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RACHEL GREEN WINS WAKEFIELD TROPHY

Caterham driver Rachel Green was confirmed as one of the leading female lights in British motor racing on Friday (18 Jan) when she was - for the second time - awarded the Lord Wakefield Trophy by the British Women Racing Drivers Club.

Rachel received the prestigious prize at the Motor Sports Association's 'Night of Champions' at the Royal Automobile Club in London's Pall Mall. The award, which is given for outstanding achievement by a woman in motorsport worldwide, was presented by Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. Among those present at the ceremony was McLaren F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

Rachel last year achieved the first race win by a female in the Avon Tyres Caterham Superlight Challenge, pipping a determined male rival to victory in the final round of the championship at Brands Hatch. She secured second in the championship into the bargain.

Green last won the Wakefield Trophy when as a club-level racer in 2002 she clinched the Caterham Graduates Championship title. Other previous Wakefield Trophy recipients include Michelle Mouton, Louise Aitken-Walker and Jutta Kleinschmidt.

"This is just about the highest accolade a female racing driver can achieve," said Rachel, "and I was very emotional when I learned that the panel of judges had again selected me. The award means the world to me and I feel hugely honoured. It is also a great achievement for Caterham Motorsport - it proves that Caterham racing is recognised the world over for its competitiveness and great racing."

Rachel's track career began in the Caterham Academy in 2000 and she has remained loyal to the marque ever since. Following her 2002 Graduates Championship victory she moved into a Caterham R400 and, in 2005, took two Caterham Eurocup race wins. She was sixth in the Superlight Challenge in 2006 and runner-up last season.

Rachel's plans for the '08 season have yet to be finalised. "I would like to further my career in British GTs," said Green, "and I'm hoping that this award will help unlock the sponsorship funds that I need."

Caterham Motorsport Director Magnus Laird applauded her achievements: "Rachel has always been an incredibly quick driver, and she proved during 2007 that she has the racecraft and guile needed to win at the top level. Everyone at Caterham is proud of her."

Backers for Caterham Motorsport's UK and European race series include Bilstein, Brian James Trailers, Cheesman Products, Circuit Driver, Cooper-Avon Tyres, Demon Tweeks, evo, HSBC Insurance Brokers, Mitchell Cotts, Motorsport News, Stack and Steel Fabrications.

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