Jorja Thomas is hoping to prove an inspiration to get more female drivers into karting after making her mark in the Lindo’s Grand Prix this weekend.

Having risen through the ranks of the Bermuda Karting Club, the 18-year-old received plaudits after making the step up to the Shifter Stock Class and finishing sixth, more than holding her own against an established field of drivers.

As one of only two female drivers across the entire event alongside youngster Sadie Hocking, and the only competitor in the adult ranks, Thomas is hoping more females will now follow her into the sport.

“Hopefully we will see some more female drivers get into karting,” she said. “At least there is another young female [Hocking] coming up through the junior divisions, but hopefully after today there will be a lot more who get into it.”

For the 18-year-old, who was a real fan-favourite among the thousands of spectators, being part of the return of street racing for the first time in Hamilton in five years proved particularly memorable as she prepares to head off island.

“It’s really heart-warming to know there was so much support for me around the track today and especially as it was my last race before going off to university; it’s quite emotional really,” she added. “Hopefully, when I’m back in two years there will be another street race and I’ll back out there competing.

“This was my first street race in Hamilton. I competed in Dockyard in 2017 but that was in the cadet class, so it was a great experience to step up to the Shifter class for the first time.

“It was definitely a big difference being in a much more powerful kart and having to shift gears with the clutch around the tight corners, but I really enjoyed it.”