Women of the Century Database Display
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| Surname | Cook |
| Forename/s | Paula |
| Other Names | |
| Dates |
| Biographical Notes | Formula 3 racing car driver, who races against men. Daughter of Derek Cook (former racing driver and car dealer, DC Cook). Educated at Park Road Infants School, Wath. Since she was a child Paula from Rawmarsh, Rotherham wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a racing car driver. She didn’t take up the sport until she was 23, starting with her brother David in Formula Vauxhall. She began her first season in Formula 3 three years later in 1996. Driving in Monaco at the Formula 3 Grand Prix that year, she was Britain’s only entrant and the only woman out of the 35 competitors. In the same year she was awarded the Lord Wakefield Trophy for her achievements. In 1998 she was still working as company director for her fathers motor dealership, but dreamt of becoming Formula 1’s first woman driver. Awarded the Lord Wakefield Trophy for her achievements. |
| Sources Used | Rotherham Star 18.5.1996, 23.6.19,97, 23.2.1998 |
| Associated Places | Rotherham |