Talented Jessica is getting the support to realise her dream

The Mawsley driver is ready to return this year after the 2020 campaign was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Jessica Hawkins. Pictures courtesy of Pete AldridgeJessica Hawkins. Pictures courtesy of Pete Aldridge
Jessica Hawkins. Pictures courtesy of Pete Aldridge

Talented driver Jessica Hawkins is hoping extra financial backing can help her build on a dream 2020.

The 25-year-old appeared in the maiden 2019 W Series – a groundbreaking single-seater series that has launched a partnership with Formula 1 – and will return this year, coronavirus pandemic permitting, after the 2020 campaign was cancelled.

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But it was the memorable one-round debut in last year’s British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) that has really whet the appetite of the Mawsley resident.

Mawsley’s Jessica Hawkins driving the Power Maxed Racing car at Snetterton in NorfolkMawsley’s Jessica Hawkins driving the Power Maxed Racing car at Snetterton in Norfolk
Mawsley’s Jessica Hawkins driving the Power Maxed Racing car at Snetterton in Norfolk

She drove for Power Maxed Racing (PMR) at Snetterton and is crossing fingers that further support from sponsors will help her realise more motorsport ambitions in 2021.

Since I’ve been a young girl, before I even knew what racing was really, I’d always been drawn to British Touring Cars,” said Hawkins.

“And that’s always where I’ve strived to be and I never thought it would be possible because it’s a big budget and budget is something that I’ve struggled to get.

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“I don’t come from large family wealth or anything like that so getting sponsors on board and stuff, especially in these times, is very difficult.

“Luckily, for me anyway, Power Maxed had pulled out of the season due to Covid-19 at the beginning and they were looking to put a different driver in at every round of the season.

“I got the phone call to do one and I was thinking to myself: ‘God where am I going to find the budget for this?’ Luckily I had some amazing sponsors come on board in Fastr, Motorsport Legal, Clapham North MOT and EB Watches. They helped me get together for the race and made it achievable for one race.

“I literally had the best time of my life. It was everything that I dreamed for and more and it’s just made me want it even more for a full season.”

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The professional stunt driver, who will appear in the forthcoming James Bond film No Time to Die, produced a promising display finishing 22nd, 21st and 20th out of 27 in the three races at the Norfolk circuit.

She has enjoyed a host of accolades since her days as a talented karter and holds the world record for driving the fastest accelerating lawnmower after going from 0-100mph in just 6.29 seconds.

Yet Hawkins admits her favourite achievement and experience remains her brief foray into the world of BTCC in October.

“It’s such a competitive championship, we had extra ballast on that guest drivers have to use,” added Hawkins, speaking to insurance broker Adrian Flux as part of their Motorsport Memories series.

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“But I can’t actually still believe that it happened and I just remember sitting on the grid before saying over the radio: ‘Guys, I don’t know if I need a shower, or sit on the toilet, or if I need a wee or if I need to run around and scream.’

“It was just the most amazing feeling, it’s what I’ve worked for my whole life and now I’m just so excited about the prospect of having a full season so I’m going to try and put that all together.”

To read Hawkins’ Motorsport Memories in full visit www.adrianflux.co.uk/motorsport/

For more information or to sponsor Jessica please email [email protected]

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