5 minutes with Beitske Visser ... and you’ll know she’s totally self-motivated! Beitske is a young lady driver with a very definite idea of where she wants to be when it comes to her racing career. On March 10, she turned 14 and celebrated exactly 9 years to the day that she first drove a kart. Six months later, she started racing, becoming Dutch champ the following year. All her life, Beitske’s lived in Dronten, the Netherlands and Karting is very much a part of the family, with both her parents often also at the races, while her younger sister now drives the Mini Max just for fun. Last year, the confident youngster raced in 8 different championships throughout Europe and Asia, also testing Formula & Touring cars.
In 2009, Beitske had planned to only continue the car test program, which she began a year ago, but decided two weeks before the Rotax Winter Cup in Spain to get back into Junior Max. She was the polesitter for the pre-final at the recent Spanish event after an impressive drive in the qualifying heats, finishing a well-earned 2nd overall. Beitske’s return to the Rotax Euro Challenge this season sees a completely different approach from the tiny little girl who gave it her best shot in 2007. It’s all or nothing... and don’t even think about anything else!
Q: What do you enjoy most about racing?
A: Winning
Q: What do you do when you’re not karting?
A: I’m at school, home studying, testing at the circuit in a car or racing on my simulator. In the time left between racing and sleeping, I can do some school work. It’s hard work, but you need to work hard if you want to achieve something special.
Q: How much time do you spend practicing, testing and fitness training?
A: 1 hour per week fitness, 3 hours athletics & if possible, I drive karts or cars every week
Q: What are your future goals and what do you want to achieve in 2009?
A: F1. In 2009, I hope I’m going to be Dutch, Benelux, European & World champion.
Q: Who are your heroes in life?
A: I don’t have any & don’t believe in heroes. It’s just about being dedicated to reach your goals.
Q: Who inspires your racing?
A: My father, but I actually don’t need to be motivated by anyone. This is really what I want to do.
Q: What drivers do you rate?
A: Me, myself & I
Q: Who’s one of your best racing buddies?
A: From when I started Karting, Nyck de Vries (in KF3)
Q: Is it tough being a girl in a guy’s sport?
A: No, you only have to go fast & it doesn’t matter then
Q: What’s the difference between KF3 & Max?
Q: Speed and grip
Q: Highlights of your racing career so far?
A: I don’t think about the past. I focus on the future & hope the highlight will be winning the World Finals.
Q: Any funny moments that you remember most?
A: The pre-final in Campillos when I stopped before the finish line to lose a place by 9/1000 [for grid 3 in final]
Q: Why race Junior Max at the Euro Challenge?
A: It’s a nice event, well organised, a lot of driving, a lot of competitors and nice tracks
Q: Who is your mechanic now?
A: This year I drive with Ton Vink’s Team TKP. I have different mechanics for the various championships, but Bob Maas is always there to make the decisions with them.
Q: Who supports your racing & what are your commitments to your sponsors?
A: Autobedrijf Klaas Visser & Castrol. I aim to get good results & a lot of positive publicity.
Finally, I also want to say “Thanks” to everyone who supports me with my racing.
Report – Jenni Wade
Foto's - Bas Kaligis |
