Michaela Bevans, aged 15, from Cosheston, made history recently by becoming the first girl in 21 years to win the British Junior Autograss Championships held at Dodwell Raceway, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Michaela attends Pembroke Comprehensive School and is a member of the Pembroke Autograss Club (PAC). She has her own 1000cc NGRE (Neil Griffiths Race Engines) Mini, and in the three qualifying heats gained two firsts and one second place to make her the third highest qualifier out of over 60 junior competitors.

She drove superbly all weekend and even though some of the boys in the final got close to her on one bend, she did not flinch, and soon opened up a gap and took the chequered flag in first place.

When talking afterwards, she stated that she was extremely nervous going to the start line, but as soon as the lights changed to green, she just concentrated and drove her Mini to the maximum.

Another junior driver from PAC - Nathan Rees, from Johnston - achieved a very creditable fourth place in the British Junior Autograss Championship final. Nathan won all three of his qualifying heats and was the favourite to take the junior final.

Nathan attends Tasker Milward School in Haverfordwest, and again has his own Mini, this time being built by DNG Race Engines.

Pembroke Autograss junior member Samantha Harris, PAC60, took home the Spirit of the MAP open trophy in just her first season of racing and is 12 years of age.

Some of PAC's other junior competitors who took part gained some excellent heat results - namely Joe Brick, from Freystrop, Sam Davies, from Brecon, and Ross Jones, from Burry Port.

To see Michaela, the Junior British Autograss champion, in action and Nathan, why not go along to the next local race meeting at Lamphey, near Pembroke, on Sunday, June 15, at 12 noon, or the following weekend, same venue for the West Wales Autograss Championships, this time starting at 11 am.

Junior autograss competitors are aged between 12 and 16, and race the standard class one 1000cc Mini.

The Pembroke Autograss Club has over 20 junior competitors, and anyone requiring more information can contact the chairman, Graham, on (01646) 651006, or pop into the pits area at the race meeting and have a chat with Michaela or Nathan or any PAC member about their passion for autograss racing.