When Hayley Swanson steps out of her V8 ute in head-to-toe racing gear, you could mistake her for one of the boys. And when she takes off her helmet, you might think she's just a pretty face.
But this Victoria University law student is tackling stereotypes as aggressively as she takes the corners at Bathurst. At 24, the Albury-born model and race car driver already has a business degree and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at VU's City Queen Campus in Melbourne's CBD.
With support from her parents, Swanson has raced cars since the age of 19, and this year began racing V8 utes. The only woman currently racing in this category, she travels the country supporting V8 Supercars at national events such as the Clipsal 500, Gold Coast 600 and Bathurst 1000.
Notwithstanding her love for racing, Swanson says her law studies are her top priority. "Racing is my passion, but it's a hobby. My studies are my future."
Her study and extra-curricular commitments keep her extremely busy, but she knows with the bright future ahead of her, it's definitely going to be worth it.
"In the long term I'd like to be a barrister in a busy Melbourne law firm. I hope when I'm a lawyer I'm still racing. Actually, it'll be a good way to fund my racing career!"
- Download the full PDF article about Hayley Swanson's academic and motor sport pursuits.
- Download the latest issue of Connections magazine.
Find out more about Law and Legal courses at VU.
