Nabila is a third-generation rally driver, following her grandfather and father in the sport. As the only Asian female rally driver in Europe, she started racing at 15, quickly honing her skills and gaining experience for her first competition.
Prior too jumping into a rally car, Nabila moved to Florida for high school, later earning a degree in International Business, Entrepreneurship, and International Relations from American University’s Kogod School of Business in 2014.
In 2015, Nabila competed in her first rally and earned the necessary license for national-level events. The following year, she moved up to the British Rally Championship Cadet Cup, racing a Ford Fiesta R2. By 2017, she became Ladies Champion, securing her first podium and debuting at the World Rally Championship in Wales.
The 2018 season, Nabila expanded her experience by competing in the Peugeot Sport Iberica Cup in Spain and Portugal, while defending her Ladies title in the British Rally Championship. Despite her limited experience, she retained her title and earned a class podium in Portugal. She was named Essex TV Sportsperson of the Year and Peugeot Rally Cup Iberica Ladies Champion. In 2019, she joined the FIA European Rally Championship Junior series and was nominated for the Asian Women’s Awards Sports Award.
2020 was a tricky year, Nabila aimed to compete in the British Championship with the Proton Iriz R5, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans. She earned her real estate license and continued racing in Portugal, finishing third in the R2 and You Challenge at Rally Alto Tamega.
2021 saw a small career shift, as Nabila ventured into stunt driving, working as a driver double for Priyanka Chopra in Citadel. She also debuted the Proton Iriz R5 in international events, including the ERC and Michelin Cup. Unfortunately, an accident at Rally Poland aggravated an eye injury, sidelining her for the year.
During her recovery, Nabila transitioned into new avenues away from competing. She also became a part of Unlocked Programme with the Women’s Sports Trust. She stayed connected to motorsport by advocating for diversity and inclusion, collaborating with organisations like Kyniska Advocacy. While sidelined from racing, she moved to Florida, pursued a real estate career, and became a mentor with the True Athlete Project.
Mentoring young athletes has fuelled Nabila’s passion for helping others progress in both sport and life. Inspired by this, she has received EMCC global accreditation at the practitioner level to better support others in achieving their goals and navigating new opportunities, which will see her moving into the athlete development space. Retiring from professional sport, has been a huge transition for Nabila, however venturing into helping and coaching athletes is something that she has a true passion for and is excited for the career change. She is also working on some other projects that will hopefully be ready by the end of 2025.
