SPOILERS INCOMING
Everyone was thrown off by Emirati racer Hamda Taryam and how she would compete in The Fastest competition, keeping in mind that she was participating with a pickup truck and was new to the field. But, the Emirati qween turned the tables by coming *first* in her first-ever drag race.
From her favourite moment of the show to her tips to aspiring female racers, Hamda will be sharing everything you’d want to know about her and her back story…
Cosmo ME: When did you decide that you wanted to get into drag racing?
Hamda Taryam: I used to drag race with motorcycles, especially with my BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle. However, The Fastest was my first drag race experience with my truck and it was an exciting learning opportunity for me in this field.
C: What were the struggles you faced as a woman in the field of racing?
H: Motorsports require specific skills with taking into account all safety and security rules. The participation of women in this sport is new to the Middle East, but it makes me feel proud to see women from the region following their passion. When I started racing, some people discouraged me and thought it was not my place as a woman, and that I wasn’t supposed to be in this field. But with my family’s support, I’m here doing what I’m passionate about.
C: What’s the best part of being a racer?
H: I have a lot of love for speed, cars and racing. The best part is when you race, you have a clear mind and you’re only focused on the finish line.
C: What was your favourite part from the show?
H: The reality series was my first experience in drag racing with my truck. It was fascinating, and I learned a lot from the competition and from the other racers. I was also very happy with the opportunity to meet new racers from across the Middle East and share the same passion and love for cars and racing.
The show was full of surprises which made it fun and exciting. Also having Eddy, my number one supporter, gave me a lot of support and confidence during The Fastest.
C: Viewers have really been taken with your relationship with Eddy. Could you tell us how he has impacted your career?
H: He was one of the first people I met in this field who inspired me a lot. He always talks to me and teaches me how to develop my racing skills. He believes in me and he was my supporter during the series which gave me more confidence in my first drag racing experience.
C: At the start of the race, people thought you weren’t skilled enough for the competition. What did you tell yourself at the time to ultimately win your first race?
H: Just believe in yourself, you can achieve your dreams.
C: Could you tell us some lesser-known facts about you?
H: I love to help people. That’s why I established the Hamda Foundation, a health centre for orphans in Uganda that aims to give orphans a chance at a better life.
C: What are the misconceptions of being a racer?
H: The biggest misconception is that women can’t compete in a sport that is being dominated by men. I am proud of myself, and it’s important for other women and girls all over the Arab world to see that love, passion and determination are all they need to succeed at anything.
C: Which participant are you the closest to from The Fastest?
H: The Netflix show was a unique experience for me to compete with contestants from different countries in the Arab region. This gave me the opportunity to get to know people from different age groups and backgrounds. During the shooting, I made friends, and we are still in contact even after the show.
C: How did it feel to be among the three women picked to be a part of Netflix’s reality show? How did your friends and family react to the news?
H: I’m very proud to be among the female racers on the show and to share my story with the world. It’s great to inspire other women in the racing field and encourage them to achieve their dreams. My family and friends were more excited and happy than I was, and they encouraged me a lot to take part in this experience.
C: What advice would you give to aspiring female drag racers?
H: Just believe in yourself and nothing is impossible. Just try to develop your skills to achieve what you’re passionate about.