Congratulations to Rachel Harkness, who showed her skill and talent against a talented cohort during the final round of Rally W, held at Silverstone Rally School. 

Rally W is a nationwide competition searching for the next female rally driver. Participants have to cover their entry fee of £350, the only charge for the competition, with all equipment, time behind the wheel and coaching sessions included.  

From an initial field of 57 entrants, the final 10 women were invited to the final on 5 September to compete for a prize that includes three half days training, BARS test, a Motorsport UK Rallying Starter pack and a fully funded entry to the Glyn Memorial Rally, held in Anglesey, in November. 

Rachel, hailing from Bristol, commented “I wanted to take part in Rally W as I’ve been brought up around cars because my dad has been Rallying since the late 80s so I’ve always sat in next to him and loved the thrill! It’s only as I’ve got older I’ve wanted to have a go myself, and Rally W felt like the right route to get started and have a go. 

“I feel so shocked to have won the competition, and I am so grateful to all who have supported me. I’ve met some amazing female drivers on this journey and I’m so excited to continue to meet more like-minded people. I still cannot believe I will be driving in an actual Rally!” 

Izzie Holman, Sales and Marketing Manager for Silverstone Rally School adds “I’m really proud of all our participants in this year’s competition, they all worked really hard and proved that when the helmet goes on it doesn’t matter who you are out of the car! We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition and hopefully we’ll see some of this year’s women back to try again. 

“My advice to women looking to get into Rallying would be that it’s the most welcoming form of motorsport I’ve ever been involved with, so forget about any preconceived notions and just be yourself and go for it.” 

Dave Paveley, Managing Director, Silverstone Rally School said “Having been instrumental in the original Lady Quest competitions many years ago, and then latterly overseeing my own daughter, Jade’s journey through Karting, to racing and then into Rally, it was the right time to relaunch the competition, but updated! 

“Rally W now has a broader view. It is not just about the driving. It incorporates marketing, diet and fitness, using the correct vocabulary in and out of the competition car general wellbeing and keeping it fun. 

“Choosing the winner is about all those ingredients and picking a winner that has the right attitude and aptitude to being coached and then applying all of these new skillsets in a relatively short space of time. Rachel absolutely matched that criteria and I am sure will embrace all of the challenges and stay in motorsport for years to come. 

“For Rachel’s first rally it is going to be particularly nice to have Jade involved in a mentoring role as I recognise the value of someone who was in exactly the same position a few years ago, available to support and relate to some of the feedback and questions that will arise. 

“While Rachel prepares for the Anglesey Rally in November, we are already preparing for the 2026 Rally W competition and the assessment dates are already available!”