ALICE Powell has said she is ‘gutted’ after it was announced the final three races of the W Series would not go ahead.

The Chipping Norton driver was chasing second in the championship, seven points behind Beitske Visser.

W Series said in a statement: “The decision has been made to focus on the longer-term fundraising process, to enable the Series’ longevity into 2023 and beyond.”

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The final three races of the 2022 season – in Texas and a double-header in Mexico City – will not take place, meaning Powell finishes third in the championship.

She tweeted: “Unfortunately, that is the end of the season for us all in W Series.

“Obviously, I am extremely gutted as the fight for P2 was on, as well as the fight for P1 in the team championship. Both results were 100 per cent achievable.

“Big thank you to W Series for all their efforts and for the campaign this year. Everyone there works very hard to get us on track, so very gutted for everyone there too.”

The premature end to the season means Jamie Chadwick is crowned W Series champion.

Catherine Bond Muir, chief executive officer of W Series, said: “As a start-up in only our third season of racing, we are always working hard to ensure regularity of funding as we continue to grow our business, but due to recent unforeseen circumstances outside of W Series’ control, we had not been in receipt of contracted funds due to us.”