Safedrive strengthens the team with Maria Sandberg

- I'm really looking forward to this!

This is according to a satisfied Maria Sandberg, who is now entering into a partnership with Safedrive.

The girl from Evenskjer in Troms is a superstar in the international snowmobile community and has a significant following on social media. Here she documents a life of speed, excitement and fast vehicles. Not surprisingly, motorsport has long been a part of the colorful northerner's life.

- Snowmobiling has been a big part of my childhood and upbringing. It's practically come in with my mother's milk and is a big part of who I am. I love the sense of freedom it gives me, all the places I get to experience, the people I get to meet and not least the mastery it gives me. I can't quite imagine my life without it.

Maria describes herself as an ordinary girl from a small village. Yet, without intending to, she managed to reach out to a whole world when she appeared in "RuffRiders" in 2013. She stood out as a woman in a male-dominated environment - something that attracted both positive and negative feedback.

- "I got a lot of messages and comments that I couldn't drive a snowmobile. I had just bought a snowmobile and was by no means a pro - I was just having fun and never thought this would reach the whole world," she says.

- Like a bolt from the blue, there I was, quite alone and with a whole world of opinions. It both provoked and saddened me, but I managed to turn it into motivation to get better, both for my own progression and development - but also to "show them". I felt that someone had to be the one to pave the way for both girls and boys who wanted to get into this sport, and who perhaps felt limited by the pressure or who didn't feel "good enough".

- We all have different circumstances and goals. Regardless of where you stand and what you want, you shouldn't have to feel that you have to prove something or feel pressure. It's not about being the best, having the very latest or the best in order to be part of the environment and the sport. I want to be the one who shows others that the most important thing is to have fun, and that anything is possible if you just want to.

The dedication paid off for Maria. Today, she is one of the biggest profiles in the snowmobile community, and a great role model for other girls, children and young people.

- The fact that someone looks up to me and is inspired by what I do is incredibly fun, and at the same time surreal," she says.

- I never go around thinking that I'm "famous" or more than anyone else in any way. I still forget how many people follow me on my channels, and I'm still surprised when someone recognizes me. The scale of how many people I reach out to has never really sunk in. After all, I'm just Maria from Evenskjer who cultivates my passions and shares them.

When Maria and Safedrive enter into a partnership, the focus will be on the younger target group in particular. This is according to Mathias Nervik, Marketing Director at Safedrive.

- Maria has a unique ability to connect with children and young people, which we have noticed when she has been with us at trade fairs and events. We consider this to be very important for building relationships with young people interested in cars and motors.

- As a motorsport athlete, Maria also reaches out to many in the younger target groups through her social channels. She will be an important mouthpiece for young people at risk, who are often overrepresented in the injury statistics along Norwegian roads," says Nervik.

Nervik points out that Maria doesn't just represent a life as a motorsport athlete.

- We can see that in addition to being a professional motorsport athlete, Maria is not afraid to roll up her sleeves. She diligently shares her everyday life of tinkering, building, sanding, painting and much more. Always done with character and uniqueness. Maria does what it takes to achieve the goals she has set herself - and she inspires many along the way. We believe it's important to highlight people who motivate both young and old to pursue their dreams, and we're delighted to have Maria on board.

Maria has become very aware of her role as a role model and what she wants to convey in her social channels.

- For me, it's important to be authentic, "real" and show that you genuinely love what you do. If you're passionate about something, you'll achieve results one way or the other. But the focus has to be in the right place; not on likes and followers, but in what you do," she explains.

- Not least, I want to be a good role model when it comes to respecting and understanding nature, which is beautiful as well as brutal. For those who travel in nature as we freeriders do, it's important to take courses to learn about avalanches and hazards. The mountains forgive no one.

- It's also important to show respect for others you meet out there - both people and animals. Relax and say hello, we're not cowboys. Last but not least - safety. Don't drive beyond your ability and always wear a helmet, Maria urges.

Now she's looking forward to representing Safedrive, and makes no secret of why Safedrive has become an important part of her everyday life.

- "I'm very proud and happy to have the opportunity to be part of Safedrive, and that I get to be part of the journey together with the fantastic people who work there. Safedrive is an innovative company with a product that I swear by - and have used for several years. I drive all over the country all the time, so for me it's absolutely essential to have a Safedrive device in my car.

- Together we'll get there safely!

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