news

Q&A with FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Ambassador and Driver: Hayley Swanson

This week, we catch up with FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series driver Hayley Swanson after her debut on the new TV series Shannons Supercar Showdown.

From a lucky test drive last year to a full-time gig as the series' ambassador and a spo


This week, we catch up with FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series driver Hayley Swanson after her debut on the new TV series Shannons Supercar Showdown.

From a lucky test drive last year to a full-time gig as the series' ambassador and a spot on the grid, Swanson's star is rising.

What made you take up racing?

I've always been fascinated by racing, and in late 2010 I was lucky enough to experience the thrill of test driving an Aussie Racing Car at Wakefield Park.

I then met with Aussie Racing Cars Founder Phil Ward, who saw my potential as a driver and ambassador.  He presented me with the opportunity to compete in the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series for 2011, and I haven’t looked back.

What do you love most about being a part of FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series?

There are so many things that I love about racing in the Series! Aussie Racing Cars are fantastic cars to drive. They are small, fast, evenly matched and extremely responsive, which means the racing is largely based on driver skill.

The Aussie Racing Cars team and FW1 sponsorship group are like family, so I look forward to the racing and also catching up with everyone.

What has been your one career highlight to date?

My career highlight would be my first drive on a ‘street’ circuit, which was in Round 1 of the 2011 FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series at Clipsal 500 in Adelaide. It was a thrilling experience and the buzz from the crowd was just amazing.

Who is your motoring mentor?

Aussie Racing Cars Founder Phil Ward is my most influential mentor. He's got extensive knowledge and skill, and he's provided young drivers like myself with the chance to compete in a fantastic series.

Also, Danica Patrick is someone I consider to be a great influence in my racing career. She is an advocate for females in the motoring industry and has achieved fantastic results in the USA with Indycars.

Which race track is your favourite to race on and why?

Bathurst is my favourite because it’s such a challenging and exhilarating track. Hitting speeds of over 240km/h along Conrod Straight with the windscreen trembling and car stepping out really gets the heart pumping.

Could you please tell me what it’s like being on Shannons Supercar Showdown?

It’s incredibly exciting as the winner will ultimately team up with Denyer in a Kelly Racing-prepared V8 Supercar as the Shannons Mars Racing entry for this year’s Bathurst 1000.

The Kelly brothers have really gone above and beyond to offer us this once in a lifetime opportunity, which would otherwise be almost impossible for a general competitor to experience.  

Thinking about your motoring career, where do you hope to see yourself in the next year?

Next year I hope to see myself finishing in the top 10 in the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series.

2011 is my first year in the category and I really enjoy being a part of it. I’d love to spend more time in the car learning and pushing myself.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone looking to race in the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Super Series?

Give it a go! The great thing about the Aussie Racing Cars category is that it’s quite an affordable category to run in, and the national exposure is fantastic for any up and comers.

I'd recommend for anyone interested to check out the Aussie Racing Cars website at www.aussieracingcars.com.au or the series sponsor FW1 at http://www.fw1.com.au/ for more information regarding the Series, cars and racing options. 

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent