“We are delighted to share the exciting news that Guiseley School's very own Caitlin Steppenbeck has taken a major stride towards achieving her dream of a career in motorsport!
Caitlin, a dedicated GCSE student, recently spent a successful test day with the UK's pioneering all-female kart team, AJ Racing.
On Saturday 27th September, Caitlin joined the professional outfit for on-track sessions at PF International, one of Britain's most challenging kart circuits. This was her first time driving a full race-specification kart on an outdoor track, representing a significant step up from the rental karts she had previously driven.
Supported by team owner Ami Jerger and mechanic Jess, Caitlin quickly adapted to the faster, grippier Junior Rotax machine. She demonstrated natural talent by steadily improving her lap times, reaching impressive speeds of up to 70mph while sharing the circuit with almost 30 other young drivers.
Team Principal Ami Jerger praised Caitlin's performance, saying:
"It was a pleasure to have Caitlin join us for testing at PFI. Junior Rotax is a big step up in both speed and grip compared to what she’s used to, but she handled it brilliantly - especially on what turned out to be a very busy test day!"
Club 100
Caitlin's passion for racing began last year, and she has since honed her skills at the Teamsport Leeds Race Academy. More recently, in late October the 14-year-old had her race debut in the prestigious Club 100 series . She had a successful but challenging first race weekend with Club 100. Although it was very cold, the Saturday practice session was dry, and Caitlin made good progress learning the circuit and improving her times. She was also successful in passing her driver's assessment, allowing her to race the following day.
The Warden Law circuit is notoriously slippery, and that combined with non-stop rain from early on Sunday morning made for a very challenging race day. This was Caitlin's first opportunity to drive in the wet. She adapted well through Sunday pre-practice and qualifying, and on to the two race sessions, using the day to fine-tune wet driving control and find the best line around the corners in these conditions. It was a very valuable opportunity to learn, as she has been confirmed to drive the full Northern Club 100 championship in 2026, starting at Silverstone’s new kart circuit on 28th February.
Aston Martin F1 Academy Invitation
On Saturday 29th November Caitlin was invited to attend the launch event for Aston Martin's F1 Academy driver for their 2026 season. The event was held at Aston Martin F1's headquarters at Silverstone. Caitlin watched the launch event and, with some other young female kart racers, was given a tour of the factory. She was also able to meet and chat with new F1 Academy driver Mathilda Paatz, and Aston Martin's Head of F1 Academy/Driver Ambassador Jess Hawkins. Having raced in W-Series, British Touring Cars, and being a stunt driver in the most recent James Bond films, Jess was able to offer some brilliant advice. Caitlin has been invited to return to Aston Martin F1 in the new year for a session in their race Simulators.
Headteacher of Guiseley School, Mr Clayton, said:
“It is always both heartwarming and inspirational when we see students with such ambitious aspirations working so hard to achieve these dreams. Caitlin deserves every opportunity and we will support her with this wherever we can.”
Caitlin is determined to follow in the footsteps of racers like F1 Academy Champions Abbi Pulling and Doriane Pin and is actively engaging with initiatives such as the British Women’s Racing Drivers Club and F1 Academy to support her journey. She also has ambitions to compete in the Jamie Chadwick Series in 2026 - a championship dedicated to supporting up-and-coming female racers.
Seeking Support
As motorsport involves significant financial commitment, Caitlin and her family are currently seeking support from local sponsors. We are incredibly proud of Caitlin's ambition and dedication and wish her the very best in her exciting career pursuit!
If you are interested in helping Caitlin on her journey, please make contact via her Instagram page: @caitlin.racing
Details on the calendar for the 2026 Club100 season can be found here: www.club100.co.uk
