Siobhan's on fast track to success

Published 26 Aug 2010 09:30

By Jennifer Cauley

THIS is one Barrhead girl who is speeding toward success.

Young stock car driver Siobhan Martin is the only girl in her racing formula - and the 17-year-old is very proud of her achievements.

Known as Shuv-On around the tracks, the teenager is keen to take her talent to the next level, and qualify for a major world championship.

Regular races at the Cowdenbeath, Knockhill and Aberdeen tracks have left their mark on the legal services student, who fell in love with the sport when she was 12.

After racing mini stocks until the age of 16, Siobhan progressed to a larger model, and now drives a 1400cc engine at the weekends and during contests.

The non-contact sport is popular throughout Scotland, but the former Barrhead High pupil is flying the flag for the females in the country.

She said: “I’m the only girl, and I prefer that.

“It’s good - you need someone to show up the boys!”

And it’s not just the boys who Siobhan will be attempting to better as she bids to become a world famous driver.

Racing is a bit of a family affair for the Martins, as Siobhan revealed her parents met at the Cowdenbeath tracks several years ago.

She continued: “They brought me into it I suppose.

“My dad used to race hotrods until a few years ago - but he gave that up so that he could buy me a mini.”

When she’s not suited, booted, and zooming round the track, Siobhan works in her parents garage on Henry Street, and hopes to emulate some of the greatest drivers in the land.

Competing regularly every few weeks and on a constant practice schedule, she is keen to make it in the competitive sport - but warns other wannabes that it takes a lot of work to make it to the top.

She added: “A lot of people think this sport is easy but it’s not.

“It takes a lot of money and a lot of preparation to get up there with the best.

“I would love to win the world final, though - that would be the best thing in the world.”

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This article appeared in Barrhead News 25 Aug 10

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