A Kenilworth woman who was told in 2018 that she had just months to live is on the verge of becoming the next female motor racing star.

Sophie Umhofer, 40, is one of the 50 finalists in the Formula Woman competition which will see a team of six ladies race fully sponsored McLaren GT4's in the UK GT Cup Championship 2022.

Mother of two, Sophie was diagnosed with bowel cancer in the summer of 2018 and told that she probably wouldn't live to see her 40th birthday.

But now nearly four years later, and in remission after successful immunotherapy treatment, she will head to the final assessment in March to compete for a spot on the team.

Sophie first started to get into motorsport after her diagnosis, as she looked for ways to fill her time.

"When I was going through the cancer treatment I was trying to find new hobbies, because I wasn't working," she said.

"Because the treatment was physically demanding I tried loads of different things and then got into motorsport, and playing video games."

With her father, brother and husband all working in motorsport it has always been part of her life, but it was not until the last few years that it became a vocation.

Following her treatment she has returned to work, and has just taken a job at Century Motorsport.

"Its strange, it is definitely something I got into because of the cancer. I am not sure that I would have seen this opportunity, or gone down this road," she added.

"It sounds very cliché but having cancer really does change you and your outlook about things, and makes you realise what you really enjoy doing.

"But I started to think when I got better it was something I wanted to get into the industry somehow."

Sophie entered the restarted Formula Woman programme in January 2021, just before her final surgery.

She then had to complete online tests and an on-track assessment in Anglesey last September.

And with 800 applicants from 28 countries having already been whittled down to the final 50, she will now take part in the final weekend in March.

"I am definitely nervous because I am not sure quite what were are doing yet and I still haven't had that much experience," said Sophie.

"But I am also excited because it really is something that I enjoy doing, so I am looking forward to it too."

Formula Woman, which first ran between 2004 and 2007, was restarted in 2021 to promote women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get into motorsport.

With sponsorship from McLaren, Trade Centre and Vauxhall, the assessment in March will also be televised.

But for Sophie this process is also a reminder of what she has overcome in the past four years.

"At one point I really did think that I was going to die, and with two young kids it was very hard to get through that.

"But now I am on the other side, and things are looking better, it is very surreal and it almost doesn't feel like it happened to me.

"I am very amazed and proud too. I quite honestly don't see myself the way other people do, which is often a strong fighter, but I probably should give myself more credit sometimes."