Motorsport

Nikki Welsby’s debut into the world of motorsport began in 2005 when she was selected from thousands of entrants to compete in the Formula Woman motor racing championship.

She said: "It was such a great experience and I met so many amazing and inspiring people during the contest… Formula Woman is an excellent concept and prepares women for all areas of motorsport, not just the driving."

Preparation for the championship included track days with tuition from professional racing instructors, competing in kart races, securing sponsorship, generating media coverage and building fitness. Nikki’s preparation stood her in good stead and after becoming one of the 16 chosen to race in the Formula Woman Caterham Championship, she went on to win the championship in September 2006.

Nikki commented: “It was a real challenge, excellent fun and totally exhilarating. And winning was the icing on the cake!”

As the reigning Formula Woman champion, Nikki went on to promote women in motorsport by appearing at the MPH '06 Show and being interviewed at the Autosport International Show in 2007. She provided passenger laps at an NSPCC charity day at Castle Combe circuit and was guest speaker at an Executive Woman's event in London later that year. Nikki was also nominated for BBC Midlands Sports Personality.

Read the full Formula Woman article (Document opens in a new window. To view it you will need the Free Adobe Reader)

See videos below of Nikki’s 2006 racing season and also being interviewed for an ITV Central News feature.