In Conversation with Sweden’s Caroline Gassner

Caroline Gassner is a Swedish Rally Co-Driver who doesn’t come from that classic motorsport background.

Instead, it was a chance visit to Rally Sweden in 2016 combined with a love for adrenaline seeking that catapulted her into the racing world.

Since then, she found a novel way into the co-driver’s seat, has competed in over twenty races and has already achieved her first victory!

Looking to continually improve in her role as Co-Driver as well as serve as an inspiration for others looking to get into motorsport, Caroline’s love for the racing world really came across when she and I caught up recently where we chatted about all this and much more which you can read in full below.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

What first got you interested in the world of Motorsport?

I was not born and raised in a motorsport family, so it hasn’t been an obvious pathway for me. But I guess I’ve always liked the kind of adrenaline that driving ATVs, cars, jet skis and even horse jumping brings to me. I also always loved just spending time in the car.

When I was visiting Rally Sweden for the first time in 2016 watching the rally cars in full speed, I remember that I had the feeling of “That’s what I want to do!”.

A few years later I went on a test drive where people had the possibility to drive rally cars. After that I felt like I had to take this a step further and I got my first license.

Why did you decide to become a Rally Co-Driver?

From the beginning, my first thought was to become a driver, but I had absolutely no one around me who knew anything about rallying! I was close to buying a rally car, but I also realized that I first must get to know the “rally world”, get experience and first know how to run a competition.

It’s a funny story, but at this time (at the end of 2021) I was looking for a house for rent, and that’s how I met my first driver Nicklas. He had a house that he was renting, but was also looking for a rally co-driver.

I had to quickly take the next course for reading pace notes, and then my first competition was a sub-competition in the Swedish Championship. I had never done a rally competition before, but it went great! And now I love to sit in the passenger seat being a co-driver.

You began racing in 2022. How many races have you done, how did they go and did you have a favourite moment from last year?

At this moment I’ve done 20 races since June 2022. I must say I had a great start last year. Of course, it was a fantastic moment to start my career in the championship, but not just because of that – the first competition was also in my hometown. Unfortunately, we had to retire after almost 6 stages, but otherwise everything went great.

A favourite moment of mine was my 5th race last year. It was a competition in the Norwegian Championship. It was with a new driver, and it was the first time in Norway, the first time I wrote my own pace notes, the first time in a Volvo 740, first time with some stages in the dark, but also – my first victory! I really didn’t expect that.

What did you learn from 2022 that has helped you to improve in 2023?

2022 was my first year in rallying and I have to admit that everything went pretty well last year, it was a good year without struggles, and we had good placements. That year was basically my year for learning how rally works, how to read pace notes in a good way, set up a way for preparatory work for a competition, learn about the regulations…and everything else!

This year I was already comfortable with all that, which means I’ve been able to “relax” a little bit and put more focus on myself and how to become a better co-driver. 2023 has also brought some hard lessons and disappointments which I, in retrospect, can see have made me grow. Both life and rally are challenging sometimes, and setbacks are a part of the career.

How has this year gone for you?

Me and my driver Nicklas had a good start with a victory in “Finnskogsvalsen” – a winter competition which we used as a test before the championship. We also had a good start in the championship this winter where we ended in 8th place out of 57 in our class.

Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of struggles after that with technical issues and we ended up with a roll in the final competition. But to be positive – I’ve really learned a lot about dealing with adversity.

Besides that, I’ve competed with some new drivers this year which has taught me a lot, and I’m so thankful they have shared their experience with me. I have learned two more pace note systems, tried new cars and classes. I’ve been on the podium with most of these new drivers and that makes me realize we must have had a great cooperation.

What are your ambitions for 2024 and beyond?

I absolutely hope to climb, get more experience, and take rallying to the next level. I would love to compete in the R5-class soon and to participate more internationally.

My ambition is also to develop personally – my goal is always to be the best, bravest version of myself, to be confident, calm and to support my driver in the best way I can, regardless of class.

How has your experience been with the motorsport world? Have you felt welcomed and like you belong or has it been difficult to fit in?

The motorsport world is like a big family. I felt welcomed from the start and after the roll we made this year (which was my first roll) drivers and co-drivers I didn’t even know texted and called to ask if I was ok and supported with debriefing. Everyone is supportive, and I’ve never experienced such cohesion anywhere else. That’s a big reason why I really love rally.

It’s so much fun to always have contact with these people with the same interest. We support each other, share knowledge and experiences and that’s why we get so tight. And I’m always looking forward to meeting these people in the competitions regardless of whether we are competitors or not.

What do you do when you’re not racing?

When I’m not working or racing, I love to take long walks in the forest, it’s good both mentally and physically. I also love to have a “Swedish fika”, to relax and take care of myself.

What is a fun fact about you?

My favourite animal is chickens… maybe that’s a fun fact haha!

If you could play any musical instrument, which would you choose and why?

I would say my voice. I actually like to sing. I’m not saying I’m good at it, but I think it’s fun and relaxing. If I use my voice in the right way and work on my breathing, I can deliver better pace notes haha!

Thank You again to Caroline for taking the time to chat and good luck for 2024.

Author: Thiemo Albers-Daly