In the fast-paced world of racing, success is never a matter of chance it’s the result of hard work, perseverance, and having the right support system. Today, we share the inspiring story of Angel Andal, a passionate and determined racer whose journey from adversity to success has been shaped by her unyielding commitment to the sport and a powerful partnership with Rockdimports.
1. The Start of a Racing Career:
Angel Andal’s journey into racing took an unexpected turn. Before she became a car racer, she was already involved in circuit racing for motorcycles. Unfortunately, a traumatic accident during a race at Clark International Speedway left her with fractured legs, forcing her into a wheelchair for nearly six months. At that time, as a mother of two young children, Angel considered stepping away from the sport she loved. She worried about the potential dangers and the impact it might have on her family. “I thought, ‘If I get into another accident, what will happen to my kids?’” she recalled.
However, after a year of recovery, Angel felt a deep yearning to race again. Realizing she needed a safer option, she transitioned into drag racing, which allowed her to continue her passion with four wheels instead of two. “I thought, if I could switch to a safer sport, I could keep pursuing my love for racing,” she said. This shift marked a significant chapter in her racing career, one that would ultimately lead her to the podium.
2. What Inspired Her to Race:
Angel’s inspiration to race was sparked early on by her son, a motocross champion at just four years old. “I was so proud of his achievements. It was also my dream when I was younger,” she shared. Despite her father’s discouraging words “racing is not for girls” she never gave up on the idea of racing. In fact, she promised herself that one day, when she was able to, she would race, no matter her age or gender. At 33, Angel made that promise to herself a reality.
Her journey began when she visited the Batangas Racing Circuit, known as the home of Philippine motorsports. “I watched the races and thought, ‘If they can do it, I can too.’ I instantly fell in love with the sport,” Angel recalls. This spark of passion pushed her to take the first steps into a world that would forever change her life.
3. Early Challenges and Growth:
As with many racers, Angel faced numerous obstacles in her early days on the track. One of the most significant hurdles was the high cost of racing. From entry fees to travel expenses, racing was a significant financial burden. “The expenses can be overwhelming, and many talented racers quit not because they no longer have the passion, but because they lack the financial resources,” she explains.
Beyond the financial challenges, Angel faced another hurdle: skepticism from those around her. As a woman entering a male-dominated sport, she often faced doubts about her abilities. “When people saw my street car, they knew it was used for racing, and some would try to race me on the streets,” she recalls. But Angel was determined to race safely. “Street racing is dangerous and reckless. I would always refuse. Racing should be done on the track, where it’s safer for everyone,” she says.
Overcoming these early challenges, Angel focused on improving both her technical skills and her mindset. Racing, she notes, isn’t just about physical ability it’s also about mental strength. “Motorsport is just as much a mental game as it is physical. I learned to manage stress, stay focused, and make quick decisions,” she explains. Angel realized that in drag racing, her biggest competitor was herself. Success required not only physical precision but also mental consistency.
4. Key Milestones:
Angel’s first race didn’t result in a trophy, but it was a pivotal moment in her career. “There weren’t many female racers at the time, and the support I received from everyone around me, even the marshals, was incredible,” she recalls. This support fueled her determination, and what initially started as a simple “try-it-out” moment quickly turned into a passion that would shape her future. “I wanted to prove that a woman could rise to the top of a sport dominated by men,” she says.
Her determination to succeed paid off over time as Angel reached several key milestones in her career. While the podium was always her goal, the true measure of her success came from inspiring others especially women to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
Some of her most notable achievements include:
• National Drag Championship - 1st Runner Up, Southern Series 2nd Leg, March 3, 2025
• National Drag Championship - 3rd Runner Up, Southern Series 1st Leg, February 2, 2025
• Motul Drag Master Cap - 3rd Runner Up, Clark International Speedway, September 1, 2025
• Golden Wheel Awardee - National Series, Top 3 Overall, December 29, 2023
• Golden Wheel Awardee - Southern Series, Top 3 Overall, December 29, 2023
• National Drag Championship - 3rd Runner Up