Skip to main content

Here’s a video that brought a big smile to my face: an older Swiss woman tucks her long white hair into a racing helmet, then absolutely blasts around the race course during a track day. What is she driving? A rare 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale. This Gallardo Granny has great moves and great taste! Check out the video, then keep reading to find out who she is:

The driver who is delighting the internet is a business manager named Sonja Heiniger. And you won’t be surprised to find out this isn’t her first track day. In 2022, she made similar waves tearing up Italy’s Monza Circuit in her bright green Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Reporters finally caught up with her in Switzerland where she and three other women were in the middle of their own Porsche rally. Sonja was the elder driver, and says she has been hooked on sports cars since she was 18. But she admits she only began driving Porsches in 1997. For years, AWD Japanese cars made more sense for her budget and the weather in Switzerland. But once she could afford a Porsche, she fell in love instantly. By 2005 was racing regularly with the Porsche Club in Zurich.

A Porsche emblem is shown on a white car hood
Porsche emblem | Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images

She says the club is like her family and that no one minds when she wins. But track days with other clubs are a different story. She says other drivers will be all smiles in the morning, but are no longer on speaking terms with her by the afternoon. Sonja’s relationship with her cars is a bit different. Of her Porsche, she says she always talks to “her” before races and “scolds” her when she misses a gate during slalom racing.

Sonja says most racers look around the track for her husband. She must explain that she tried to get him into sports cars, but racing didn’t stick so now he waits for her at home.

I think what makes me so happy about this video is how clearly it illustrates that auto racing is a fantastic hobby that all kinds of folks from all walks of life enjoy. And if you disagree, I know a woman in Zurich who would love to race you.

Next, learn how Ken Block’s talented daughter raced his final car in a touching tribute, or watch Sonja driving her beloved Porsche in this final video:

Related
Rest in Speed: Ken Block’s Final Film Is a Proper Sendoff

Rest in Speed: Ken Block’s Final Film Is a Proper Sendoff

When It Comes to a ‘Fast & Furious’ Role, Helen Mirren Wasn’t Too Proud to Beg

When It Comes to a ‘Fast & Furious’ Role, Helen Mirren Wasn’t Too Proud to Beg

Best in Coupes
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.