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SPECIAL EVENT (LONDON) - GIRL POWER COMES TO THE LONDON

This year's London Motorsport Show, held on Saturday and Sunday 8/9 December at ExCeL, will celebrate "girl power", as it features an area dedicated to encouraging women into a career in motorsport. A number of already successful ladies who compete in various racing disciplines will be on hand to offer advice and share their experiences with those who have an interest in motorsport, as well as displaying some of their racing cars.

Supported by GirlracerTM, drivers on the stand include British Touring Car Championship driver Fiona Leggate, who will be displaying her 300bhp MG ZS racer. Fiona is the highest-placed female in BTCC history and holds a world record for the most races entered in 24 hours. She will be joined by Annalese Thorp and her Formula Ford; Lotus P Pitstop driver Sarah Crowder; and Anna Walewska with the mighty Viper GT she will be racing in the 2008 season.

Also on hand will be former karter and now VW racer Karen Andrews; the 2006 Silverstone Rally School Lady Quest winner Becky Kirvan and her Polo; single-seater driver Nicki Welesby; and Mini Challenge driver Dawn Boyd with the car which saw her get third place in the Ladies Championship. Michaela Bevan will also be bringing her Mini to the show, while Cassey Watson will showcase her Ginetta.

For those with an interest in two wheels, Sam Burnam will be bringing her Honda RS 125cc motorbike, while Team Feisty Racing rider Kat Sanderson will be showcasing her 250cc Aprilla.

Forget the wheels, what about the water? Leading offshore powerboat racer Sarah Donahue shares her experiences of a different form of motorsport. Sarah is a National and European Powerboat Champion and the longest-standing female offshore racing driver. She was also a stunt driver in one of the iconic James Bond movies.

Show organiser Philip Bunn said: "For a long time, motorsport was seen as a predominantly male-orientated sport, but now there are many ladies who are challenging the gents at their own game and putting up quite a fight. Having such great names involved in this area will hopefully encourage other women to get involved in the sport and create an even stronger female movement within the industry."

Also on offer is the Future of Motorsport Zone, which will have all you need to know about gaining qualifications, the apprenticeships and scholarships available for a career in motorsport, be it as a driver, pit crew or designer. For those ready to race but needing an MSA license, there is a dedicated area for drivers to have medical and physical examinations and to speak with MSA officials.

The show will also host the London Masters Rallycross competition, on an arena-based circuit which will see around 100 rallycross competitors battle it out over the two days. Reigning division champions will test their driving skills to limit on a purpose-built course created specifically for the competition.

With competitors reaching speeds of 80mph and aiming for a lap time of around 35 seconds, visitors will be on the edges of their seats watching the exhilarating live action. Competitors include British Rallycross Champion Ollie Donovan and Open Rallycross Champion "Mad" Mark Watson. Sponsors of the London Masters include Shannon Holdings and London Mazda.

The London Motorsport Show covers all disciplines of motorsport, from karting through to Formula One, and is a must for any motor racing enthusiast. Doors open each day from 10.00 and the show closes at 18.30 on Saturday (with the rallycross event finishing at around 20.00) and 17.00 on Sunday.

Ticket prices range from £8 to gain admission into the exhibition only and from £13 for the exhibition and rallycross competition for adults when booked in advance. Family tickets range from £22. For information and to book tickets, visit http://www.londonmotorsport.co.uk.

The internationally acclaimed lifestyle brand and promoter of women in motorsport and extreme sports, GirlracerTM is an online magazine, updated daily with the latest news and gossip from the world of motorsport, motoring and extreme sports. For further information, visit http://www.girlracer.co.uk