NTU, will now oversee its business operations. He joined NTU in 2000 and also served as Vice President of Product and Business Strategy. During his 24 years with the company, he has been instrumental in shaping the business, gaining deep understanding and a unique perspective on the Nitto brand, its customers and the markets it serves.

Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation, said, “On behalf of Toyo Tire, I would like to congratulate both Keiko Brockel and Angelo Naval on their well-earned new appointments and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Nitto Tire in the American market.”

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ContiTech, the group sector of Continental, has named Amanda Lacerda as its new Head of Communications, with effect from 15 September 2026. In this capacity, she will report directly to Diana Hoppe, who serves as Head of Human Relations and Communications at ContiTech. The appointment places Lacerda at the helm of the organisation’s global communications operations.

In her new position, Lacerda will act as a strategic partner focused on advancing business performance, transformation and brand value. Her responsibilities encompass corporate, executive and brand communications, alongside media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications and reputation management. She is tasked with maintaining a consistent narrative that bolsters ContiTech’s global reputation and aligns with its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda takes over from Claudia Lademann-Fleger, who has chosen to depart the company for external opportunities.

Lacerda arrives with over two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs. Her global leadership background includes roles across Brazil, Middle East, Sweden and Germany. Over her career, she has engaged with diverse international markets and industries, assisting organisations in strengthening their brands, managing change and cultivating meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

Diana Hoppe, Head of Human Relations and Communications, ContiTech, said, “Effective communication plays a key role as ContiTech continues its transformation and prepares for its future as a standalone company. Amanda brings extensive international experience, strategic insight and domain expertise in communications that will help strengthen our brand, enhance our reputation and deepen engagement with employees, customers, partners and communities around the world. As we continue to build a strong and distinctive brand, her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic ambitions and long-term success. I also want to thank Claudia for her many years of dedicated leadership and service to ContiTech, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Lacerda said, “I am excited to join ContiTech at such an important moment in its journey. ContiTech has a strong heritage, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to tell our story, support the company’s transformation and help create value through clear, authentic and engaging communications.”

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