Inspiration in a school is like a spark in a dry forest.

Inspiration in a school is like a spark in a dry forest. It becomes a fire and it spreads.

©Camilla Barker 2006



"When I first saw my new PE teacher I just thought she would be another one who would moan at me for forgetting my kit and tell me off for kicking the ball too hard. What I didn't think was that she would become the energy and drive behind a passion of mine. My passion for writing."



Amanda Black, 23, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, joined the Physical Education Department at Skegness Grammar School Sports College in September 2005 and immediately caused the spark which would rage through the school in a fury of enthusiasm and dedication to purpose.



Last year Amanda was fast-tracked into the top sixteen in one of the top motor sport competitions for women in the UK. Formula Woman gives women the opportunity to race in championships on top race circuits across the country and progress through what is an extremely male-dominated sport.



In November 2005 Amanda competed against other female drivers at Pembrey, South Wales to achieve her place on this year's grid without having to go through more gruelling fitness and competence tests in the final selection process. Black dominated the track and not only won her group race but also achieved the fastest lap time of 1:09:754 (75.14mph) in a V6 Caterham 7.



"When we heard about Amanda's victory none of us were surprised. We all knew she could do it and to be honest I think everyone expected her to either win or come really close to doing so. She seems to be good at every sport she does and I think it's the amount of effort and time she puts into becoming the best that enables her to do so well."



Formula Woman Championship races this year will take Amanda to Brands Hatch, Pembrey, Mallory Park and Snetterton and with each comes a different environment, a different atmosphere and a different circuit to master before race day. This variation in racing location will push all of the racers even more as they do not have a lot of time to get used to the tracks and so natural ability really becomes evident.



"Seeing my teacher participate in a national competition made me realise that it's not too early for people of my age to try and pursue a professional sporting career. She started racing go-karts on her fourteenth birthday when she went to Grantham Grid indoor karting and became a track marshal at Ancaster Karting after that so I don't see why we can't be as successful as she is becoming. We've all got to start somewhere."



Another challenge Amanda faces is in collecting sponsorship. In return for financial aid, sponsors receive excellent advertising and promotion which includes website links, company logos on the race car and clothing - not to mention the people who will see their advertising from Amanda's media appearances which so far include many newspapers and magazines in prime locations, online representation and television appearances. Without sponsorship it is not possible for the drivers to race. For example, a track day and tuition with the Caterham 7 race car costs £325 and the last track day Amanda participated in was only made possible by one of her sponsors, Ancaster Karting and Paintball.



There will be a pre-championship race taking place in Pembrey, South Wales at Easter and Amanda needs to find £2000 in sponsorship so she can race. Black said: "A fast driver with no financial backing will go nowhere. A good driver with enough financial backing will have the chance to go far and that's what really counts."



As well as being a good driver the racers must still be in training for the championships. Amanda currently participates in many sports to keep her fitness levels up and prepare for the tough strain racing puts on the body. Black: "I am currently participating in the normal activities that I did before the competition. This includes hockey training and fixtures and judo. I've just started a weights training programme using the school's gym and I've also started a swimming programme. I'm trying to keep fit and also decrease my weight to make me lighter in the car."



"I think the way Amanda keeps going, even outside of the main race times provokes interest and aspiration in us all. Any athlete in any sport always wants to better themselves – I should know this more than anyone, but sometimes you can't just do it on your own. It's great having such an influence in school because we can always go talk to her and ask advice when we need it. She has great sporting knowledge and a fantastic attitude and that always helps in a pressured environment."



Amanda has more hard work to contend with off the track too. Organising press and media, running a popular website, charity work and raising sponsorship and race awareness are just a few things Amanda does on top of her day job and other teaching responsibilities.



But all the hard work and training will not go anywhere without the right attitude. Black explains: "I always put in 110% effort. I have dreams about winning but I keep telling myself to keep a level head. Despite all this, I still take part to win!"



"As pupils and sporting people we of course want to win. A teacher who encourages this as well as the 'it's the taking part that counts' bit makes us realise that determination will push us up to the higher levels in sporting excellence and we shouldn't just settle for second best."



"Amanda has really made an impact on the school's sports and on the sporting lives of many of the pupils throughout the school. She provides much needed inspiration and encouragement that will push us all to our limits."



"Luckily I am one pupil who has benefited in another way from Amanda's incredible sporting talent. As an aspiring young writer I'm always looking for something exciting and significant to write about. Amanda has given me the opportunity and interest to pursue a passion of mine as well as my sporting crazes. She is the spark which caused a raging fire in my work and I am able to get recognised within fields which before I could only hope to be part of. So you see, with every ounce of inspiration comes a tonne of accomplishment and self confidence which allows me to aim to be the best, for another thing I've learnt is that even if I shoot for the moon and miss, I still land in the stars."