She breaks with conventions, overcomes clichés and literally puts the pedal to the metal: Viktoria Umbach, known as Vicky Chakalaka, has decided to get into the cockpit herself after years in automotive journalism – and with a clear vision. As the founder of the Vicky Chakalaka brand, she is fighting for more visibility for women in motorsport and wants to compete in the 24-hour race in Dubai in 2026 with an all-female team of female racing drivers.
Dear Vicky, thank you very much for introducing yourself to our FemalExperts community in today’s Role Model Interview!
1. you were already a successful automotive journalist before your career as a racing driver – what was the moment when you said: I want to get into the cockpit myself?
I stood at the race track so often, microphone in hand, in the middle of the action – and yet always on the outside. I was reporting on what I actually wanted to live myself. At some point I realized: I don’t just want to watch anymore, I want to drive. Not as a spectator, but as a rider – in the middle of it instead of next to it. I also experienced for myself the prejudices that women have to contend with in the automotive industry and in motorsport. Far too often we are told what we supposedly can’t do. That’s exactly what I want to change! I want to set an example – that women belong in the cockpit just as much as men. With passion, ambition and a clear message: we are ready!
2. your stage name “Vicky Chakalaka” stands for temperament, non-conformity and your cultural roots – to what extent do your values also influence you professionally?
My values are my inner drive – both professionally and privately. I come from a world in which, as a woman, you often have to assert yourself twice. In automotive journalism in particular, I learned early on that you have to make yourself heard – and not always with an open microphone in your hand. But it was precisely these experiences that made me stronger. I am proud not to have taken the easy route, but to have earned my place.
Vicky Chakalaka’ is not just a name – it’s an attitude. I stand for temperament, authenticity and doing things differently. I’ve always been a doer and that’s why I’m taking on this big project. I know that many women out there feel the same as I do: it’s high time that something changed. There needs to be more visibility, more opportunities and, above all, more real equality – in motorsport too.
3. it’s certainly not every day (as a woman) that you get actively involved in motorsport: How did those around you react when you announced you were going to become a racing driver?
The reactions were pretty mixed – many of those around me were totally enthusiastic and thought it was brave of me to take this step. Others were more reserved – perhaps also because motorsport is not without its challenges. It’s loud, fast, dangerous and anything but a walk in the park.
You mustn’t forget: Most professional racing drivers have been in karts since childhood and grow up with motorsport – and then I come along and say: “I want to be a racing driver now and take part in the 24-hour race in Dubai next year.” Of course, that’s an announcement. And I know how big a challenge it is. But that’s exactly why I’m doing it. I want to show that it’s never too late to believe in yourself – and that women damn well belong in motorsport just as much as men.
4. how did the collaboration with Team East Racing come about – and what makes them an ideal partner?
I met my team last year at a motorsport event where I was on stage as a presenter. We stayed in touch after the event and started to brainstorm initial ideas. Step by step, the project as we know it today was born.
East Racing is the perfect partner for me because they not only have the right technical expertise, but also a passion for motorsport. The dynamics in the team, the openness for an all-female racing team and the shared drive to get something new off the ground – that’s just awesome.
5. what are the biggest challenges on the way to a racing license – mentally, physically and organizationally?
Phew, to be honest, there are many. Training and discipline in particular are a real challenge. Physically, I have to be at a top level – and I’m currently working intensively with my trainer to achieve this. I spend a lot of time in the gym, pay attention to my diet and try to prepare my body optimally for the strain in the cockpit. Racing isn’t just about driving – it’s high-performance sport!
Mentally, however, the whole thing is almost even tougher. I’m someone who likes to get straight down to business – patience has never been my greatest strength. And that’s exactly what you need a lot of in this process. It doesn’t always go smoothly, sometimes you have to deal with setbacks, regroup and get back on your feet. And that’s just part of it.
And then comes the organization – which is really huge! From the license and the search for riders to finding sponsors. It’s a real challenge, especially financially, because many companies don’t even know what a ground-breaking project we’re launching and what significance it has for the women’s racing community. Motorsport is expensive, so you need strong partners at your side. But I believe in our project – and that we can reach the right people with the right message.
6. why did you consciously choose an all-female racing team? What power do you see in female team dynamics?
