A YOUNG woman from Colchester hopes to make it big in the karting world after competing in a British competition once entered by Formula One legends.

Jessica Fitch-Hall, 18, of Stanway, is a former Philip Morant School student who has had a passion for kart racing since she was eight years old.

She is currently studying an apprenticeship in dental nursing but spends all her free time practising her favourite sport.

Gazette: Team - Jessica (left) with Fern GB teamTeam - Jessica (left) with Fern GB team (Image: Jessica Fitch Hall)

After recently being selected as a Fern GB driver, she now hopes to gain sponsorships to help push her dream of becoming a world champion forward.

Competing in the British Kart Championships TKM Extreme competition in 2023, she placed 12th out of 23 participants.

The Formula TKM has had FIA World Champions, including Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson, and double BTCC champion Colin Turkington.

Gazette: Motivated - Jessica Fitch-Hall hopes to be one of the top in BritainMotivated - Jessica Fitch-Hall hopes to be one of the top in Britain (Image: Jessica Fitch Hall)

Jessica is now preparing to take part in the British Kart Championship (UKC) this year with the hopes of finishing in the top ten - if not higher.

She said: “I started racing when I was eight years old in karting and started competing in MSA license in 2022, with 2023 being my first full season.

“In 2023 I entered the British Kart Championship for the first time and came 12th in Britain.

Gazette: Racing - Jessica in her Fern GP kartRacing - Jessica in her Fern GP kart (Image: Jessica Fitch Hall)

“For 2024 I will be competing in the British Kart Championship (UKC) to try and get top ten.

“I also hope to test and race with Fern GP in their Formula Ford, however I do need the support of sponsors to help me carry on in the industry as I'm now competing at a higher level.

“My audience is growing at a fast pace and I'm thankful for all the support from the community.”

Gazette: Karting - Fern GP vehiclesKarting - Fern GP vehicles (Image: Jessica Fitch Hall)

Securing sponsorships, Jessica hopes, will help her to progress further in the sport, as she hopes to achieve her dreams of becoming a pro.

She said: “For sponsors, to me it brings a lot of opportunities, such as new equipment which means in the long run my racing is more efficient and it can save me financially in the long run.

“But it also gives me a confidence boost as a driver knowing that my racing as a career is being spotted and people are supporting it means a lot to me.”