A TEENAGE racing sensation has bagged her first podium finish - and achieved a lap record in America.

Emily Linscott, 16, from Basildon, flew out to Kentucky, USA, last week for the second round of the Lucas Oil Formula Championship.

The youngster, after previously competing in New Jersey a few weeks ago, managed to come second in two races in the championship and achieved a new circuit lap record of one minute and 34.299 seconds.

Emily came to the championship with her car decorated with stickers of the many names of people who had donated to her cause over the past few months.

She also got involved herself in raising her own funds by running a competition for her personal watch and a jacket plus offering individuals the chance to have their names on her race car in exchange for a small donation. Between them they managed to secure enough money to get out and race, but it was touch and go with the target being reached just hours before the deadline.

Emily said: “I was right about everything being more of a level playing field when I get on track having had the same amount of seat time as the others. I was able to show my pace and race craft and race up front all weekend, so I’m very pleased everyone pulled together to get me here, I can’t thank all my supporters enough, I really was powered by fans.

“I desperately wanted to race this round as I knew none of the championship contenders had tested or raced on this track before and because it’s not on any simulator either.

“This meant that it would be more of a level playing field for us all so I felt confident I could compete for podium positions.”

Emily will next race in Road America, Wisconsin, in four weeks’ time and the final round at Sebring in Florida in early October.

She added: “I know I can’t win the championship, but I’d love to take my first win. It would be an awesome way to pay back my parents, my sponsors, Pippa and all my supporters for everything they’ve done for me this far.”

Visit facebook.com/emilylinscottracing