A woman driver who gate crashed the male dominated world of motor racing has left the competition trailing in her wake.

Nathalie Boyd has been making a name for herself in the testosterone-ridden touring cars arena.

The 26-year-old won her first race at the weekend in only her second season in the Heritage Grand Touring Car Challenge.

Miss Boyd, of Bodiam Close, Seaford, competed against around 60 men in the race at Snetterton Park in Norfolk.

She was the first to see the checkered flag amongst those racing 1960s and 1970s cars in the saloon class.

Miss Boyd, a data processor, said: "People often criticise women drivers but I've shown them.

"I'm very pleased I was able to win because it is such a male dominated environment.

"It was an exciting feeling because some of the people who were driving had lots of experience.

"There should be more women competing but they can feel a bit intimated by the men.

"I don't pay any attention to the jokes about female drivers."

Miss Boyd reaches speeds of 112mph in her £25,000 Mini.

She puts her ability on the track down to her refusal to be intimidated by the men and her competitive spirit.

In addition to motor racing, she plays five-a-side football against men and lines-up in Eastbourne Hockey Club's ladies first team.

Her road to success began in December 2004 when she impressed on a track day at Goodwood racing circuit.

Her tutor that day was 1990 Le Mans winner and 2001 European champion Mike Youles, who invited her to join his Melchester Racing team.

She has since competed on famous tracks including Donington Park and Brands Hatch.

She said: "I had never thought about racing before but I was told I had potential.

"I took it as a compliment because Mike Youles does a lot of teaching and has such a good reputation.

"I hope to win a few more races in the Mini and then get a faster car."

Her impressive form has teammate Mr Youles looking over his shoulder.

Last season she raced alongside Formula One commentator Tony Jardine, legendary Mini racing driver John 'Smokey' Rhodes and 1964 European touring car champion Warwick Banks.

Mr Youles, 51, of Merton Court, Brighton, said: "I have been driving for 25 years and I can tell when someone is improving.

"At the weekend there was a real difference in her racing. She was more aggressive.

"Her best lap time was within one hundredth of a second of mine and I have been racing for years.

"I jokingly told her I will give up racing when she goes quicker than me."