Driver Profiles: Savannah Rickli

,

Question Time!

First off let's tell our readers which series you drive in?

Current plans are to compete in the World Challenge Series in 2012 running a Touring Car. I am also planning on returning to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the third time in 2012.

How did you get your start into cars and racing? 

The passion grew from my parent's passion. I grew up attending professional races like the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. In 2001, my parents started autocrossing locally with the SCCA. After a year or so of just watching them have fun, I decided to save up my own money and purchase a go-kart and I haven't looked back since.

Savannah Rickli mini cooper
Savannah at the wheel of her Mini Cooper.

What is your racing series of choice to drive in?

Right now, it would be something that involves Sports Car Racing. The World Challenge Series or Grand Am, as I make my way through the ranks.

Who are your current sponsors?

Federal Tire, Murphy Mining, TCE Performance Products, MotoringShirts, Lost Coffee, Group 4 Autosport and Peak Eurosport

Yellow toenail pedicure
It's all in the pedicure! Lucky number 127.

 Who was your first sponsor and how did they help you?

My first sponsor was actually Olympic Gold Medal Winning Ice Skater Peggy Fleming and her husband Greg. I babysat for their grandkids and wrote a sponsorship letter to mail to them. (They, at the time, owned a winery!) Much to my surprise they sent me a nice letter in return with a check. They both have continued to be incredible mentors to my career.

What advice would you give to someone or a team wanting to get into Racing?

Don't let anyone else place limits on you or tell you that you can't do it. You are the only one who can make it happen. (And if you are going to a racetrack, even just to watch, take your gear!! You never know what opportunities may be presented and you want to be ready.)

Savannah Rickli Mini Cooper
With the Mini Cooper, September 2011.

What series would you like to progress to?

I would like to spend a couple years in World Challenge before moving up to Grand Am. Eventually I would like to make the jump to open wheel racing.

Who do you look to for guidance with your driving; do you have any racing idols?

I have found that it is extremely important to surround yourself with people who believe in you. I have a group of mentors that are incredibly supportive. I turn to them for advice on and off the track. My racing idol would be Michele Mouton. She's incredible! She's a French rally driver who kicked some serious booty in her day. In the 1980's she came to Pikes Peak and broke the overall record on the mountain.

Savannah Rickli, Jeff Zwart, Greg Trachy
Savannah with racing legends and personal heroes, Greg Trachy (left) and Jeff Zwart (right).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*