A WOMAN motor racing pioneer who burst onto the world scene while running her family’s Wye Valley restaurant has died at the age of 72.

Georgie Shaw from Monmouth once mat­ched the fastest lap time of the only woman to win points in a Formula 1 race, and went on to become a leading light in the sport’s PR and journalism sphere after a successful racing career.

As Georgina Sterrett, she discovered a passion for speed from the age of eight, learning the art of high-speed race track driving from her parents while a pupil at Monmouth School for Girls.

She raced in a Formula Ford 1600 at Brands Hatch in the late 1960s and went on to successfully race Minis in Special Saloons and then a ShellSport Ford Escort from 1974 to 1978.

The Wye Valley race ace took several pole positions and fastest laps, including one equalling the reigning European touring car champion Lella Lombardi from Italy, who went on to race in 17 F1 races, once finishing sixth in the Spanish Grand prix.

In 1979, a serious illness, divorce and the sale of the Carlton Grill family business in

Monmouth’s Agincourt Square ended her racing career, but she had already become the Chair of the British Women’s Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) and went on to work as an F1 journalist, pundit, TV and video producer, mixing with the stars of the sport like Nigel Mansell.

Mum-of-two Georgie served the BWRDC for 40 years as chairman, PR officer and latterly president, passionately promoting the cause of women in motor sport.

Lorraine Gathercole, BWRDC chairwoman, said: “Georgie has been a massive part of the BWRDC for many decades and will leave a huge hole in the club and our hearts.

“She will be sorely missed by us all, but leaves us a legacy that we can build upon.”

Lorraine recalled how Georgie was instrumental in the club getting a stand at the Autosport Show in 2009 and persuading racing celebrities to visit it, including Ron Dennis, Murray Walker, Lee McKenzie and Andy Green.

The BWRDC’s new Georgie Shaw PR Award will be presented for the first time this month (February) at the club’s annual awards dinner.

A ‘Celebration of Georgie Shaw’s Life in Motor Sport’ will be held on Tuesday, May 1, at the Royal Automobile Club in London’s Pall Mall.

Mrs Shaw, who died on Sunday, January 14, after an illness is survived by her son Jamie and daughter Sam.