Fierce Filipina racers: lady drivers on the tracks

As  we celebrate Women's Month, Zigwheels Philippines looks into some of the most notable Filipina race car drivers who have sat behind the wheel and participated in both local and foreign competitions.

That said, we will run our list in no particular order, plus include a few honorable mentions. So without further ado, here are some of the most daring dames who define what it is to be fiercely Filipina.

Bianca Bustamante

Bianca Bustamante is arguably one of the most decorated race car drivers on our list. She is the first Filipina to compete in F1 Academy and is the first female member of the McLaren Driver Development Program.

The Laguna native has been competing since the age of five with notable wins at the China Grand Prix Kart Scholarship and Macao International Kart Grand Prix.

She also proved herself in various race series like W Series, USF Juniors, Formula 4 Championship, Indian Racing League, Formula Winter Series, and Formula E.

This year, Bustamante is set to compete in the GB3 Championship (reported published on Zigwheels Philippines sister platform Carmudi Philippines), taking her closer in her bid to move up to Formula 3.

Outside of the track, the up-and-coming race car driver has been featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines, has teamed up with United States-based Marsatta Chocolate (Ube Brownie chocolate bar), and headlined the “Race to Inspire” motorsport-themed event held at the SM Mall of Asia last year.

Chenee Jimenez

Chenee Jimenez is a Filipina race car driver and social media influencer. She is a graduate of the Automobile Association of the Philippines’ (AAP) Motor Sport Development Program (MSDP) and continues to participate in various local events.

In April last year, Jimenez competed in the Kalayaan Cup endurance race.

Jimenez was included in Time Attack Manila’s list of top 100 lap times in the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). She clocked in at 2:10.279 in her Honda Civic EG sometime in 2017.

Gabie Desales

Gabie Desales is another AAP MSDP alumni, and like her fellow (Jimenez), continues to take part in several local races.

One of her most recent stints was at the Kagitingan Rally of Capas. Desales is also included in Time Attack Manila’s BRC top 100 lap times where she recorded a total time of 2:12.322 aboard a Honda Civic EK on the 3.5-kilometer track.

Gaby dela Merced

A seasoned veteran, Gaby dela Merced brings to this list a wealth of experience. Her most recent outings include last year’s Kalayaan Cup (with Jimenez) and the 2024 Manila Sports Car Club Miata Spec Series.

Aside from racing, dela Merced has appeared in television, mainly as a presenter of lifestyle shows but has been casted as a part of a local drama show. She also participated in a celebrity version of a reality series.

On top of racing, dela Merced appears to have fun playing football too. 

Michele Bumgarner

Like many of the race drivers in our list, Michele Bumgarner also had tons of experience. Her accomplishments include outings at the Asian Karting Open Championship, where she represented the country to name a few.

Bumgarner also appeared on television, notably at History Channel’s Celebrity Car Wars.

Honorable mentions

While these ladies do not race professionally, they displayed an appetite for racing and participated in local events where they displayed grace under pressure.

• Rhian Ramos
• Aubrey Miles
• Joyce Pring 
• Winwyn Marquez
• Phoemela Baranda 
• Gretchen Ho

Also read:

Bustamante makes it to SportsPro’s top 150 Most Marketable Athletes list

Here are the winners of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing PH Cup

Tyson Sy sees back-to-back wins at 2024 MSCC Miata Spec Series Leg 4