Hanna, The Future Formula Driver
Women in Racing
I started my day at the track as I normally do, galivanting around the campus, snapping pictures of all the cars passing by, and looking for unsuspecting victims to subject to my interviews.
As I stood near the track, I saw a small blue car whip past me. I commented on how fast that car was. I continued taking pictures and kept the mental picture of the car in the back of my mind. Unfortunately, I was unable to interview the driver that week. The next week, I saw the car again.
I see the blue car pull up into what is essentially this track’s pit lane, and the driver gets out, and I decide she will be the next one I interview.
I asked what her name was and if she had any social media. She responded, “Hanna, my name is Hytoxia on all platforms.”
My next question was straight to business;
Me: “Are you out here [Utah Motorsport Campus] as a hobby or professionally?”
Hanna: “Professionally”
Me: “What is your goal in racing?”
Hanna: “Formula 1 is the goal.”
Me: “What kind of car do you drive?”
Hanna: “1999, my birth year, Mazda Miata.”
Me: “When did you know you wanted to be a race car driver?”
Hanna: “Always. I have always been into Motorsports.”
Me: “What do you think is the first step to be part of this industry?”
Hanna: “Being out here [Utah Motorsport Campus]. I used to be a baker and hated it. I started working here [UMC], and getting this car was the other big step.”
Me: “How is the racing going so far?”
Hanna: “Really good. I am now with Tatum Racing. I had a few other offers, but they were the best ones. I am working on getting my racing license now, but if all goes well, I will be racing with them next year, possibly in the Porsche Cup.”
Me: “Do you have any Sponsors? Who is your dream sponsor?”
Hanna: “I don’t have any sponsors, but Red Bull would be the dream.”
Me: “Have you found it difficult to be a woman in the racing industry?”
Hanna: “No, actually. I have had a lot of opportunities, and UMC has treated me very well. They are eager to have women racing here.”
Me: “What is your dream car?”
Hanna: “That’s a hard one. There are so many but I would probably say a Porsche 911 GT3.”
Me: “What advice would you give to women, or people in general, who want to get into racing?”
Hanna: “Just get out to the track. Take that first step. Be around everyone and network.”
Me: “How often do you practice?”
Hanna: “Between being out on track and my racing sim, around 20-40 hours per week.
I thanked her for her time and let her return to the track. Hanna was a very lovely person to speak to. She was very knowledgeable about racecraft and backed it up with speed on track. It would not surprise me if she ended up in any of the Formula championships.
