A STUDENT with a driving ambition has been encouraged by her debut appearance.

Louise Cook, 19, from Maidstone, was delighted with how her first stint behind the wheel in a rally race went and is now planning more races.

She was one of just two female competitors in a field of 105 drivers competing in the event held at the Rockingham circuit near Northampton.

Louise finished a creditable 51st in her first ever rally.

“I’ve only just got my rally licence so I was really pleased,” said Louise of Sportsfield, Maidstone.

The rally involved competing in 10 different stages over two days.

Louise, who is studying automotive design in Coventry, was introduced to the sport by her boyfriend, Stefan Davis, a rally driving instructor.

“He said my driving was good so I decided to have a go,” said Louise.

Driving a bright orange, 20-year-old Peugeot 205, Louise didn’t think she would finish as high in the field as she did.

Compete

“I absolutely loved it,” she said.

She is now looking for sponsors so she can compete in the Stars of the Future rally series next year.

uE06E Anyone who can help is asked to log on to Louise’s website at www.cutecookie.co.uk