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Susie Stoddart - Racing Driver
She is one of Britain's top racing drivers, making her debut in the fiercely competitive DTM series in 2006. She was a Brownie in Oban, Argyll."Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
My Grandpa rode for the British Trials Biking Team when he was younger and my Dad raced bikes so motor sport is very much in the family blood. I started karting when I was eight years old and loved it.
When the season starts I will spend on average two days a week in the car testing at the various
race circuits. Before and after each test day I will be in the team workshops working with my
engineer on car set up and looking through data from previous tests.
In the winter time I focus on training, up to four hours a day to make sure my upper body is
strong enough to handle the grip in the car and the g-forces. My aim is to be the first successful
British female in Formula 1.
I've never even thought about that before, racing is my life & passion so I can't imagine doing anything else.
It is exciting being a racing driver although I think it sounds more glamorous than it actually
is; there is a lot of hard work that goes on in the background.
I'm not frightened of being injured, I feel safe and complete when I'm in my car. I broke my
ankle slipping on the pavement outside the Bayview newsagents on New Years Day so that just
shows you that anything can be dangerous!
My family is very supportive. My Mum and Dad come to all my races to watch. We are a sport orientated family and enjoy skiing, trials biking and tennis as well as motor sport.
I remember always being excited about getting my yellow jumper and Brownie uniform on. It was great to meet up with my friends and tackle all the badges. I had great fun. I can't quite remember the various badges but I loved it each time I got a new badge to sew on.
The importance of teamwork and motivation to achieve what you want.
If you want something bad enough, are determined enough and are willing to work hard enough - you can make it happen, a great saying I heard was " Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Competitive, ambitious, determined, loyal and very impatient!
To find out more about Susie please see www.susiestoddartracing.com
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