ACE Plymouth racer Louise Inch is leading a national championship after nearly giving up motorsport two years ago.

The 25-year-old swept to second place in the latest round of the Mighty Mini series at the Rockingham Circuit in Northamptonshire.

That result puts her 20 points ahead of her nearest rival, the experienced Matt Pinny, with just two meetings to go.

Inch, who once thought about quitting motorsport because she kept crashing into other competitors, admitted she could have done better in the Rockingham race.

She said: "Matt Pinny didn't finish the race because of a gearbox problem, which means I'm leading the championship by 20 points.

"That will make him more determined to win the final two meetings, because he's got a lot of titles and experience under his belt and he's not going to want to lose the championship."

Inch, who is in her third Mighty Mini season, added: "I could have gone one better at Rockingham by winning the race.

"But I just decided not to risk the car, or not finishing, and was happy with second place.

"The table is pretty evenly spread, because there are a few of us with two race wins.

"But what's put me in the lead is having more podium results."

Inch will have the chance to cement her first-ever title at Anglesey on September 25 and at Snetterton next month.

She said: "It's going to be tough, but I'll be trying my best to get as many podiums as I can.

"My dad Paul, who helps me during meetings, and I were absolutely ecstatic with the Rockingham result. I hope I can keep going."

Inch's track performances are attracting the attentions of other teams.

One Lotus-equipped outfit may offer the city driver a race in an Elise at Silverstone.

Inch said: "It's exciting, but it all depends on how much space he has for guest drivers.

"Whatever happens, I'll definitely be doing the Mighty Mini series again next year, because it's something we can afford.

"If we do something else, it's going to depend on how much financial backing we can get."