Motor Racing & Helen Bannister

My name is Helen Bannister. I am 32 years old and live in Sutton in Ashfield. I work locally as a Bra Grader for Crystal Martin International, a supplier of Marks and Spencer. I have a passion for driving and fast cars, taking part in track days and going karting as much as I can. Last year I got the chance to drive on a circuit for the first time and was totally hooked. To keep fit I compete in inline speed skating competitions and train with my club every week. I am a very competitive person and love adrenalin fueled sports.

Last year I saw a documentary on channel 4 called Formula Woman and was thrilled that women were given the chance to take part in a predominantly male sport. I decided to enter the annual Formula Woman competition, which aims to find 16 of the best female drivers in the UK (who have not previously held a race licence) to race in the prestigious Championship.

I was previously selected from over 1500 women to take part in an assessment at the end of April. I successfully completed this and made it through to the final 100 candidates. I then attended a two day elimination camp at Llandow sprint circuit in South Wales where 100 women were put through a series of grueling tests including. Media role playing, Fitness, Car control, Corner brake control and Circuit driving. Only 32 women were invited back for the second day and I was one of them.

The second day was even more competitive than the first. We had to compete in two karting races and I was up against two Karting Championship winners and five other competitors. In the first race we had a big downpour and things got very interesting. I finished in second place. Then things dried up a bit and I won the second race.

Next up we had to compete in time trials in the Caterhams. We only had three laps each and had to achieve a fast time without spinning. I got offered a place in the final 16. But due to lack of a partner/sponsor I wasn’t able to get on the grid. I feel that I have proven that I have the talent and determination to race in the final sixteen. I feel that I learned a lot this year and I will continue training and working tirelessly to gain sponsorship.

I am now looking for pledges of sponsorship from companies to support me when I reach my goal of racing in the 2008 Novice Championship I am confident, presentable and intelligent and feel I would be an ideal ambassador for potential sponsors, whether they are local or national. This is a fantastic opportunity for advertising as your company name and logo could appear on my car, helmet and race overalls as well as many other benefits including hospitality.

For further information please contact me on 07799744410

Or email me at helenbannister@hotmail.co.uk

Visit the Formula Woman website at www.formulawoman.com