Photo Credit: Trevor Foster
By Lisa Haskins
Rally Co-Driver and Teacher Elaine Ní Shé from Clochán Dubh, Ballydavid, Co. Kerry first started co driving in 2010: after having spectated for years Elaine decided to try it out herself and got the opportunity to do so.
“The rally use to pass by my house in West Kerry and I use to watch it as a young child. Before co-driving I helped out at rallies all over the country doing time-keeping and marshaling.”
Women’s Sports Journal interviewed Elaine out of interest and excitement as another woman has decided to rally up and drive gender equality in what is dominantly a male sport. See what Elaine had to say to our questions:
How fast is the vehicle you drive and what vehicles have you competed in?
The vehicles I co drive in are mk2 Escorts with 2 litre and 2.5 litre engines with up to 290 BHP in them. These vehicles are highly modified to rally our country roads. They would travel up to 100mph plus on narrow country roads. I have competed in Mk2 Escorts 2 litre and 2.5 litres, Mk1 Escort, Honda Civics, Toyota Twin Cam, Vauxhall Chevette and a Subaru. I have a few events coming up in a Mitsubishi Evo 9 Group N.
Rally co Driving is an adrenaline sport. What goes through your mind before you start a race?
Yes, it is an adrenaline sport which I enjoy. Going through my mind is to do the stage in a good time, complete it safely and enjoy it. I am well prepared and organized. I would not be nervous it would be more excitement and looking forward to it.
What does your training consist of?
Before the event look at the regulations and send off entry. We would do recce of the stages consisting of going through a stage three times with my driver. I would have to prepare my notes (onthepacenotes by Killian Duffy), rally gear and bag. I go walking and swimming, eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Being a teacher I have the time and holidays to do so.
Do you feel women involved in motor sport in Ireland are recognised enough?
Motorsport is male dominated but in recent years there are more women competing on the stages which is great to see. Women are treated equally and there’s no special exception to women competing in a rally. Some events would have mixed crew prizes. We have finished first mixed crew several times. More should be done to encourage women to participate and every club should have prizes for mixed crews. This might encourage more women to compete. A lot of women help out in rally office, time keeping and marshalling.
Is Rally Go Driving an expensive sport to take up?
Yes, it is an expensive sport to take up. You need to get your licence and club membership at the start of the year. You need all your rally gear, suit, fireproof underwear, helmet, Hans device, boots, notes and entry fee. Fees have gone up in recent times making it more expensive!! Theres accommodation and travel expense. The driver would have to look after the car, tyres, fuel etc. and service crew. Yes there is a lot of expense but it’s a fantastic sport to be involved in.
Have you ever crashed during a race? If so how do you recover to get back on the track?
Thankfully, I have been fortunate enough not to have a big off in a race. Lets hope it stays that way.
Photo Credit: Trevor Foster
What has been the high point of your journey so far?
The highpoint of my journey in rallying was when I got the opportunity to sit in with Shane Cullen in his beautiful mk2 escort. We were leading Class 13 and 12th overall in ALMC rally last year but we were unfortunate to get stuck in a ditch for a few minutes so that put an end to that lead. We came 14th overall in Imokilly Stages Rally in 2014, 16th o/a in Wexford SR and have been consist in getting Top 20 results in various events. Competing in Monaghan Rally last weekend was super. It is known to be one of the fastest rally in the country and the pace was unreal up there. Three of the best stages I have competed in. I really did enjoy it but we were unfortunate to have car trouble. We got a finish but not the one we wanted. We will look forward to our next event.
Also, sitting into a 2.5 powered MK2 Escort is fantastic. I am looking forward to competing in the 2.5 for The Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes this weekend. Heading for Molls Gap Sunday morning in the 2.5 should be good fun.
What is your main goal this year?
My main goal is gain more experience and top 20 results and even a top 10 result would be nice. Myself and Shane have done well in previous events and I am sure his skilful driving and immaculate Mk2 should go well in future events. Looking forward to competing on other events during the year. I would like to gain experience in 2.5 powered Escorts as well. To enjoy every rally, have fun and come home safe and sound is always great.
What advice would you give to somebody wanting to take up Rally Go Driving?
Check out your local Motor Club. Look at various rally incar videos online, check out notes, get someone to go through what’s required and even take you through a stage nearby. Have all your rally gear and safety equipment and go to your local motor club in your area. Motor Clubs are very helpful and can give advice and guidance.
What events are coming up?
I just competed in Monaghan Rally the 24th April with Shane Cullen in his 2litre Mk2 Escort. Was going well but we ran into car trouble. We got a finish but not the one we wanted. That’s rallying. Great event to compete in and will definitely be back. Stages were fantastic and the pace was very fast. My local event The Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes is on this weekend the 29th to the 1st May and I am co driving for Gavin Kelly in his 2.5 Class 14 Mk2 Escort. I have Cavan Stages Rally in May and Donegal International Rally in June. Others events include Stages up in Northern Ireland and my local event The Killarney Historic Rally in December to round up the year. There will be a few more events in between as well. I will be out with Shane Cullen and Gavin Kelly throughout the year.
What are my Favourite Events/Stages?
My favourite event would be Killarney and Donegal. My favourite stages would be Molls Gap, Gortnagane and Ballaghbeama in Killarney and Fanad, Knockalla and Glen in Donegal. Killarney and Donegal Stages are fantastic to compete in. I must include Monaghan Stages too after last weekend. We will definitely be back to compete in Monaghan Rally. I really enjoyed the Monaghan Stages. All three stages were great but the Banllinode Stage was fantastic to rally. Very fast and flowing stages up there. Looking forward to the Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes this weekend. Always an enjoyable event to compete on my local event.
Special thanks and sponsors
I would also like to thank sponsors Tigh T.P in Baile na Gall and The Stonehouse Restaurant in Slea Head Drive, Dingle, Co Kerry. Also Cartell.ie and The Gleneagle Hotel for their consistent support and sponsorship for the Rally of the Lakes. Thanks to all the marshals and time keepers that help out every weekend.
To anyone who spectates at rallies always keep in mind to stand in a safe place and listen to marshals. Always expect the unexpected and keep the race in its place.
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