A TEENAGER from Silsden has become model stock car racing's first female world champion.

Amelia Batty, 17, beat off all the competition to take the coveted title at Lobith, in the Netherlands.

More than 50 competitors did battle in the event, for 1/8th stock cars.

"It is a huge achievement for Amelia and I'm so proud of her," said dad, Dick.

"It's a team effort and she has a great team behind her.

"She won the world juniors in Holland two years ago. To follow that up and become the first female senior champion is huge."

Thirty-five of those who competed at Lobith had made the journey from the UK.

Following a qualifying heat, the top 24 progressed to the quarter finals. Amelia was in fifth place at that point.

But her further progress was put in jeopardy by an engine problem.

"She experienced some difficulties during the warm-up for her semi-final when her engine was damaged," said Mr Batty.

"She had to quickly swap her engine with the one from my car – then went on to win her semi and storm through to the final!"

In the final, Amelia had a closely-fought contest with the current Dutch champion.

She took the lead after eight laps and managed to retain it.

"As she crossed the finish line to the sound of the buzzer her car ran out of fuel – so that was well timed!" said Mr Batty.

Two Leicester-based racers eventually secured the other top spots – Ben Harding was second and Alex Montague third.

Amelia is mentored by another model stock car champion, Mark Whittaker.

Mr Batty and his daughter – a theatrical make-up student at Craven College, Skipton – are both members of the Northern Oval Racing Affiliation, based at Marley Stadium in Keighley.

The stadium will host next year's world championships.

"It's great that Amelia will be defending her title at her home venue – it should be a fantastic competition," added Mr Batty.