The 2004 Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship looks set to be one of the most exciting yet. And amongst the entrants are six determined and talented women who are in a strong position to beat the men at their own game. Rallying is one of the few sports to pit men and women against each other on equal footing. But as these women demonstrate, some of the best results are achieved by working in partnership with their male counterparts.
Beginning in April 2004 with the Pirelli International Rally at Gateshead, the 2004 BRC takes drivers and fans on a tour touching all corners of the British Isles, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Channel 4 will be bringing the highs and lows of each event to the small screen throughout the season and The Sun newspaper will feature regular reports.
Kate HeathDriver, HotSeat Motorsport TeamKate was the 2002 British Ladies Rally Champion and is one of the few professional women drivers on the circuit. By day, she is a Business Services Director for Connexions in Lincolnshire.
A visit to the 1993 RAC Rally, as a spectator, determined Kate’s future as a rally driver and she hasn’t looked back. She first entered a rally in 2000, with her husband Paul co-driving and they have quickly become an established team to watch out for, thanks to some early successes. Entering this year’s BRC, Kate and Paul hope to have their best season yet.
Jennie-Lee HermanssonDriver, 22 Motorsport teamJennie-Lee is a 23 year old Swede who first came to the attention of 22 Motorsport back in June 2003, at a PR day held in Sweden. Her natural talent behind the wheel shone through during her first drive in a GpN car, revealing a confidence, incredible speed and ability rarely seen. Since then she has been entirely focused on maximising the opportunity presented to her by 22 Motorsport to contest this year's BRC.
Jennie’s rigorous fitness regime is helping her work towards her goal of becoming the PWRC World Champion in 2006. Given her drive, ambition and raw talent, this is a realistic goal, so Jennie is one to watch in the future. She is lucky to have the experienced Howard Davies beside her as co-driver this year, making them a formidable pair for the 2004 BRC.
Lorna SmithDriver, The Inside Line TeamLorna is 26 and hails from Aberdeen, where she works as an analysis engineer for Prodrive. Her ambition has always been to become a professional rally driver.
In 2002, Lorna won the North East of Scotland Rally Championship and in 2003, she became the Scottish Ladies Champion. Entering the 2004 British Rally Championship, Lorna has her sights set on the British Ladies Champion trophy and a top three position in the Production Cup Class so watch this space. She has yet to decide which car to use in the Championship but if you looked at her stunning performance at BRC Live you might guess which make of car it may be?
Sue HedleyDriver, Sue Hedley Rallying teamDespite going through a dry stone wall on the Isle of Man Rally in 2002, Sue Headley hasn’t been put off and will be entering the 2004 British Rally Championship with the same enthusiasm as ever. After a year off, Sue will be driving a Vauxhall Astra which she bought from a privateer in Amsterdam, Sue is making a big step up for this season. Her previous car was a Group N 1600cc powered by LPG fuel.
Sue has started driving her Astra on the gravel and after recent events is getting to grips with the new challenge. She is really looking forward to her next event to keep building her understanding of how to drive the Astra on different types of loose surface. Due to her steer determination to do well Sue has embarked on a few months worth of training and practise to get used to her new car and so won’t see her until mid season.
Helen TooleyCo-driver, Team Spirit Rally SportComing from Boston, Lancashire, 30 year old Helen Tooley has had her fair share of ups and downs, rallying Land Rovers for the Army. In 2002, Helen progressed into the Army Rally Team and in 2003, they went on to win the Best New Crew Award in the Scottish.
This year Helen feels the need for speed, so she is swapping the Land Rover for a Peugeot 206 GT. She will be co-driving Ellya Gold and together they hope to make waves amongst the competition for the 2004 BRC.
Pauline GullickCo-driver to John Lloyd Pauline had her first win in the 1974 Safari, when she scooped the Ladies Award in her Datsun. She was the British Ladies Rally Champion for three successive years, from 1976 to 1978 and continues to give the competition a run for their money.
When she’s not rallying, Pauline enjoys a spot of travel. That said, her competitive spirit has taken her to second place in Thailand 2003, as well as rallies as far flung as Argentina and China.
Mark Taylor, Championship Manager comments, “We are really encouraged by the increased number of registrations for the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship season and I am delighted to see an increase in lady competitors entering the BRC. It looks like the Ladies Cup will be a hard fought contest this season especially when each driver is entering in similar machinery. The whole BRC package is shaping up to be a memorable season I can’t wait for it all to get cracking on the Pirelli International Rally.”
