Teresa has a motor sports background, but never as a driver and hopes to make it into the driver's seat through Formula Woman. The competition aims to find 16 of the UK's best women drivers, who are yet to hold a race licence, to race in the 2007 Novice Championship.

Teresa, who works as a credit control manager for a Leicester crash repair centre, moved to Syston three years ago with her 15-year-old daughter. With more than 1,300 women originally entering, she was one of 500 to be selected for a further assessment, which takes place on Friday.

She explained: "I've always had a strong interest in motor sport and I've been round Rockingham's International circuit in a two-seater F1 car. The adrenaline rush from that was amazing! I used to work in the motor sport industry and it just got me even more excited and enthused about getting more involved in motor sport."

Assessments will be based on driving skills, but also aspects such as fitness and motor sport knowledge. 

If successful, Teresa will reach the final elimination round in June where 16 of the 100 will then be chosen to drive in the championship. The top three will be given scholarships to drive a 1.6K series Rover-powered Caterham 7, while the remaining 13 will have to find sponsorship.

Teresa said: "I am confident that I can secure one of the three scholarship drives available. I have already proven that I have good car control and speed on track during training sessions."

The Formula Woman Novice Championship runs over eight races from July to November at Pembrey, Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Silverstone.

Got a sports story? Email sportseditor Chris Harby on www.chris.harby@meltontimes.co.uk