Teenage driving sensation is hoping for successful season
FRASER WILSON
A self-proclaimed adrenalin junkie is gearing up for one of the biggest years in her racing career.
And the teenage sensation is hoping to break down barriers on the road to success.
Logan Hannah is entering her second year in Formula Ford 1600 with high expectations – but she holds even bigger expectations for the future.
The Village teen is gearing up to test her skills against rookies, veterans and title contenders in the Scottish Championship, which is often seen as the first major stepping stone from karting into motor racing.
Numerous top level drivers – including David Coulthard and Allan McNish – have wrestled with the twists and turns of the circuit on their route to the top. And Logan is hoping to do the same.
The 18-year-old told the News: “This year is going to be busy with efforts in the Scottish Championships.
“But we’re off to a good start and were quickest in the first test session of the season, but there’s a long way to go.
“I’ve got my eye on more podium finishes, some wins and possibly a championship win. I don’ think there’s ever been a female champion before.”
Following in the footsteps of her racing dad Graeme Hannah, the former Williamwood pupil has been racing for six years now, since she was just 12.
A self-confessed “adrenalin junkie,” racing is something Logan has wanted to do for years, and she is confident she can drive at the highest level, whatever the discipline.
The only single seater championship on the Scottish Championship circuit, Formula Ford cars have no aerodynamic aids, putting huge onus on the quality and skills of the driver.
This serves to keep the racing close, budgets sensible, and to uncover the best talent possible.
Racing for Graham Brunton Racing, Logan enjoyed a successful rookie year in 2019, with a number of podium finishes and recognition of her skills.
That led to her being given the chance to race in Formula 4 in the UAE, sharing the track on race day with F1 A-listers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian
Vettel.
A full-time sports coaching and development student at South Glasgow college, Logan said: “I want to get as high up as possible, whether it’s Formula Ford, TT, F1, whatever.
“I used to pester my dad when he was racing to let me get involved. He was hesitant at first, but mainly because I think he saw it being that if I got involved, he’d have to stop racing.
“But quite early on he realised it was something we could do together, so he’s been behind me from the start.
“I started off in go-karts and have worked my way up the disciplines and rank. Last year I was on the Abu Dhabi circuit racing on a F1 weekend, which was such a huge, great and humbling achievement.”
Formula Ford is open to anyone aged 16 and over, of any gender.
Logan’s current teammate is in his sixties and has no problem with his young counterpart, despite dated stereotypes.
And Logan has proved she worth her place in the team with her performances, and awards, including Female Driver of the Year.
She was the youngest driver by about five years in her first season and the only female. She also finished 21/120 at the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone, where she was the top ranked Scot and the top female.
And she thinks the racing circuit at the most senior level should be open to the best drivers of all genders, adding that she has not been aware of too much prejudice or discrimination in opportunities.
She told us: “I just want to go out there as a driver and be the best I can be, no matter what my gender or age.
“When I was younger or in different race classes, I had a lot of stereotypes to deal with. But don’t see any prejudice at the level I am competing at now. It was more in the junior kart sessions that you would see it.
“It would be a big gamble at first to have a woman compete at the top level of F1, but once that barrier is broken, I think there will be loads more to follow.
“I see no reason why women shouldn’t feature and compete in F1 more.
“And I’d love to do it.”