Girlracer kindly had an invite from wannabe British Touring Car driver Katie Croucher, to watch her compete as the only female in the final Ford Fiesta Championship race of the season during the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch.

The Ford Fiesta Championship grid was split in two; the front half allocated to the more powerful Fiesta Si with 1800cc and 140bhp - one of which was Katie’s pink and white Fiesta - leaving the 1400cc Zetecs bringing up the rear. Fierce competitor Andy Neate, an independent newcomer to the British Touring Car Championship in the final race at Brands earlier this month, kept the competition at bay by taking first place during Saturday’s race in his red NUTS sponsored car. Katie finished in a disappointing 17th place, but fought her way back up to 14th position by Sunday’s final race. She was happy to be clearing the same lap times as her last visit to Brands and obtaining a 8th place overall in the class championship.

It is well known that saloon car championships such as the Ford Fiesta and SEAT Cupra Championships and Renault Clio ‘How many times can I roll this thing’ Cup are fantastic stepping stones into the ultimate British Touring Car Championship. Katie may only be 25 years old, but after being brought up on a diet of Goodwood from an early age she started out in the cheap but cheerful chicken-run-on-wheels Citroen 2CV racing series followed by Britcars, the Mini John Cooper Challenge and now the Ford Fiesta Championship. Katie has her sights set on the BTCC racing in a Honda Civic in two years time. And I have no doubt that she will make it.

Not happy being a fitness instructor, Katie followed her passion for motorsport and is now a full-time racing instructor. “But some guys aren’t totally happy about me being a female instructor on trackdays” she says. “ Sometimes I have to take the keys off them to make them listen to me!” She continues; “Actually women are the easiest to teach and instruct, because they take on board what you’re saying.” Well like it or not, she does have a point! Being able to multi-task, I was even touching up my lipstick whilst going round the track during the last novice trackday at Brands!

An ambitious approach has seen Katie set up her own racing instructor business called ‘Ladies on Track’ with a race prepared BMW Mini Cooper. This allows ladies to choose any trackday at any circuit around the country with one-to-one tuition from Katie at any level. She is even looking at organising female only trackdays so keep an eye out Girlracers! Katie Croucher is definitely a name to watch out for in the future, this girlie is going places…

Sezza

(Only kidding about touching up my lipstick on my last trackday, I was too busy waving and pulling faces at the camera!)