After entering the world karting elite in the span of few months, Beitske Visser had the opportunity to make her debut in car racing at the Dutch Supercar Challenge, on 5, 6 and 7 August 2011, on the circuit of Assen. Without any previous experience in the category - not even with her powerful car (an Attack Praga R4 GT1) - this very promising Dutch karter (who is just 16) made a feat by crossing the finish line as winner after a long race, which lasted an hour. Only a gearbox problem stopped her from conquering another victory in the following day's race.

In car racing, which is the mixed sport par excellence, there is rarely a chance to see female drivers on the top step of the podium. But since the start of her career, Beitske Visser has kept proving that these things can happen. In karting, she has shown a stunning progression, especially since her debut at international level. But karting is not car racing and not all the beginners are good enough to achieve such brilliant performances on their debut, driving a GT1 with over 500 HP. But the Dutch driver did not think too much about it and faced the challenge with incredible panache, as she explained. "In karting I race for Praga, a new Czech make, so I was invited at a round of the Dutch Supercar Challenge, at the wheel of an Attack Praga R4S by Race4 Slovakia team. I had already driven a car, but only a formula car. Driving a GT1 was a completely new thing for me, but I thought it could be a fantastic experience. At first, I set myself the goal of entering the top 5. Then, after setting the fourth fastest time during timed qualifying, I began to think of a podium finish. And finally, I conquered a victory!" A remarkable feat for this important debut...
Therefore Beitske passed from a 125cc kart weighing 175 kg to a car with a 8-cylindre, 3.2 litre engine, developing 510 HP, for 790 kg! Once more, Beitske showed an uncommon adaptation speed for such a young driver. In the race, she also incurred a 25-second penalty that every new driver is inflicted on their first experience, as well as a drive through because her pit stop was too fast.
"After my pit stop I found myself again in third place - same as on the grid - though I had taken a good start and I had already started my recovery. I quickly gained one place and began closing on the leader. Once I was behind him, I put him under pressure but it was not easy to pass him. At last I saw a gap at the very end of the race. I did not expect I would win this first race on Saturday, it was really a very pleasant feeling".
She was also determined to win the following day, but unfortunately she was forced to retire due to a gearbox problem. But her potential and talent did not go unnoticed at Assen...

Strong Impression on the Media

The Dutch Supercar Challenge round held at Assen gathered as many as 62,000 spectators. After her victory, Beitske Visser aroused the enthusiasm of her Dutch supporters. "A lot of journalists and photographers also came towards me after my victory, it was very nice". They definitely did not expect to see a 16 year old girl win on her first time in a category where most drivers have quite a lot of experience!