For me, it’s not about the difference between female and male team dynamics – it’s about equality in a racing suit. I want to show: We women can do the same.
I deliberately opted for an all-female racing team because I want to send out a clear signal. In an industry where women are often marginalized or underestimated, we want to be right in the middle – in the cockpit, on the asphalt, at the start. I don’t believe in “we do it differently” – I believe in “we do it too”. And in our own way. With ambition, power and team spirit. If we succeed, something really big can come out of it – not just for us, but for many women who might also want to take this step.
7 According to statistics, only 1.5% of professional racers worldwide are women – why do you think that is?
I don’t think it’s down to a lack of talent or physical ability – on the contrary. Women have just as much potential to be at the forefront of motorsport. The problem is more of a structural nature: motorsport has historically been a male domain – and this is still evident today. Women find it more difficult to gain access early on, to be taken seriously or even to attract the attention of teams, the media and, above all, sponsors.
Many girls don’t even enter the field because they lack role models or don’t feel confident enough to succeed in this environment. And if they do, they often encounter prejudice or have to prove themselves twice. In my opinion, we need more visibility, more support and more courage to break down these outdated structures.
8. you are not only a driver, but also a founder and project initiator. What structural barriers do you face as a woman in the motorsport business?
The biggest hurdle? Clearly: money. Motorsport is extremely expensive – nothing works without sponsors. We still have to overcome this hurdle. Many companies still prefer to support men because they believe they have more experience and visibility.
It’s a vicious circle: women get fewer opportunities and therefore less of a stage – and because they are less visible, they receive less support. I am fighting to break precisely this cycle. We need new role models, more attention for women in motorsport and the courage to question existing structures. Because the potential is there – it just needs to be given the chance to develop and be encouraged.
9. how do you deal with prejudices and clichéd attributions – especially from the male-dominated world of motorsport?
At first, comments like that really hurt me. Especially because cars have always been a part of me. So the doubts and being ridiculed really affected me.
But today? Today I think to myself: now more than ever! I use these prejudices as fuel – because I know that they are based on outdated clichés, not on reality. I’m not here to prove anything to anyone – but to stay true to myself and show other women that it’s possible. And not someday. But now.
10. how important is female visibility – not only on the race track, but also in the media and on social networks?
Hugely important! Visibility creates role models – and that’s exactly what we need. Because you can only imagine what you see. It’s not about how a woman presents herself or how loud she is – but that she is there. Each one has her own way of conveying her message, and that is precisely her strength. United in diversity.
11. have there been or are there female role models for you – in motorsport or beyond – who have influenced you on your path?
Definitely – Sophia Flörsch is one of my biggest role models! She has been showing for years that women in motorsport can fight, perform and take off just as well as men. Her power, her stamina and her path in Formula 3 are incredibly inspiring for me.
But I’ve also been shaped by strong women off the track – women who go their own way, swim against the current and don’t allow themselves to be belittled. This kind of energy has always pushed me and encouraged me to be loud myself – and to go my own way. I firmly believe that we need more role models like this – and if I can make a small contribution myself, then that makes me proud.
12. what message would you like to pass on to young women who are also interested in motorsport?
Fight for your dreams – no matter how crazy or big they may seem to others. Don’t be discouraged just because someone else doesn’t believe in you. It’s your path, your dream, your pace.
13 Finally, I would like to ask you: Where can we see you in the coming years? Is there a project or a goal that is particularly close to your heart?
I want to really take off with Vicky Chakalaka – not only as a rider on the race track, but also as the founder of a platform by women for women. My goal is to set an example: For more visibility, more opportunities and real equality in motorsport.
The big milestone? Competing in the Dubai 24-hour race in 2026 with an all-female team. But beyond that, Vicky Chakalaka is set to become a movement – loud, bold, unstoppable. For all the women who believe in themselves and demand their place – on the track and in life.
I also write a blog about our project on my website vicky-chakalaka.de – so you can join us on our journey.
Further information about Vicky Chakalaka
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_chakalaka93
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-umbach
- Website: https://vicky-chakalaka.de/
About the author
Kinga Bartczak advises, coaches and writes on female empowerment, new work culture, organizational development, systemic coaching and personal branding. She is also the managing director of UnternehmerRebellen GmbH and publisher of the FemalExperts magazine .
