Indeed, anything less isn't good enough in the eyes of the determined 19-year-old.

Because, unlike most racing drivers, she isn't just driving for herself, she is driving to make a mark for her sex.

"I always feel like I have to do that much better than the other drivers because I am a woman," she said.

But she has found resistance from sponsors unwilling to embrace women in the male dominated world of motor racing.

"It has presented a problem with sponsorship," added Joanna. "I know a woman who was trying to break through onto the Grand Prix scene who couldn't get sponsorship with a tobacco company because she wasn't macho enough and couldn't get sponsorship from companies producing more feminine products because her image wasn't right.

"I want to make a mark in this sport because there is no reason why there shouldn't be more women involved."

Joanna, from Norley, will be the only woman driving in the Zetec Championship.

It will be competed for at the British Touring Car meetings, guaranteeing crowds of 30,000 for each round.

She has joined a team of four drivers with Aztec Group Motorsport after impressing last year in the Formula Ford Championship.

Four weeks of testing have proved to Joanna that she is going to do well this year.

She said: "We have been targetting courses I'm not familiar with but so far things have gone really well.

"My times at Silverstone were particularly quick, but in each of the testing sessions I have been the quickest, clocking times comparable with drivers in the Premier Division.

"I am going to win the championship."

Joanna is committed to completing the season, despite needing to make up a cash shortfall of £50,000 to finance her driving.

She has a long term plan and intends to make her way to Formula Three and, hopefully, Formula One via the Zetec Championship or Formula Renault.

The season starts at Donnington on April 4 but the first of two meetings at Oulton Park doesn't take place until May 30.

A good start to the campaign will give her a much needed boost in her bid for glory.

" I would like to succeed for women.

"I don't see why there can't be more female racing drivers.

"I would like to promote women in the sport and have joined the Women's Racing Association."

Being committed to the cause means the former Weaverham High School pupil, who works for Ingenico Fortronic in Rudheath, is well aware of the characteristics required to make ot to the top.

"You need to be physically fit, quick on the track, wealthy and possess an incredibly thick hide," she explained.

Indeed, the last of those elements takes on increased importance because she is woman.

But having succeeded in a masculine world Clarke has proved she lacks just one of the afore-mentioned characteristics... only a sponsorship boost will address that problem.

If you want to help Joanna with sponsorship then you can contact her father, Graham Clarke, during business hours on 01925 604036.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.