A WIDNES female driver has her sights firmly set on a professional career in motorsport and has expanded her knowledge of the industry by enrolling on the motorsport course at Riverside College.

Jamie-Lea Hawley was the only female driver to feature in the Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championships at the age of 15 and after a very successful year she has aspirations to progress into the senior championships.

During her time on the motorsport course Jamie-Lea will learn valuable skills from the tutors that she can put into practice on the race course, during training and competitions. She will also develop work related and technical skills to give her a more hands on experience for her future career.

Jamie-Lea said: “I was looking at undergoing a sports course at the college however I decided to take up the motorsport course. "This is a course that not many college’s offer and it will enhance my skills both on and off the track. The facilities at Riverside are fantastic and the tutors spend so much time with you to help you improve.

"I am so proud to have competed in the Renault UK Clio Junior Championships and to place third in the Henry Surtees award for the best teen racer for 2017, after competing in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championships. In the future, I would like to, move into British Touring Cars, however next year I am looking to compete in the UK Renault Clio Cup Championships and am now looking for sponsors to help me fulfil my dream as a professional driver.”

Carl McKellar, media officer of the Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championships said: “Jamie-Lea showed immediate promise when she competed in the Renault UK Clio Cup Junior Championships category in 2018.

"With minimal preparation, she still outfoxed several better funded drivers – one very classy move when she passed two in one go at Silverstone springs to mind.

“Jamie-Lea is also clearly prepared to put in the effort out of the car as well. There is very definitely the potential to build an exciting brand around her as a role model for other young women. She has a talent – now she just needs a break.”