Muk blazes a trail
When it comes to positive female role models, look no further than Muklada Sarapuech (Muk). In March, she became the first woman to win a race at the Asia Road Racing Championship. In the Asia Production 250cc at Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram, she beat 24 male competitors to make history.
The 24-year-old professional motorcycle racer has an impressive CV. She was the electric bike champion for several years before moving on to the motorcycle. She won the Asian Dream Cup in 2015 and then finished fourth in the Suzuka 4 Hours Endurance Race 2017 in Japan.
On the back of her historic win, S Weekly caught up with Muk to get the low-down on life in the fast lane.
When did you become interested in motor racing?
Muk: I started riding an electric bike when I was about 10 years old. At first, it was just for fun and I didn’t think about racing until later. I was probably invited because I was the only girl in the group. I finished fourth in my first race and won an 800-baht prize.
Is that when you started to become serious about racing?
Muk: No, not yet. I didn’t know anything about racing. Most of the other kids who entered the races were supported by their parents, but I wasn’t. I was too young and I was afraid to tell my parents about it. But then I was asked to be a part of the team. They even offered me a bike. So I kept going back. Eventually, my mom got suspicious because I was coming home very late in the evenings. Finally, I had to confess the truth.
What did she say?
Muk: She wasn’t pleased at first because she was worried about my safety. But she eventually understood and agreed to let me do it on one condition - don’t skip school! My grandfather bought me a bike, which I used in several competitions. Later on, I took a class at Honda Racing School and moved on to bigger races with real motorcycles. That was when I was around 14.
How does it feel to be a woman in such a male dominated sport?
Muk: I love being one of the few females in the arena. I’m competing at the highest level of the sport and I have to work harder to challenge the men. But that makes it more fun and satisfying when I win.
Did you have any problems managing your time between racing and school?
Muk: Yes. A few years ago I had to drop out of university. Motorcycle racing isn’t very popular, so most schools aren’t very supportive of it. I was trying to prepare for three different tournaments, so I had to quit school. My mom wasn’t happy about it, but she tried to understand. Now I’m in my third year at a different university.
Why did you decide to study Business Management?
Muk: I can’t race forever. When you pass 30, you’re considered too old for the sport. So I hope to have my own business in the future, maybe a grocery shop or a restaurant. I couldn’t stand an office job.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles to your success?
Muk: There have been some. During a period when I kept losing, I started to wonder if I was good enough. Another time I had an accident and hurt my knee pretty badly. I had to take a break to recover. I thought my career might be over. But I took my time and now my knee is perfectly fine. Luckily, I have a wonderful family who are always there for me.
Do you have any advice for readers who dream of being a successful motorcycle racer like yourself?
Muk: It takes a lot of discipline and a commitment to improving your performance. Practise all the time and exercise regularly to stay in shape. If you can, join the A.P. Honda Academy Thailand. There, you’ll learn everything you need to be racer.
