This is the story of the female crew composed by the New Zealander driver Emma Gilmour and her South African navigator Sandra Labuscagne, which will take part in the forthcoming Italian Baja 2016 (June, from 23rd to 26th) with a Mitsubishi Pajero T2.
The “FIA Women in Motorsport” selections took part last year; female participants nominated by the National Automobil Clubs, International Federation members, were over 200. The event was supported by the board presided by Michéle Mouton, ex rally driver who won World Competitions with Audi.
The 12 best drivers had to face an additional selection in Qatar; at the end, the “teachers” Jutta Kleinschmidt (the only woman who won the Dakar) and Fabrizia Pons (who navigated both Mouton and Piero Liatti in rally races, and Ari Vatanen in Cross Country competitions) chose the winner crew; the prize was the partecipation in the Sealine Cross Country Rally. Then, thanks to the interest demonstrated by the Quatar Federation, last April, vehicles at disposal were three, so other two female crews have been able to face the Sealine.
A really demanding Cross Country Rally, in which Gilmour & Labuscagne, even if they separately took part in the race, put themselves in the spotlight as for their respective rules, persuading Kleinschmidt & Pons to be worthy of obtaining another chance. Last chapter (until nowadays) concerns the Italian Baja, where the innovative crew will be able to drive thanks to the support demonstrated by Nasser Al-Attiyah, the great Quatar champion who will sustain the costs of the vehicle set up by Ralliart Italia, and thanks to the hospitality of the Fuoristrada Club 4x4 Pordenone of Mauro Tavella, who seems to be determined in supporting female participation in this specialty.
Carlo Ragogna Italian Baja Press Office
