F1weekly podcast # 486
Flying Dutch Lady
Teenager Beitske Visser kicking up a storm in karting
While most girls in her age group are likely to talk about L’Oreal and Lady Gaga, this 15-year old is more interested in racing conversation about Lonato and Braga.
Young Miss Visser is more than a Dronten Doll. She was turning heads as a five-year old karting sensation.
Beitske beat all the boys to grab pole position for the prestigious Andrea Margutti Trophy and since last season is official driver for the Italian Intrepid karting team.
F1weekly would like to wish her all the best in her racing career.
Q: Last month in Paris Michèle Mouton presented you with the first CIK-FIA Women and Motor Sport Commission Award, please tell us what this means to you at such a young age?
A: Of course I’m very happy to get this prize, there are also some other really good girl drivers but for sure I want to beat everyone.
Q: You started racing at the age of five, what was the attraction towards motorsports?
A: My dad used to be a race driver and when I was 3 years old he took me to a 24h kart race and I saw a little kart there and I told my dad I wanted to do that too, but he said I was too young, then when I was 5 I got my first kart.
Q: Do the boys behave when you qualify or win over them?
A: In the beginning this was really difficult but how more races I do and finish in the front the more they accept it and respect me.
Q: Last year you became the first female driver to win a European Championship round in a gearbox class at Varennes, France. Did you feel extra pressure on the final lap?
A: No, not really, for me it was just a race like all the other and I want to win everything so I pushed every lap to the maximum.
Q: There is a lot of ‘girl power’ in racing these days, what other names we – the poor mankind – should watch out for?
A: Michelle Gatting, Luana Krattiger and Kim Oomen
Q: Are mom and dad fully behind your racing efforts; and how are you coping with your studies?
A: Yes, they support me completely and I do the school by internet so I have more time to practice.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your racing career so far?
A: My dad.
Q: You have raced in Europe, Asia and North America. Is there a particular country where karting is the toughest; and what is your favorite track?
A: In Europe its the hardest but not a particular country, we drive mostly against everyone. I like Castelletto in Italy the most.
Q: You also raced in Las Vegas; your thoughts on American karting scene and fans?
A: It was a great event and the people are amazing, I like to drive there.
Q: What impressed you most about Las Vegas?
A: The people and the buildings.
Q: You are planning a move to racing cars season; what would you like to learn most in final year of karting to make you a better racer?
A: I want to improve my starts and I have to clean my driving a bit.
Q: This year you will compete in KZ1 category; what are your expectations as you wrap up your very impressive karting career?
A: This is going to be a really hard year also because many skf drivers moved to kz1, but in the first race from this season I was fast so I hope to win a lot of races this year.
Q: Do you plan to sample some racing car experience during the year and is there a particular championship you are already thinking of for 2012?
A: I think we are going to start the testing after the season, I first want to focus on my karting season and then we will see for the next year.
Q: Who is your favorite racing driver?
A: Myself.
Q: What is your career advice to young boys and girls who want to start in motorsports?
A: You have to give 200% all the time and also when your at home you have to sport all the time.
Nasir Hameed
For more information please visit www.beitskevisser.com
F1weekly podcast number 486
Motorsports Mondial with Nasir Hameed and…
This weeks interview Jules Bianchi.
[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/mp3.f1weekly.com/podcasts/02-17-11f1weekly486.mp3]