It is no surprise the tiny thrill-seeker took to the sport like a pro – her mum Jenny is queen of motorsport and has won a string of titles.

Now, the spotlight is set to shine on the eight-year-old and her two equally karting crazy friends, sisters Jade (11) and Amy Jean (14) because they are part of Peterborough's first all-girl team.

And according to those in the know, they could be headed to the front of the grid once they start competing in national contests.

Abigail's dad Richard (40), of Whittington, Parnwell, who is one of the team's principals and the technical brains behind the project, said his daughter was born to do it.

He said: "You could say that racing is in Abigail's blood. Mum Jenny has seen many years as a keen and successful kart racer and I have been race mechanic for her.

"Abigail has been on the scene since she was a baby and started when she was seven. She took to it like a duck to water.

"I showed her the accelerator and brake and away she went.

"She loves racing against boys.

"She hasn't competed nationally yet, but in the next few months, we will go round to all the circuits."

Abigail, a pupil at Parnwell Primary School, was appointed the ambassador of the sport by www.girlracer.co.uk, which means she juggles photoshoots and interviews with practise sessions and competitive racing.

A host of companies have already got on board to sponsor the team, including MD Electrical of Yaxley, but are still looking for a major backer – as well as more girls to join.

Partner at M D Electrical – which has sponsored overalls and kitted out two karts – Darryl Reeve, who is also stepdad to Amy Jean and Jade Smith, said: "There is everything for boys, but absolutely nothing for girls.

"I think they could potentially be in the top 10 in the country."
Abigail said she had Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton's success in her sights.

She said: "I like overtaking people. Sometimes I keep the lead on boys and adults.

"I really like karting – it's a family thing. My parents bought me a kart. My dad set it all up and we went to a local track for my first outing and I loved it."

Amy Jean said: "It's fun and the speed is good too."
Jade said: "I think we can be as good as the boys.

"I'm excited about this team."