Becky Kirvan targets finish on Tour of Cornwall Rally

Posted on Saturday, 17 March 2007 10:33AM by

2006 Silverstone Rally School Lady Quest winner Becky Kirvan will be in action once again when she contests the two-day Tour of Cornwall Rally next weekend (23 – 24 March). Kirvan, from Witham, Essex, made her stage rally driving debut on the Robin Hood Forest Stages on Sunday (11 March) but suffered disappointment as she retired with a minor mechanical problem on stage 11 of the Sherwood Forest-based gravel event. But now the 26-year-old is targeting a result when she returns to the wheel of the Silverstone Rally School 1400cc MG ZR and makes her first appearance across the asphalt as she tackles the 75-mile Pentewan-based Tour of Cornwall with co-driver Julie Murphy, who regularly partners Shelly Taunt with whom she was crowned 2006 BRC (British Rally Championship) Rallymasters Production Class champion.   “I definitely want to finish the Tour of Cornwall,” said Kirvan. “It will be another totally new experience for me as it’s on a tarmac rather than a gravel surface, but it’s all valuable experience and yet another important learning curve for me.   “Although I didn’t finish my first stage rally, I got lots of driving practice from it and it gave my confidence in the car a real boost. I’m pleased to be out competing again so soon as I hope to be still in the rhythm. I can’t wait to get back out there again and I’m hoping to improve further on my driving this time out. I’m really enjoying myself on the scholarship and the guidance I’m receiving from Silverstone Rally School is invaluable.”   Following on from the Cornwall event Kirvan, who beat-off competition from 10 other female hopefuls in the grand final to win the coveted Lady Quest scholarship in September, will go on to compete in another three rallies this season under the Silverstone Rally School scheme and upgrade her MSA (Motor Sports Association) competition licence from a National B to a National A standard.   Lady Quest, an initiative to promote women drivers into the male dominated sport of rallying, is in its 14th year in 2007 and Silverstone Rally School only have a limited number of spaces now available on assessment days this year, with demand for places high.   The scheme is open to all females who are aspiring rally drivers, all that is required is that they have no previous motorsport experience and a full driving licence. There is no selection process to get onto an assessment day and registrations are taken on a first come first served basis, so potential applicants are advised to contact the school as soon as possible for information. The Lady Quest scholarship consists of a fully sponsored season of rallying with a rally car, team of mechanics and all expenses paid.