in 1967, at the age of twelve, wilson came second in the south african nationals, driving midget cars. by 1972, she had made her full racing debut and was fourth in her first season of the south african formula vee championship. after two more seasons on the formula vee circuit, finishing 4th and 2nd respectively, wilson decided to pursue the international acclaim associated with formula one. she won the south african formula ford championship in 1975 and defended the title the following season, as well as securing the "driver to europe" award. as a result, wilson moved to europe for the 1977 season, competing mainly in formula ford 2000 races, in the benelux and british championships, where she finished third and fourth respectively, winning races at zandvoort and colmar-berg.