After a successful test with Power Maxed Racing, W Series racer Jessica Hawkins will get back behind the wheel of the Astra and make her BTCC debut at Snetterton.
Look out for that bobble hat: Jessica Hawkins is back in a race car.
Power Maxed Racing announced that the 25-year old British driver will make her BTCC debut at the next round of the championship, which will be held at Snetterton on 24/25 October.
After a successful test in the PMR Astra in September, Jessica will finally turn her dream into reality and enter the highly popular Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship after sitting on the sidelines throughout 2020 due to the cancellation of the W Series season.
Hawkins, after several years spent in touring cars in the UK, had in fact stepped up to the all-female F3 championship W Series in 2019, where she finished the inaugural season in eleventh place and was thus confirmed on the grid for the series sophomore season.
As she waits for the return of the W Series, Jessica will make her return to touring cars at the Snetterton triple header, taking over the race-winning Powered Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra in the penultimate round of the season.
“I’m really excited about seeing what Jess can do in the Astra” - said PMR Team Principal Adam Weaver. “She impressed us at her initial test session a few weeks ago and, judging by her results in front-wheel drive machinery, should be a strong contender once she hits the Norfolk tarmac in a couple of weeks."
After cutting her way through the competitive British karting scene, Jessica competed in both the Clio Cup and Mini Challenge, where she was a multiple race winner and title contender in 2017. Beside circuit racing, Jess is also popular for her involvement in the film industry, having worked in the "The Fast & Furious" live shows and in the upcoming Bond movie "No Time To Die" as a stunt driver.
"Not only does she show phenomenal car control, as evidenced by her on-screen stunt credentials, but she’s a great person to work with, and shows tremendous commercial acumen.” - added Weaver.
One month ago, Power Maxed Racing had given a similar chance to another female racer, Jade Edwards, who made her debut at the Silverstone round becoming the first woman in over 13 years to enter a BTCC race.
“BTCC is where I’ve always wanted to be - it’s my dream.” - said Jessica.
“I’ve managed to knock on the door a few times, but I genuinely can’t believe it’s actually happening, especially with such a great team behind me in PMR."
"I have to give a massive thanks to FastR, Motorsport Legal, Clapham North MOT, Elliot Brown Watches and the Motorsport Collective for backing me and giving me the support needed for this incredible opportunity. I hope it’s the first of many appearances on the grid for me!”
Hawkins gets back behind the wheel after the Berlin 2020 Formula E season finale, where she drove the Jaguar I-Pace VIP car to tenth place in the final round of the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy.