News and Events

Fast Lane Beckons BU Business Grad

25 April 2007

BU Business Studies graduate and Formula Woman Champion 2007 contender Karen Hilton

BU Business Studies graduate Karen Hilton has a passion for life ‘in the fast lane’.

The 23 year-old motor racing enthusiast from Southampton, is now close to fulfilling her lifelong dream – a chance to get behind the wheel and become a Formula Woman driver.

Formula Woman is a competition designed for amateur female drivers with no previous racing experience.

Karen has already made it through the first stage of qualification by being invited for a driving assessment on May 2.

At this point, applicants will be tested on a variety of skills, including driving and fitness, with written and verbal presentations as well.

At the end of the assessments, a shortlist of 100 candidates will move forward to the elimination process for two days of intensive driving tests.

These tests culminate in the selection of the final 16 to race for the title of Formula Woman Champion 2007.

Drivers will compete in eight races with the prize of a fully-funded drive in a national race series for 2008 valued at over £25,000.

Karen, who finished her degree only last year, spent her formative years on some of the UK’s top circuits, as her father dabbled in racing during the 1980s.

“Motor racing is in my blood,” she enthuses. “I spent many a weekend rolling tyres at Thruxton and Snetterton - much to my mother’s disgust!

“Whilst I was at college, I sold cars, for a Volkswagen retailer in Southampton, and for my placement year at University I went to Volkswagen HQ in Milton Keyes and spent a year working with SEAT in their Franchising department.”

“At SEAT, I got involved with a number of activities and, when my placement ended, I secured a job working as an events assistant on their British Touring Car Championship campaign.”

Karen then returned to complete her degree in Bournemouth, but with her sights firmly focused on a career in the motor industry.

“After graduating I was lucky enough to be one of six that secured a graduate scheme with BMW Group UK.”

“It’s a two year scheme, and for my first year I'm based in MINI as a Product Marketing Executive, which I absolutely love;.

“The advertising really reflects the buzz of the brand, and it's an energy that is definitely transferred to the MINI office.”

Karen has the full backing of her family and friends but is also seeking financial support to pursue her 'Formula Woman' dream.

"Everyone I know is getting behind me 100% but it's an expensive exercise," she said.

"If anyone can provide some sponsorship to see me through the assessment and onto the Formula Woman circuit, there will be plenty of opportunities to raise their profile with the racing public and beyond."

Anyone interested or able to help fund Karen's motor racing activities should telephone 07828 604999.