"This is the chance I needed to begin my motor sport career"

Formula Woman is a successful motor racing competition that has returned for 2021/2022. Thousands of women of all ages with a variety of backgrounds from all over the world will enter to see if they have what it takes to become a racing driver.

This week, I chat with Sasha Hirujo about all this and more.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Sasha Hirujo, and I am a woman living in Arizona, USA. I am a veteran and now a student, pursuing an art degree after I completed my Bachelor’s last year. I am a country girl and grew up in a small town where I learned about vehicles, nature, and being independent. I also have a deep passion for art and environmental sustainability.

What first got you into motor racing?

My interest was always present, but my husband really ensured that I was introduced to motor sports. We have built a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro race car as well as a 750 horsepower Holden Commodore VF. I started drag racing, but once we took the Holden to an open course in California I was hooked!

What made you want to enter the Formula Woman Competition?

I began noticing Formula Woman on social media and realized that this was the best opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience surrounding motor sports. Formula Woman is also building a global platform for women in motor sports, which provides unique opportunities to meet other women with similar goals and interests. Additionally, I am using my time with Formula Woman to shed light on mental health awareness, as motor sport has been instrumental throughout my personal journey.

What have you been doing to prepare for the competition?

After completing the Formula Woman online assessments, I focused on studying concepts and fundamentals while applying the knowledge in simulation racing. This provided me with access to European race tracks that I would not be able to travel to visit as often as I would like. I implemented key changes to my workouts such as daily cardio and neck, as well as reflex drills. Finally, I was able to attend a race school and became SCCA licensed.

Photo Credit: Sasha Hirujo

Photo Credit: Sasha Hirujo

How much does this opportunity mean to you and how important is it that Formula Woman is giving women this platform?

Motor sports are some of the hardest sports to enter with limited access or finances. Formula Woman is recognizing that skills and passion are not dependent on money. This opportunity is giving hundreds of women, including myself, the introduction to motor sports that everyone deserves. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Formula Woman. This is the chance I needed to begin my motor sport career, and every step of the way is filled with knowledge and inspiration.

What do you like to do when you're not racing?

I can always be found outdoors, either hiking or working in the garage. My husband is a mechanic and my personal goal is to understand race craft just as much as driving. We have never sent a vehicle to a different mechanic, and this has produced unique knowledge as a driver because I have learned how to accurately communicate and test changes for the mechanics.

Do you have any motor sport role models?

My racing inspiration is Sebastian Vettel, and the reason extends beyond racing. While he is first a phenomenal racing driver with a stunning history, he also has strong morals and is always doing his part to make a difference. Whether he is picking up bits of litter, biking instead of driving to the track, or hosting women-only events like he did in Saudi Arabia, Vettel is always one to speak with his ethical and inspirational decisions.

Photo Credit: Sasha Hirujo

Photo Credit: Sasha Hirujo

Which race track would you love to go and race on if you got the chance?

There are two tracks that are tied for the top of my list. First is Monza, as it was the first track I learned on the simulator and instantly fell in love with. The other is Kyalami in South Africa, which has a personal connection as my mother’s side of my family is from South Africa.

Do you have a favourite song or piece of music?

At the moment, I have been listening to a lot of the remix tracks by Eduardo Luzquinós. I really just play their playlists on streaming services and let the tracks play.

What's an interesting fact about yourself that people should know?

I have been in six countries, and four were in Asia. The others are Mexico and the United States. I am hoping to finally visit Europe with Formula Woman in 2022!

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Thanks again to Sasha for taking the time to chat and I wish her the best of luck with the Formula Woman Competition.

What did you think of the interview? Let me know in the comments below.