Martina Kwan - the race car driver who dares to be different

Published: Sept. 6, 2022, 2:30 a.m.

Martina Kwan is an International Best Selling Author. Born in Hong Kong to a German mother and Chinese father, Martina Kwan was destined for a life that was different. She spent her childhood in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, but credits living in war torn Beirut, Lebanon between the ages of 8-10, as an experience that defined much of her fearlessness today. Her unique path in life has shaped her into a woman of drive and determination.

After earning two Master of Science degrees, she worked in the male dominated finance and accounting fields in New York City with KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Wall Street’s Lehman Brothers. Eventually, she landed Senior Management roles with Ian Schrager properties, the Hudson Hotel and the Paramount Hotel. Ultimately, Martina's strong entrepreneurial spirit led her to leave the corporate world to open her own business, the award-winning furniture company, Neoteric Luxury Outdoor Collections. She had previously won Telly and Emmy awards with the first company she founded, So! Animation.​


Daring to be different is what drives Martina today...literally! Three years ago, at the age of 50, Martina knew it was time to take a car racing hobby she occasionally enjoyed to the next level. Proving that it’s never too late, she decided to become a race car driver.


Her marque of choice is Porsche, which she drives exclusively. She started going to racetracks in California in 2015 with the Porsche Owners Club and quickly picked up the right line around a track. She’s earned a first place with the Porsche Owners Club MS racing class in 2017 and a first in the Club’s M4 racing class as well as picking up the Most Improved Time Trial Driver Award. She holds track records and is a National Certified Porsche Club of America Driving Instructor. Martina’s goal is to inspire young women and girls to be themselves and Dare to be Different!


https://www.martinakwan.com/