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Louise Inch

DOB: 10/10/1984

Occupation: Family Engineering Reconditioning Buisness

Currently Racing: BRSCC Mighty Mini Championship

Race Car: Rover Mini Cooper 1275

My relationship with motor sport first dates back to my late grandfather, Chris Inch, who started racing in the Mini Sevens Championship in the early 60s in an unforgettable pink mini cooper. He was very successful thoughout his time racing, winning many races and championships along the way. However, in 1980, whilst racing at Castle Combe in a Mini, Chris drove out into the middle of the circuit and sadly died of a heart attack during the race.

Since then my father, Paul Inch, has taken over the family engine reconditioning business in Plymouth, and competed in many events all in a Mini Cooper. It was a proud moment, whe n in 1995, whilst competing in the Mighty Minis championship at Castle Combe, when he won the race after a long hard battle with 5 other leading cars. We still have the wreath he won that day proudly hanging up in our workshop.

It wasn’t until January 2008, I was given the opportunity to ‘jump in and have a go’ in a Mighty Mini. Not really knowing what I was getting myself into, I said yes and before I knew it I was all strapped up in the pits at Silverstone ready for qualifying. I can still clearly remember how nervous I was and feeling my heart throbbing in my throat. Although I didn’t have a very good year in 2008, I do believe it was my most important year, learning the tracks, getting to know the car and respect for other drivers on and off the track. I had more than a few incidents with other cars, which lead me to be presented with the Gaz award of being The Most Entertaining Driver.

Over the winter months, my father spent most of his spare time building the perfect Mighty Mini for the 09 season. We invested in a few lessons with race instructor Ben Seyfried, which I believe put me in good stead for the first race at Cadwell Park. I was ecstatic when I qualified 4th and even more so when I finished the race in 3rd position, achieving my first podium finish.

Our second meeting at Snetterton will most definitely be the most memorable. After qualifying on pole position, I knew this was going to be a hard race, with the best drivers in the championship right behind. It looked like I was going to win my first race but on the last lap, a backmarker span in front of me, flipped backwards and hit me in the side, puncturing my tyre, leaving me with a dnf.

After a very exciting year I have finished the race season in 3rd position and winning the ladies championship within Mighty Minis. I am looking forward to competing in the Walter Hayes Trophy race at Silverstone and getting to meet some of the other female drivers from other championships.

My main goal is to win the Might Mini Championship in 2010, in the hope it might attract some sponsorship to either compete in the Mini Challenge or Clio Cup Championships.

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