A HEAD teacher who has a passion for motorsports is set for one of her most challenging races. Jenny Heinzelmann, 53, of Barkway Primary School, will be competing in Club Formula Woman s annual racing championship. In October, she was selected for the ass

A HEAD teacher who has a passion for motorsports is set for one of her most challenging races.

Jenny Heinzelmann, 53, of Barkway Primary School, will be competing in Club Formula Woman's annual racing championship.

In October, she was selected for the assessment stage of the series after a series of tests on and off the track at Formula Woman's base and track at Dunsfold in Surrey: the track used by the BBC's Top Gear programme.

Following successful completion of the tests, she has now been included in the shortlist of 100 women drivers and will be going to Leicestershire this month to attend an eliminations camp.

And she has the hope of being selected for the final 16 and appearing on ITV during the final in September.

"I'm over-the-moon and gob-smacked," she said.

The women taking part range from 18 to 64-years-old.

"I think I can go some of the way, but I've yet to see who I'm up against. However, I think being older can help because you have got more road experience."

Last year Jenny entered the same competition, but she had not had enough practice.

"I wasn't ready then, but my driving skills have improved. But the standard of driving has gone up which makes it tougher."

In preparation for the race, Jenny has had to attend a minimum of five track days and tries to put in at least two hours a month racing depending on costs and time.

"I love the adrenaline especially when I get it right and get a perfect line around a corner. I don't think I could match the experience in any other way."

Jenny has always been interested in the mechanical side of cars and only began motor racing when Club Formula Woman was set up in January 2003.

Speaking about the elimination camp, Jenny said: "I can't wait to get going and do something about it. I express my gratitude to Formula Woman. Who knows how many other successful women motor racers are out there?

"At the moment motor racing is a male dominated sport and I hope that will change. It should be the best drivers that make it, regardless of their sex.