Bristol woman reaches final stages of international racing driver competition
Formula Woman aims to uncover the world's best female racing drivers
A wannabe racing driver from Bristol has made it through to the final stage of a competition that could see her achieve her dream.
Steph Bedford from Fishponds, who is 32, is into the final 50 of a competition called Formula Woman, which tests the driving ability of women from around the world.
If she wins Steph will earn a seat on the televised racing circuit the GT Cup Championship.
Steph said “I am completely over the moon to have made it to the final 50.
"This is a lifelong dream.
"I have had the need for speed for as long as I can remember, one of my earliest memories is getting my brother to push me as fast as he could in a plastic car down a hill in my grandparents’ garden in Downend.
"It quickly moved on to watching the World Rally Championship with my dad every year before winning an indoor go karting championship in Avonmouth at the age of 13.
"I was the only female competitor. Unfortunately, due to the cost involved in go karting I was unable to pursue my passion any further.”
Throughout the competition so far Steph has completed a series of online and on-track assessments.
The next stage of the TV competition takes place in March where Steph will compete to be crowned Formula Woman 2022.
She is now on the search for sponsors to support her journey to the final which will be broadcast in the UK and across the globe.
“Formula Woman is more than just a competition, it’s a lifelong dream and an amazing way to show other young women that racing driving is a possibility," Steph said.
"I remember watching the first Formula Woman show back in 2004 and was excited at the prospect of women being represented in motor racing and couldn’t wait until I was old enough to enter the show myself.
"Unfortunately there wasn’t another show, until now. I’m going to give it my all!”
Two winners will eventually be selected, who will then compete against men in the 2022 GT Cup Championship.
You can follow Steph’s journey through the competition on her Instagram page @stephbedfordracing, while you can find out more about the Formula Women competition here.