Jessica Bäckman awarded in hometown Boden

TCR driver Jessica Bäckman was awarded "Citizen of the Year" during a prizegiving gala in her Swedish hometown of Boden.

Coming from a very competitive 2019 racing season, Swedish driver Jessica Bäckman was among the nominees for "Citizen of the Year", as part of a business gala aimed at honouring the Boden municipality's excellence. On February 22nd, Bäckman was selected as the winner of the award out of five nominees.

Boden, a municipality with a population of a little over 18,000 people located in the Northern Swedish region of Norrland, every year hosts the prestigious gala event, promoting the city empowerment initiatives.

"She is the racing driver who, with her impressive achievements, has reached the hightest elite in the racing sport." - read the jury's statement. "This year she also made history as the first woman of all time to reach the podium in the prestigious championship TCR Europe. A true role model and ispiration for other Boden citizens".

A truly deserved victory for the talented lady, who competed alongside her brother Andreas in the European TCR championship and in selected races of the German and Scandinavian-based series, where she was able to score three podium finishes at the wheel of the i30 TCR Hyundai with Italian top-team Target Competition.

"It feels unreal! When I saw who was nominated, I never thought I would win. I am very happy and grateful, especially since it is the people who has voted for me. It's worth a lot." - commented Jessica when accepting the prize.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has voted for me! Now I look forward to begin a new racing season and knowing that I have Boden's support with me in the car feels great! " she added.

Her 2019 season was also enhanced by the participation in the brand-new FIA event of the Motorsport Games, held in its inaugural edition on the scenic backdrop of Rome, on the Vallelunga racetrack. Jessica had the honor to represent Sweden in the TCR category and impressed with yet another remarkable performance in a very strong field.

The 2020 season will see the young Swede keeping her seat at Target Competition for a second campaign in the TCR Europe championship, where she will target her first TCR victory after a very positive debut in 2019. The Bäckman brothers were also previously announced as part of the "Swedish National Team", a program aimed at developing national drivers in motor racing.