Kerry Lawrence is hoping to become Formula Woman champion

Kerry Lawrence, from Wellington Road, Newhaven, is hoping to top the podium when she competes in the finals next month.

Battling with more than 800 women worldwide, Kerry has made it to the last stage of the competition which will see six winners compete in the 2022 UK GT Cup Championship.

The novice, who only competed in a handful of track days before entering the event, would win a place in the McLaren Customer Racing GT4 team should she walk away victorious.

She told The Argus: "I am really doing as much practice as I can. I'm actually going to Sweden to do some ice-driving practice.

"I've taken my own car to a few track days but that is all I have really done.

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"I'm much better in a physical car than the simulator. They are a different experience completely."

The field was whittled down through a series of tough tests that focused on fitness, flag knowledge and racing skills.

The 34-year-old is among 75 finalists hoping to walk away with gold on March 2 and March 3.

Six of those will then be trained and coached between February and April 2022, ahead of a sponsored entry into the GT Cup Championship to compete against their male counterparts.

“To receive the support from McLaren is incredible,” Graeme Glew, CEO of Formula Woman, said.

Kerry on the simulator

“The prize on offer to the winners is a fantastic opportunity to compete in a very successful series with one of the most successful race car manufacturers in the world.

“The GT4 is an amazing car with huge power and will give the winners a truly memorable experience with a very real chance of winning races.”

Since its formation in 2007, the GT Cup Championship has only grown in stature while visiting the major UK circuits during the season.

Danny Buxton, head of McLaren customer racing, motorsport said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the Formula Woman initiative with our McLaren GT4 products in the 2022 GT Cup Championship.

“This championship is an established part of the UK motorsport scene and continues to grow in stature and popularity and we wish the Formula Woman programme all the very best for the season ahead.”