Kettering train driver bids to become first transgender driver in the British Touring Car Championship

Deborah Stokes, a male to female transgender woman, is bidding to become the first transgender driver in the British Touring Car Championship.

Train driver Deborah will be making her race debut on Saturday (May 13) in a BMW E36 325 in the Snetterton Saloon Series at Snetterton Norfolk at 1.25pm in the 45-minute race.

The qualifying session starts at 9.30am.

Deborah started her transition in March 2013 and underwent gender reassignment surgery going into hospital on June 26, 2015 with the operation happening the following day and her coming home on July 4.

Deborah has been preparing for her racing with a training programme at Snetterton.

The Spirit Motorsport Driver Development programme which Deborah is part of helps drivers meet their motorsport objectives through a package of driver coaching and support with marketing.

Deborah said: “I want to prove that a trans female can compete equally against male and female drivers.

"In motorsport the car does not know your gender, just your ability to race.”