Hello Tania, you are pretty new to racing cars. But, you have taken the step into the Porsches right away. Could you please give a short introduction about yourself to the visitors of RacingInside.com?
I am Tania Mann. I’ve had an insatiable need for speed for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to race cars despite not growing up in a racing oriented family. My dad did race motorbikes, but it was well before I was born, so I’d never been to a race circuit before. But, I came to the UK to work hard and pursue my crazy dream of racing cars.
How did you get involved in racing? Have you always wanted to become a racing driver yourself?
I started out with a few track days, but I knew within the first 2 or 3 times that track days would not satisfy my need for speed. So within a few months of first going to a race track, I was out racing in a Lotus Elise. It was an incredibly fun time and a huge learning curve as I’d never really driven a car on the limit before, I’d never driven a Lotus Elise, and what’s more, I didn’t know any of the circuit. But I love rising to a challenge which was why, after many people recommended I would do track days for a year or two, I ignored their advice and jumped straight into the deep end and started racing.
What are your other hobbies, besides racing cars?
I’m very active and love the outdoors. I used to be an avid horse rider and compete. I’ve also played many sports like tennis, squash, cricket and roller hockey. I also used to ride 10 feet vert ramps on rollerblades and do latin/ballroom dancing. These days I cycle and go to the gym to keep fit. I would like to also get back into my dancing, as I miss it.
You have started with racing during track days. But, eventually made the step into the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. Could you tell us more about that?
You could say my step into Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain was somewhat premature: I barely had enough signatures from racing in the Lotus to qualify for the requisite National A race licence for Carrera Cup. But I wanted the challenge. I wanted to push myself and having a love of Porsches, it’s been a dream come true racing in these cars. They are simply phenomenal and you never get acclimatised to the buzz they deliver when you get behind the wheel.
Every racing driver has good and bad moments during his career. What are the best and worst moments in your career?
The good elements from my career include the steep learning curve and excitement of being able to race such an incredible car against some of the best drivers in the world. It’s an honour to be out there and surrounded by so many people I can learn from.
The worst moments would be the DNF’s due to mechanical failure. Unfortunately my budget is very limited. With second hand brake pads, drive shafts, tyres etc. it renders your setup liable to failure at any time. But I try not to focus on the negatives and just be grateful for any opportunity I have to get out in my car.
What goals would you like to achieve during your further career and what championships would you like to compete in during your further career?
My current goal is to continue improving every time I get into my car. I would like to improve my skills in the Porsche and continue to progress through the series. But there are some amazing series around the world which I’d also love to dabble in. It’s also great fun travelling to other countries and experiencing other circuits.
If you could change your life with another racing driver for just one day, who will be the one you are changing with?
I would have to say Mark Webber. He’s incredibly inspiring for what he has achieved and yet refreshingly down to earth, but with a fabulous Aussie attitude of hard work and determination.
Although the racing driver is the one that really scores the results, there are always a lot of people on the background that also have a big influence on the results and career of a racing driver (sponsors, mechanics etc.). Is there a special person in your career that you would like to thank, and why is that person special to you?
I have some great friends who’ve been a wonderful support to me (and they know who they are). But specifically, Tim Harvey has been a great mentor and coach. I also have to thank my brilliant sponsors Zoom Media and RMA Track Days. And finally, I have to thank the wonderful people who support me. Their support is always appreciated, especially during those times of bad luck.
Many people think that the life of a racing driver is all fun and just a dream. But if you take a look to the ‘inside’ of racing, what is the hardest part of being a racing driver?
The hardest part is sponsorship acquisition. I work every day constantly on my sponsorship and I sacrifice a social life for my racing. I also have to train a great deal as the cars are very physical.
Is it hard to keep standing as a female driver in a world which is mainly filled by male drivers? What reactions do you get from other drivers, supporters, teams etc.?
Obviously in such a male dominated environment it’s easy for a female to stand out. But I prefer not to focus or rely on the ‘girl factor’. I have a huge amount of pride and to me it’s very important to be respected for what I do. I like to be taken seriously as someone who is not only passionate but works extremely hard to be out on track. I work hard to generate genuine business benefits for my sponsors and don’t expect anyone to hand me money to waste on rubber just because I’m a female.
What would you like to say to everyone that is dreaming of a career in racing?
I would say; be prepared for a huge amount of work, but don’t give up on your dream!
Originally published: 25th of September, 2012
