Alisha Palmowski has won the 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, becoming the second ever female winner of the contest and with it securing a fully-funded season in the championship next year.

In what is one of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport, more than 60 drivers completed a number of driving, fitness and media assessments over the course of the three-day event at Blyton Park, however it was Palmowski that was eventually declared the winner.

A total 23 drivers made it through to the final day of competition where they faced more evaluations before the field was narrowed down to a top 10 and then a top five, who tackled a final shootout behind the wheel of a Ginetta G40.

Ultimately, Palmowski’s talent and potential shone through for the judging panel, who named her the 13th different winner of the coveted prize. She’s the first female recipient of the prize since now two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick back in 2013.

The 15-year-old will make her car-racing debut next season following a successful six year karting career, which included being crowned the 2020 Daniel Ricciardo Series’ DRS100 junior vice-champion and 2018 BirelART junior rookie champion.

“I’m absolutely speechless,” said Palmowski. “What an amazing weekend that I’ll never forget. Thank you so much to everyone at Ginetta who have given me this incredible opportunity.

“I’ve learnt so much and progressed a lot over these last few days, so I cannot wait to get started for what will hopefully be an awesome 2022 season!”

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Championship Manager, added: “Once again, this year’s Ginetta Junior Scholarship was incredibly competitive. We were all hugely impressed by the standard set across all the assessment areas, and narrowing the field down to 23 finalists was very tough.

“The competition stepped up a level on the final day and there were a number of drivers who could have won. In the end, Alisha produced fantastic performances across the board and is a hugely deserving winner. We can’t wait to welcome her to the grid next season.”

Palmowski’s full prize package include all entry fees, use of a G40 Junior race car for the whole season including consumables, insurance and a season supply of race tyres and fuel, and professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season.