After moving through the Pro-kart ranks, Playfair has graduated to single-seater race cars. Her 2003 baptism with Linlithgow-based Taylor Motorsport, in the Scottish Formula Ford championship, initially proved to be a steep learning curve, but it was one she tackled with relish. “It was tough getting used to something so quick, as the kart did 80mph flat-out while the Ford car can do 140mph,” she says. “But by the middle of the season I was up in the pack and by the end of the year I was getting close to the front.”
That progress has been maintained through 2004, where she recorded her first podium finish. “I started this season ready to make a full assault on the championship and already I’ve finished second, third and twice been fourth, so I’m making progress. I’ve got all the racecraft from my days in karting and I’m finding more speed with every race.”
Last month, Playfair was the only Scottish championship contender brave enough to compete in the Avon British Formula Ford championship when it visited Knockhill. Her performances at the Fife circuit immediately attracted the attention of rival team bosses. “I was offered a test at Donington Park and hopefully it will lead to a seat in the UK championship for next season. In the meantime, I’d like to raise the cash to contest another round of this year’s UK championship so I can measure my progress against the best guys again. But I’ll also concentrate on my Knockhill season and hopefully get the win which I believe is just round the corner.”
There are many who believe Playfair has the ability to progress through to British Formula 3, the stepping stone to F1. “In terms of natural ability, Sarah has it in abundance,” says Graham Bruton, who heads his own motorsport team. “She’s one of these rare drivers who only has to do something once and it sticks. She’s a human data-logger and if her talent continues to develop at the same speed, then she can climb through the racing formulae.”