JESSICA Hawkins may only be 12 years old, but her achievements already show that she could become Bordon's answer to Lewis Hamilton. The latest in her series of successes came shortly before Christmas as she capped off the go-karting season by winning the 2007 Buckmore Park Honda Cadet Title. Producing a true champion's performances, Jessica, who only needed a top-six finish to clinch the title, finished first, thus placing her 19 points ahead of her nearest rival, Connor Mills. Buckmore Park has a history of producing promising youngsters; the Kent venue is where Formula One sensation and BBC Sports Personality of the Year nominee Lewis Hamilton started his racing career. Jessica said she was never going to be satisfied with anything less than victory: "I knew I could have settled for any of the top six places, but I always want to win races, so that's just what I did!" Born in Poole, Dorset, Jessica spends half her time living in Bordon, and has been racing competitively for three years now, and her other interests include skiing, football and cycling. This season she also entered the British national championship and finished second. Her extraordinary talent takes her to various tracks around Britain, as far afield as Scotland. She first showed an interest in driving at the age of seven, when sharing a round of golf with her father, Michael, at the Sandown She was very keen to drive the golf cart, but wasn't allowed, since she was too young, Eventually, at the age of eight, she was given the chance, and from there her love of motors has blossomed. Along with continued interest from local and national journalists, Jessica has also appeared on the front cover of the British Women's Racing Drivers' Club (BWRDC) magazine 'Racing Vogue'. Having taken outright wins at her last three race meetings, coupled with the Buckmore title success, the future looks extremely bright indeed for young Jessica Hawkins.
