A DAREDEVIL schoolgirl from Poole is the youngest ever qualified Powerboat Racing driver with a UIM International Racing Licence.

Elsie Walker, age 12, of Bournemouth Collegiate School, competed in her first-ever race weekend.

Elsie won seven out of seven races, beating the current national champion who is 16 years old.

Elsie said: “I have tried lots of different sports, but there is nothing better than steering my own boat and controlling my accelerator pedal, taking the corners as fast as possible and not spinning out with the wrong angle or too much speed.”

Bournemouth Echo:

During her training with the Circuit Powerboat Association, members stated if Elsie could ever achieve close to 01:00 minute laps, she would become a highly skilled driver and international competitor.

By the second day, Elsie’s average lap times were 00:56 seconds per lap.

She won every start and led the fleet from start to finish and has shocked the club, competitors and the sport.

Elsie stormed round the courses at an average 58mph in her new GT15 powerboat.

She has already made herself a big name in the powerboat sport and has received an invitation to train in Dubai with The UIM Youth Development Academy at The Fujairah International Marine Club.

Bournemouth Echo:

She wants to be an international ambassador to the sport and intends to be the youngest ever British National Champion in 2022 and become world champion in 2023. 

Elsie's next British National Championship Weekend is Friday May 28 at The Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club.