IT’S been four years since a horror crash brought about the end of her powerboat career, but now Southampton powerboat champion Shelley Jory-Leigh is itching to compete again – after being inspired by the remarkable Natasha Lambert.

In 2010, Shelley escaped after her boat suddenly dipped into the water at 83 miles per hour, causing it to slam to a halt.

The sportswoman and her co-driver Patrick Huybreghts had been practising for the Powerboat GPS World Championship.

The 44-year-old, who was ranked second, was left with a broken nose and two black eyes and thought her dreams of being crowned world champion were shattered.

But now she has got back behind the wheel after the exploits of 17-year-old Natasha inspired her to get involved once again.

Shelley was offered a place competing in the Super Boat International (SBI) World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, in July as she prepared to lead Natasha’s support crew on her fundraising challenge.

Scooping second place she is already planning to race again, determined to finally be named best in the world.

She said: “I had started with Tash in June and my normal reaction would have been ‘no’ but I actually thought if she’s going to sail all over that and climb that I have got to do something for her.

“She’s amazing. I actually got back in a race boat this year for the first time in three years because of her.

“I wrote on my Twitter that day: ‘Natasha I have done it. Thank you’.

“I never got my world champs so I have got to go back and get it.”