KART racer Jem Hepworth (18), from Chulmleigh, has been selected to represent the UK at the “Girls on Track” European final in March at Le Mans.

Jem has been a keen kart racer since the age of 11 in June 2012.

The FIA, together with nine partners, is implementing in a competition model for the promotion and development of young women in motor sport at grassroots level.

In March 2019, the three fastest girls from each country’s events (24 in total) will then pit themselves against each other at the European Final (Le Mans, March 7-10, 2019) for the chance to be among the six drivers selected for the European Team, who will attend the FIA Drivers Training Camps, where they will be supported through a sporting and educational programme.

During the autumn of 2019, the partners will organise the final event, report on the outcomes of the project to the European Institutions’ officials in Brussels, and host a spectacular karting demonstration involving the European Team selected during the project.

Having initially competed in Endurance cross country quad racing, Jem had early ambitions to move up the ranks and, with her dad by her side as a mechanic, they began competing at Dunkeswell Kart Circuit.

Jem says: “It proves that hard work and determination pays off. I’m going to give this opportunity everything I’ve got.”

Potential sponsors are invited to get in touch by emailing: [email protected] .

Follow Jem on “Facebook” at: jemhepworthracing .