Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey?
NH: My name is Nicole Hecker and I am a 28 year old American racing driver from Ormond Beach, Florida. I have been racing with the SCCA since 2014 and currently drive a 1989 Mazda RX7.

Q: When did you start racing, and what sparked your passion for motorsport?
NH: I started out in karting when I was 12 then moved up to road racing when I was 17! My passion for racing comes from my family as my dad (Randy Hecker) and grandfather (Richard “Dick” Hecker) both had successful oval track careers. I’m thrilled to be able to carry on the family legacy!

Q: What do you love most about being a racing driver?
NH: I love being on the track. There’s no other feeling like it. Nothing beats standing on the podium after a hard fought race or even just putting down some good laps!

Q: Do you have a favorite race track? What makes it special to you?
NH: Daytona! It’s my home track and I grew up watching the Rolex24 there which I always thought was so cool! I feel very lucky to regularly compete at both Daytona and Sebring!

Q: What key qualities do you think make a great racing driver? 
NH: Determination, passion, and hard work. You really have to put your all in and completely dedicate yourself to succeed. When you face setbacks you have to have the courage to keep moving forward.

Q: If you weren’t a racing driver, what career or path would you have pursued?
NH: Sadly racing isn’t my full time job. I currently work as an Accountant, but truthfully I have never wanted to be anything other than a racecar driver. So please keep cheering me on as I work towards making racing my full time career! Your support means everything to me!

Q: How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not racing?
NH: Aside from my day job, I also try to keep up a good exercise routine, which includes attending an aerial silks class! I also enjoy reading, K-dramas, anime, and a bit of gaming!

Q: Is there a specific racing series you dream of competing in someday? 
NH: IMSA! But honestly I just love racing and would be thrilled to be in any series! A specific race I would love to compete in would be the Rolex24 at Daytona though!

Q: If you had your own racing team, which past or present drivers would you choose to be part of it?
NH:  I would want it to be an all women’s team and I would love to have drivers like Samantha Tan, Sally Mott, Heather Hadley, etc. on the team, but I would also love to give lesser known female drivers an opportunity as well in order to help introduce even more women into motorsports!

Q: As a female driver, do you think motorsport is becoming more inclusive? How has the industry evolved?
NH: There has recently been a bigger push to include more women at higher levels of motorsports. I think all the media attention with the release of shows like First to the Finish and F1 Academy are great ways to highlight women in motorsports. We have come a long way, but there’s still work to do!

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who dream of a career in motorsport, especially those aspiring to become drivers? 
NH: Network. Start putting yourself out there, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Never stop pushing. It might eventually lead to somewhere you didn’t think was possible.