In today’s interview, Swedish racing driver Jessica Bäckman talks about her way into motorsport, racing against the best drivers and her plans for the future.
WHEEL SISTERS: Jessica, please introduce yourself.
Jessica: My name is Jessica Bäckman, I live in north part of Sweden a town called Boden. I turned 25 years yesterday. I race mainly international. This year I’m racing in ADAC TCR Germany where I’m fighting for the championship. I’m currently 2nd in the standings with 2 race weekends remaining. This has been my best year so far in a racing car. I have won 4 races, 6 podiums, 2 pole positions and 3 fastestlap. So yeah I’m super happy. But I have had quite many technical issues which has made me loose important points in the championship, but never the less still an amazing season!
WHEEL SISTERS: How did you get introduced to motorsport?
Jessica: My family is very interested in motorsport. My uncle is a rally driver and my father has been a mechanic in drag racing. My mother saw an article in the newspaper that it was a karting school near by so she signed me and my brother up for it. And I liked it straight away and also won my first race by lapping my competitors. Since then I have raced all around Sweden. And then went international when I was 12 and has been racing there for many years to imporve my driving skills. Then went back to Sweden and has won 3 Swedish Championship titles in karting along the years.
WHEEL SISTERS: What has had the biggest impact on improving your racing skills?
Jessica: I would say, racing against the best drivers is the best way to improve quickly. I always went to the tougest championship quickly in my career because I think its the best way to understand how you should drive cars. Which has worked out well for me. Then when you go back to more national championship you are one of the fastest straight away even if you havent driven so much.
WHEEL SISTERS: What was the most impressive moment of your career so far?
Jessica: I think my 2 wins at Red Bull Ring this year was un real. Starting from pole position in race 1, got a jump start but still won the race with 7 seconds. Then in Race 2 on Sunday I started 4th and won again, amazing weekend on an amazing track and to hear the national anthem on the podium has been a dream for many years and feels amazing. Also my first win this year was special since it was my first in a racing car.
WHEEL SISTERS: What does motorsport give you personally?
Jessica: I love motorsport. The passion, adrenaline, speed, smell and everything around. I dont know what I would do about it. My dream is to do motorsport as a living by putting 100% effort in to it, then I believe I can get even more successful.
WHEEL SISTERS: What is important for girls who wants to get into motorsport?
Jessica: Have lots of fun. Motorsport is for both boys and girls. The car doesnt know who is sitting in the car which is amazing. And it is so much fun to drive which is why all girls should try it out. So just have fun, believe in yourself that you can do whatever you want. Have dreams and goals and go after them. And dont care what other people think just do you.
WHEEL SISTERS: What are your sporting goals in the upcoming months or years?
Jessica: My goal is to put 100% into motorsport by doing it for a living. I would like to take the next step in my career and try something new. Maybe race in the US. So yeah I have a lot of ideas but we will see where it takes me.
