Young Indian Supercross Star Aleena Mansur Determined to Reach the World Stage

Fifteen-year-old Aleena Mansur is rewriting the rules of Indian motorsport, having claimed over 65 trophies in Supercross competition and set her sights firmly on representing her country at the FIM WMX GP World Championships.

To achieve this goal, Aleena will need extensive international training, which requires significant funding. She is currently seeking sponsors, noting that Supercross is a niche sport with high costs for bikes and equipment, making sponsorships challenging to secure.

Saudi Rally Champion Dania Akeel Gears Up for Dakar Rally 2024

But she remains positive that she will receive the financial backing she needs in order to realise her dream, and in the meantime, is doing the hard work. Mansur says she is focusing on gaining more competitive experience through national championships, intensive training programs, and working closely with experienced coaches to refine her technique, speed, and race strategy.

Aleena, what inspired you to start Supercross?

Supercross came into my life through a deep passion for motorsports and a constant desire to challenge myself beyond limits. Growing up in India, motorsports, especially Supercross, was not a conventional path for a girl. But the thrill of racing, the discipline it demands, and the mental strength it builds truly inspired me. Watching international Supercross events and witnessing riders push boundaries on challenging tracks motivated me to pursue the sport seriously. 

I was drawn to the combination of technical skill, physical endurance, and fearless mindset that Supercross requires. It’s not just about speed, it’s about control, strategy, and resilience. I also wanted to represent India on bigger platforms and prove that Indian women can compete in extreme motorsports at the highest level.

When did you begin racing, and what experience have you gained since then?

I began my racing journey at nine years old, driven purely by passion and determination to learn the sport from the ground up. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a serious commitment as I began training consistently and participating in competitive events. 

Beyond racing, I’ve invested significant time in physical conditioning, technical bike understanding, and mental preparation. Supercross demands precision, strength, and resilience, and my experience has shaped me into a more strategic and confident rider.

You have won many titles and trophies. How proud are you of your achievements in the sport?

Each victory has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to raising the standard of women’s racing in India. At the same time, I see my achievements as milestones rather than destinations. They motivate me to work harder, aim higher, and represent my country on bigger international platforms. My journey is still evolving, and I am proud not only of what I have accomplished so far, but of the path I am building for the next generation of riders.

You currently need to gain more experience to be able to represent India in the FIM WMX GP World Championship. How is that journey going? 

The journey toward representing India at the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship is both challenging and incredibly motivating. Competing at that level requires international exposure, advanced technical skills, race consistency, and high-performance conditioning, and I am fully committed to building each of those areas step by step. 

Right now, my focus is on gaining more competitive experience through national championships, intensive training programs, and working closely with experienced coaches to refine my technique, speed, and race strategy. I am also prioritising strength and endurance training because the intensity of a World Championship race demands peak physical fitness. It’s a process that requires patience, discipline, and the right support system, including sponsors, mentors, and technical guidance.

You are also looking for sponsorship to further your career. How is that going? Have you managed to find some financial backing?

Yes, sponsorship is a very important part of progressing in professional motorsports, especially when aiming to compete at higher international levels. Supercross and motocross require significant financial support for training, equipment, travel, race entries, and international exposure. 

“I am grateful to have received support from Aligned Automation, which believes in my journey and sees the potential in promoting women in motorsports. Their backing has helped me continue competing and improving my performance.”

15-year-old Supercross Racer, Aleena Mansur 

However, to take the next big step, particularly towards international championships, I am actively seeking long-term strategic partnerships with many more sponsors for this World Cup training program, qualifying, and racing. For me, sponsorship is not just about financial support; it’s about building meaningful collaborations where brands grow alongside my journey.

As one of India’s emerging female Supercross riders, I believe I offer strong visibility, a powerful story of perseverance, and a platform to inspire young athletes, especially girls who want to enter motorsports. The discussions are ongoing, and I remain optimistic. With the right partners on board, I am confident I can accelerate my journey and proudly represent India on the global stage.

Is it easy to secure sponsorship as a sportswoman in India?

Securing sponsorship as a sportswoman in India, especially in a niche and high-investment sport like Supercross, is challenging. Motorsports itself requires significant financial backing, and when you add the factor of being a woman in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, it requires even more effort to gain visibility and trust from sponsors. That said, the landscape is slowly evolving. Brands today are increasingly recognising the value of diversity, empowerment, and inspiring stories.

As a female rider competing at a competitive level, I believe there is a strong narrative of resilience, ambition, and breaking stereotypes, and that resonates with modern brands. However, it still requires consistent performance, professional presentation, networking, and building a strong personal brand. It’s not just about winning races; it’s about demonstrating commitment, discipline, and long-term vision.

Do you receive any financial support from your sport’s (Supercross) federation?

In India, motorsport is governed by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, which plays an important role in regulating the sport, organising championships, and supporting talent development. While the federation provides a structured platform to compete and helps with licensing, race regulations, and national representation pathways, direct financial support for riders is generally limited and often performance-based or event-specific. In motorsports, a large portion of the funding responsibility typically rests with the rider, their family, and private sponsors.

Like many athletes in this sport, I rely significantly on personal investment and brand partnerships to sustain training, equipment, and competition expenses. That said, I truly value the platform and opportunities provided by the federation to compete at national levels and work towards international qualification. My goal is to continue performing consistently so that I can attract stronger institutional and corporate support and eventually represent India at the highest level with the right backing behind me.

If there are sponsors out there who would like to support your journey, what do you require to be successful?

To compete successfully at higher international levels, especially with the goal of entering the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, a structured and well-supported program is essential. With the right support system, I am confident I can elevate my performance, compete consistently at international standards, and proudly represent India on the global Supercross and motocross stage (WMX GP).

How do you balance school and Supercross commitments?

Balancing school and Supercross requires strong discipline, time management, and clear priorities. Education is very important to me, and at the same time, I am fully committed to my racing career, so I treat both with equal seriousness. I follow a structured daily routine where academics and training are carefully planned. My school hours are dedicated entirely to studies, and my evenings or early mornings are focused on physical training, track practice, and fitness sessions.

During race weekends, I ensure that I stay updated with my coursework and complete assignments in advance. It’s not always easy, especially during competitive seasons, but having the support of my family, teachers, and mentors makes a big difference. They understand my goals and help me stay on track both academically and athletically. In many ways, Supercross and Motocross have helped me become more disciplined and focused on my studies. The sport has taught me responsibility, mental strength, and the importance of consistency, qualities that benefit me in school as well as on the track.

Who is your favourite female rider and why?

One of my favourite female riders is Courtney Duncan. She has been a multiple-time World Champion in the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, and what I admire most about her is her consistency, mental strength, and determination to stay at the top despite injuries and setbacks. Courtney’s riding style is aggressive yet controlled, and she competes with incredible confidence on international tracks. Beyond her titles, her resilience stands out to me. She has faced challenges throughout her career but continued to push forward and prove herself on the world stage.

What are your career aspirations in Supercross and dirt biking?

My long-term aspiration in Supercross and dirt biking is to represent India at the highest international level and compete consistently on the global stage. 

“One of my major goals is to qualify and perform competitively in the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, proving that Indian riders can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.”

In the short term, I aim to continue dominating at the national level, gain more international exposure, and refine my technical skills, race strategy, and physical conditioning. I want to build a strong foundation that allows me to transition confidently into elite global competitions.

What is your advice to young female riders who want to follow their dreams?

My advice to young female riders is simple: believe in yourself before anyone else does. Motorsports can be physically demanding and mentally challenging, but passion and consistency can take you very far. Do not let stereotypes or doubts define your limits. When I started, there were no girls in Supercross, but I focused on improving every single day instead of worrying about comparisons. 

Hard work, discipline, and patience are more important than quick success. It’s also important to build a strong support system, family, coaches, mentors, and to stay committed to both fitness and skill development.

---

Main Photo Caption: Fifteen-year-old Aleena Mansur is rewriting the rules of Indian motorsport, having claimed over 65 trophies in Supercross competition and set her sights on representing India at the FIM WMX GP World Championships. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: Competing in a male-dominated sport, she is seeking sponsors to fund her international training campaign.

Photo 3 Caption: Supercross has taught Aleena Mansur responsibility, mental strength, and consistency that benefit her in school too.

Photo 4 Caption: For Mansur, sponsorship means building meaningful collaborations where brands grow alongside her journey.

Photo 5 Caption: Aleena Mansur sees her trophies as milestones, not destinations, fuelling her drive to compete on the global stage.