Jessica Hawkins takes PMR seat for Snetterton
Jess Hawkins will be the next driver to get behind the wheel of the Power Maxed Racing BTCC car, contesting rounds 22, 23 and 24 of the championship at Snetterton later this month, after testing one of PMR’s race-winning Astras at the circuit last month.
The 25-year-old has earned herself a reputation as a highly successful stunt driver, including in the upcoming Bond movie, No Time To Die, along with myriad other high profile Hollywood productions.
She also has extensive karting experience, having won numerous titles throughout her career, with a highlight being the 2008 Honda Cadet British Open Championship.
Six years later, in 2014, Hawkins took her first foray into circuit racing, with a podium in the Michelin Clio Cup putting her firmly on the British motorsport radar. In 2017, she narrowly missed out on taking the overall Mini Challenge title, after winning five races and bagging 13 podium spots from three pole positions.
Last year, she became an inaugural participant in the highly published W Series, which saw her racing all over the world – a series on her agenda this year, until COVID-19 restrictions put the championship on hold.
She also appears in the 2021 Guinness Book of World Records, holding the record for driving the World’s Fastest Accelerating Lawnmower, with 0-100mph achieved in just 6.29 seconds on Honda’s 200bhp Fireblade-engined Mean Mower V2.
“I’m really excited about seeing what Jess can do in the Astra,” said Team Principal Adam Weaver.
“She impressed us at her initial test session a few weeks ago and, judging by her results in front-wheel drive machinery, should be a strong contender once she hits the Norfolk tarmac in a couple of weeks. Not only does she show phenomenal car control, as evidenced by her on-screen stunt credentials, but she’s a great person to work with, and shows tremendous commercial acumen.”
“BTCC is where I’ve always wanted to be – it’s my dream,” added Hawkins. “I genuinely can’t believe it’s actually happening, especially with such a great team behind me in PMR. I hope it’s the first of many appearances on the grid for me!”