JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Jamaica’s motorsport pioneer Sara Misir opened the 2026 UIM E1 World Championship in emphatic fashion, capturing victory at the E1 Jeddah Grand Prix and earning the prestigious Pilot of the Day honor after a composed, high-pressure performance in the season opener.
Racing on the Red Sea, Misir delivered a calm and calculated drive throughout the finals, navigating a demanding weekend to secure her first Grand Prix win of the new season. The triumph not only set the early tone for the championship but also marked her first victory driving for Aoki Racing Team, debuting their signature pink livery on the sport’s biggest stage.
“Today was incredible, my first win in pink, and I was honoured to bring it home for the Aoki Racing Team,” Misir said.
“It was a tough weekend with plenty of challenges, but we stayed focused, kept our heads in the game, and got it done. Huge credit to my co-pilot Dani Clos and everyone behind the scenes. Next stop: Lake Como, April 24.”
Pilot of the Day recognition
Misir’s performance earned her the Pilot of the Day award, recognizing her consistency, race intelligence, and execution across the finals as she helped secure overall victory for the team. The accolade underscored her growing reputation as one of the championship’s most reliable and strategic drivers.
The win further cemented Misir’s standing as one of Jamaica’s most accomplished international athletes, continuing to blaze a trail for Caribbean competitors in the world’s premier all-electric powerboat racing series.
A new chapter with Aoki Racing
The Jeddah triumph came just days after Misir was officially announced as a new driver for Aoki Racing Team ahead of the 2026 season. She joined the team following an impressive rookie campaign in 2025 with Team Blue Rising, where she finished third overall in the championship.
Now partnered with former Formula One test driver Dani Clos, Misir forms part of a driver pairing widely regarded as a serious title contender. The chemistry between the two was evident from the opening round, as the team executed a flawless race weekend under pressure.
“I’m incredibly excited to be part of Aoki Racing,” Misir said.
“The Aoki family’s history of racing excellence and passion aligns perfectly with my own values as a racer. I’m proud to help represent the legacy in the E1 Series and push new limits.”
Momentum built on a breakthrough year
The start to the 2026 season builds directly on a landmark year for Misir, who was recently recognized with multiple national honors for her performances in 2025. She was named RJR/Gleaner Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, first runner-up for Sportswoman of the Year, and Yachtswoman of the Year, awards that reflected her rapid rise on the global stage.
Notably, Jeddah also holds personal significance for Misir. It was at the same venue in 2025 that she made her E1 debut and claimed her first career podium, making this latest victory a full-circle moment in her championship journey.
Breaking barriers on a global stage
Misir remains the first and only professional female race car driver from Jamaica, a distinction she continues to reinforce through her success across both car and powerboat racing. Competing in the UIM E1 World Championship, Aoki Racing fields the all-electric RaceBird hydrofoil boats owned by international DJ and entrepreneur Steve Aoki.
With early momentum secured, the championship now shifts to Europe, with Round Two scheduled for April 24-25 at Lake Como, Italy. Misir and Aoki Racing will arrive carrying confidence, points, and a clear statement of intent as the title race begins to take shape.
