Swiss driver Jasmin Preisig describes herself as having “Benzin im Blut” – “petrol in her blood.” Hailing from a motorsport family, she has excelled in endurance racing, crowned by a class victory at the 2023 Barcelona 24H. We had the chance to have a quick Q&A with Jasmin. Here is her reflection on her career and the legendary Nordschleife, where she’s honed her expertise through countless laps.
All photos © Jasmin Preisig
Growing up with a father who was once a racing driver and remains deeply passionate about motorsport, Jasmin discovered the world of racing early in her childhood. Her fascination quickly evolved into a decorated career marked by significant achievements. “My father was very passionate about motorsport, and we spent a lot of time at the racetrack together. I was just nine years old when I first sat in a kart. The feeling of speed and control was overwhelming in the best way. I quickly realized I didn’t just want to watch – I wanted to be part of the action. That spark never left me.”
Guided by her father into motorsport, Jasmin also learned everything there is in the craft from her father. “My father taught me everything from vehicle control to racing lines and mental strength. Later on, I learned a lot from coaches and teammates as well. Motorsport is a team sport, and constant learning and exchange are a big part of it.”
After her karting career, to have a more sustainable career – financially – Jasmin chose to go the touring car route. She competed in the Chevrolet Cruze Cup in 2012, followed by the Opel Astra OPC Cup in 2013. A decade dedicated to touring car and endurance racing culminated in her career-high achievement: winning the TCR class at the 2023 Barcelona 24H race. “One of the most defining moments was winning my class at the 24-hour race in Barcelona. Standing at the finish line after a full night of racing – that was pure emotion.”
Endurance racing is about the combination of stamina, strategy, and teamwork. It’s not just about being fast – you have to perform consistently, adapt to changing conditions, and work in perfect sync with your team. That ‘marathon feeling’ really excites me.
A sport career – not just motorsport – will always see highs and lows, no one stays on top forever. In the low points, Jasmin’s family are the ones that pulls her through to reach the next peak. “Injuries, technical failures, setbacks – they’re all part of the journey. What helped me most was the support of my family and staying focused on the next goal. I’ve learned to accept setbacks as part of the path forward.”
As a veteran of the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (formerly VLN), Jasmin reveres the legendary Nordschleife circuit and draws inspiration from those who has mastered the Nordschleife, such as the late “Queen of the Nürburgring” Sabine Schmitz. “Sabine’s energy, humor, and complete control of the Nordschleife always impressed me deeply. She showed that women can not only keep up in motorsport but also lead and dominate. She remains a huge inspiration for me.”
The Nordschleife is my all-time favorite – it’s technically demanding, unpredictable, and full of history.
Like many people in endurance racing, for Jasmin, racing in Le Mans is almost the ultimate goal. “In the long-term, I’m working to establish myself further in endurance racing, deliver consistently strong results – and hopefully step up to a whole new level sometime soon. One dream I still have is to race in Le Mans – that’s very high on my bucket list.”
Between races, Jasmin first recharges after the exhausting “marathon”, then, she gets back to her training routine to prepare for the next race. “After a race weekend, I’ll first take a hot shower and eat some really good food – ideally with friends or family. Then, I need a day without any appointments, just music, nature, and sleep – that’s how I recharge. When I’m not at the racetrack, I work as a driving instructor or train myself – in the gym, on the bike, or in the simulator. Every day is packed and structured – but I love that: structure, movement, and speed!”
We wish Jasmin all the best of luck in the remaining part of the season, and hopefully we see her realize her Le Mans dream very soon!
Paddock Sorority 
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