Reviving the Rally Spirit: My Experience at the 2023 USRRC

Introduction

From October 20th to 22nd, I had the privilege of participating in my first road rally since December 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska. The journey to this remarkable event began when I applied for the SCCA Women on Track Scholarship, reigniting my passion for rally racing. Despite international borders and work schedules, I was determined to attend the United States Road Rally Challenge 2023 hosted by the SCCA Philadelphia and South Jersey Regions. This competition aimed to determine the best National and Regional rally team over three days of intense road rally competition. It was a transformative experience filled with challenges, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. On the morning of October 19th, I left the sleepy town of North Augusta, Ontario, and traveled to Exton, PA, to join the fun.

A Shift in Roles

Paired initially with Cheryl Babbe as my Navigator, an unexpected medical emergency in the early hours of Friday morning forced a last-minute change. Travis Maxim, from Florida, stepped in as my Navigator, and we embarked on the rally with little sleep, facing the challenge of adapting to each other’s communication styles and nuances. While the initial struggle was real, we quickly found our groove and formed an exceptionally amicable team. Watching our in-car footage, I humorously likened Travis to a gruff yet kind-hearted stoic man while I played the role of a carefree ray of sunshine, easily distracted by the smallest of scenic wonders. Travis endured my sunny disposition with good-natured humor, and this dynamic made the journey all the more memorable.

Three Days of Adventure

The competition consisted of three rallies: two Tour Rallies and a Course Rally. The days were long, but the stunning foliage and picturesque locations provided ample inspiration. We persevered, taking Second Place on the first day, securing First Place on the second day, and clinching First Place again on the final day, earning us the Overall victory in the Regional Championship category. This achievement was a testament to our resilience, teamwork, and dedication.

A Missed Opportunity for Female Bonding

While the rally was an incredible experience, it was disappointing that the Women on Track participants did not have a USRRC scheduled and dedicated evening for dinner or socializing. Such an occasion could have offered a valuable platform for female racers to share their experiences and insights. Missing out on these organized bonding events underscores the need for more social media support to promote women’s participation in motorsports, particularly within the SCCA Road Rally, RallyCross, and Solo programs. The organizers of the next USRRC could coordinate with Women on Track to make this gathering a priority and happen.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Racers

One of my concerns is the limited representation of younger women in motorsports. To address this issue, we need clever and relevant social media content, such as movies, videos, and clips, that showcase motorsport as a welcoming and inclusive space for women. National-level organized publishers to official social media, in-car cameras utilizing the latest sponsorships like Go-Pro, and expanded scholarship opportunities can also play a pivotal role in attracting and supporting women who aspire to join the motorsports community.

A Rally Family

Dynamics in society are changing. The number of women not solely focused on child-rearing and putting their passions on a back burner is growing. Partners are more supportive of the fact that “Mom” needs to have time and focus to pursue her passions. For me, Road Rally, RallyCross, and the SCCA have become a second family, filling the void left by my family’s international distance and career obligations. I owe immense gratitude to the Women on Track Board members, the organizers of the 2023 USRRC, my rally mentors, Bill Demming and Cheryl Babbe, and my weekend Navigator, Travis Maxim. Their support, guidance, and unwavering belief in my abilities were instrumental in making this journey successful.

Conclusion

The 2023 USRRC was not just a road rally but an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, resilience, and teamwork. My experience underscores the importance of creating a more inclusive environment for women in motorsports and empowering the next generation of female racers. Reflecting on this transformative experience, I am eager to contribute to the growth of women’s participation in motorsports and continue building the rally community that has become my second family.