Fathers and sons traditionally are the competitive ones in the family, but not in the Kraemer household.

Dad Rick now has to watch out for his daughter Jo.

Not only is she about to follow in his footsteps into motor racing, but also will race against him in the same championship.

Jo has signed to drive for Bintcliffe Sport Racing (of Boroughbridge) next year in the highly-competitive Elf Clio Renaultsport UK Cup alongside Rick.

It will be the 21-year-old's debut season in the sport but she isn't daunted by the task ahead of her, or the fact that she will be chasing her father.

The York-based hopeful says: "I have been to hundreds of races watching dad and always thought 'if he can do it then so can I', although I don't think he's got anything to worry about just yet.

"I've got a lot to learn but that doesn't concern me. I want to make a real go of this and as long as I see an improvement every time I get in the car and I'm having fun I'll be happy.

"I don't expect to be challenging for honours during my first season but then everyone has got to start somewhere."

Although Rick is vastly experienced in saloon car racing this year he competed in the premier national series, the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), and spent numerous seasons in the National Saloon Championship and the VW Vento Challenge Jo won't be relying on him for advice. Instead, she will turn to team boss John Bintcliffe, a former works Audi driver and race winner in the BTCC.

Jo said: "Dad will be concentrating on his own racing so John is going to help with my tuition.

"He's been to the very top with Audi and knows what it takes to get there so I can learn a lot from him. But I hope that dad will stick up for me on the track if I'm getting a bit of hassle from the more experienced drivers."

Jo's businessman father added: "It will be great to be in the same team as Jo, but once we're out on the track she will be on her own.

"From what I've seen so far though, she won't have many problems. Jo tested the car at Donington Park and Snetterton last month and wasn't that far off the pace in less than ideal conditions.

"It will be a big learning curve for her but she's tough and more than capable of being a success."

Despite never having raced before, Jo, a part-time promotions girl, is determined this venture won't be a one-season wonder. Her ultimate goal is to get the Kraemer name back on to a BTCC car.

She says: "My plan is to learn everything about the circuits and the car this year and hopefully progress up the grid in 2003, then who knows?

"I don't expect to be the next big thing in motor racing, but if I can get to grips with the Clio Championship, which is only one step down the ladder from the BTCC, I don't see why I can't get into touring cars in the future."

Updated: 09:01 Thursday, December 20, 2001