LIFE in the fast lane. That's the only way to live for Deborah Greenwood.

A self-confessed thrill seeker, the 35-year-old's latest penchant is motor racing.

And she is determined to create a whole new career for herself by participating in a brand new venture.

"Given the chance, I would love to become a professional racing driver," said Deborah, who was the first to sign up for Formula Woman - an inaugural championship which has been organised in a bid to change the face of Formula One.

"I have to admit I am a speed freak. I love rollercoasters and am always willing to try out the latest rides. The faster the better.

"I love driving too."

But that's something that Deborah has discovered to her cost.

A travelling saleswoman for a company in Bradford, the mother-of-two has clocked up 70,000 miles over three years in her Renault Scenic company car.

But she's also accumulated five points on her licence and shelled out over £300 in fines in the space of a year.

"I suppose you could say I've done my bit for the economy," she said.

"I don't condone speeding, and I'm very careful, especially when I've got my children in the car. But I need a release."

And she wouldn't say no to being behind the wheel of a Mazda RX8 while competing for a place in the final 16 in a field of 2,400 drivers.

"My company car isn't my ideal vehicle," said the former Fisher Moor High School pupil who is mother to eight-year-old Hannah and Lauren, who is just 17 months old.

"It's pea green and I do a lot of miles in it.

"Hannah says she's saving up to buy me a red Porsche Boxster. It's not my favourite car but I certainly wouldn't say no.

"I'm not materialistic about cars - it's more about the thrill of speed for me. But if I had the choice I'd probably have a Mercedes SK sports car, or Alfa Romeo Spider. My tastes change every day."

Whatever Deborah, of Glen View Road, Burnley, picks, it's bound to be an upgrade from what she drove as a teenager.

"I used to go karting with my friends when I was younger at Three Sisters in Wigan, so I've always been interested in driving," she said.

"I couldn't wait to get behind the wheel and, before I was old enough to drive, I used to sit in my parents' car and pretend."

It's no surprise, then, that such a determination to get out on the road led her to passing her driving test first time.

But one aspect of driving she has grown to dislike is motorway driving.

"I do so much of it so often because of my job. And you get stuck in so many jams," she said.

"It's too stop-start. I much prefer being on the open road."

And it doesn't come much more open than Oulton Park racing track, where the North West section of the Formula Woman championship is expected to be held next year.

And Deborah will be vying to be in pole position - even if it means risking friendship to do it.

"I'm very competitive and I'm entering to win," said Deborah, who's persuasive powers have led to three of her friends, including her nanny, Sarah Martin, to send off their applications for the Formula Woman Championship as well.

Organisers asked for each applicant to send a photograph of themselves and those selected will undergo personality and presentation assesments, suggesting that, although they have opened the competition to women aged 18 to 60 plus, their aim is to attract eye candy rather than serious racers.

However, former Formula One driving star Mark Blundell, who is a consultant to Formula Woman, described the championship as "an amazing opportunity for someone to realise their dream and become a professional racing driver."

Deborah reckons that, if her attitude towards it is anything to go by, there would be plenty of candidates desperate to become the female equivalent of Damon Hill or Jenson Button.

"I think women's professional motor racing would really take off," she said.

"The 16 finalists will be fully trained by Mazda because they are looking to break into Formula One.

"And it I was given the chance I would absolutely jump at it. I couldn't miss giving it a go."