Kelly Watkins has got blonde ambition. The 19-year-old Eastbourne ace wants to become the first female professional speedway rider.

Watkins has been encouraged by Mick Norris, father of Eastbourne Eagles ace David.

She said: "Up to now I've just been doing it as a hobby. But I've traded in my little 200 for a 500 Weslake and I aim to g1o places.

"I've got a new mechanic and a new teacher in Mick. He says I can make a go of it and I believe him.

"I'll take my speedway as far as I can. I want to be a professional. I'd love to be known as the first female rider to go professional in speedway history. Hopefully that'll give me an extra something and it might even attract sponsors, because I haven't got any as it stands.

"There are one or two female riders who dabble, but they are not as focussed as me. I'm serious. I practise and go to the gym. I'm dedicated to it."

Watkins rode out at Arlington Stadium recently during the meeting in which the Eagles took on Poole. "I was really nervous about it, there was a big crowd but it was an opportunity for people to see what I could do.

"They judged me, to see if I had got any talent. Up until recently I hadn't been getting any encouragement from people like my brother and a former boyfriend with my speedway.

"But now I'm getting encouragement from a lot of people. I honestly feel I can make it.

"Mick tells me that I ride very smoothly and have the right attitude, that I think about all my moves. To become a professional, of course, I'll be up against men but a woman can compete with a man at speedway."

It is similar to when Peacehaven's Allison Fisher entered the male-dominated world of snooker. Allison had success before turning to pool.

Kelly believes she can compete against the chaps too. "Take the other day. I had a practise ride against two very experienced riders, both men, and I beat them out of the gate at Lydd in Kent!"

Kelly's speedway fixation gets a mixed reaction.

"There's the attitude that it's butch to be doing a man's sport, but I can tell you I am not butch in anyway. I'm very feminine. You ought to see me when I get the chance to go out clubbing.

"People are surprised when they find out I'm a speedway rider. I'm a female bank clerk and you don't always associate female bank clerks with speedway.

"Blokes in speedway in England are great towards me. They treat me well, but I've met foreign guys who aren't that impressed."

Watkins knows she'd have to start at the bottom. She said: "I'll ride Conference Speedway then hopefully move up to the Premier and, although it's long term, my dream is to race in the Elite League, perhaps with the Eagles."

But the career path is bumpy. "There's a lack of tracks to practise on but I'm determined to make a go of it."