Mental Health nurse Gill Luke is just a couple of steps away from realising her dream of competing in a top women's racing championship.

Gill, from Oswaldtwistle, has a real passion for cars and has previously been involved in quarter-mile racing at Santa Pod.

She has also completed the Silverstone Clubmans Rally course and taken to the circuit in Caterhams and Formula First cars.

Now she wants to take it to another level, and after applying to Formula Woman, has been chosen for the first stages of the competition.

Formula Woman organises an all-female national competition, designed to attract women into motorsport and to find and develop up-and-coming female racing talent.

The competition is based on a tough selection process so only the very best drivers will secure a place in the 2007 Novice Championship - and Gill is confident of success.

She said: "I am really looking forward to the competition, now it's getting nearer I am very excited. My previous experience will help and I will be giving it my best shot.

"I think that the Northern area selections will take place at Oulton Park although I am waiting for a definite date."

Gill applied back in November, and in the last week of April she will have her first assessment day when she is hoping to win her place in the last 100 hopefuls.

This involves track time in a Caterham7, which can reach speed of up to 130mph, also timed laps in a race kart, fitness and general motorsport knowledge.

If all goes well, she will then go through to the "gruelling" elimination camp - two days of intensive testing which will narrow the field down to the final 16 who will compete in the 8 race series for the title of Formula Woman Champion 2007.

The prize for the winner of the championship is a fully funded drive in a national race series for 2008, estimated to be in excess of £30,000.

ltsport@the-lt.co.uk