Jo Wood to make her racing debut

Jo Wood has achieved a childhood ambition and become a fully fledged racing driver ... with a little help from 13 times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard (pictured above).

She will make her racing debut at the 2011 Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge which takes place on Saturday, 23 July at the world's biggest classic car racing festival. The Challenge will see an all-star line-up going head to head in 130mph Morgan V6 Roadster sports cars around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, raising funds for the Cancer Research UK 'Bobby Moore Fund'.

So what was Coulthard's advice for the racing novice?
"The most important thing for Jo to do is go out there and enjoy herself," he said. "And don't try and win the race on the first corner." The BBC's F1 commentator added that 'patience is sometimes a good thing in a racing car. Great respect to her for having a go, though'.

Jo's dad used to race when she was little so she grew up watching him at the track. "Now it's my turn to get out there and try it for myself."

Jo's 'Strictly Come Dancing' partner Brendan Cole will be lining up on the grid alongside her. He's already ticked her off for driving too fast the last time he was in a car with her!

The Silverstone Classic (22-24 July, 2011) is the world's biggest classic motor racing festival and celebrates its 21st anniversary this summer. For tickets or more information, check their official website at www.SilverstoneClassic.com