Highworth rally queen Shelly set for first event with new co-driver (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Highworth rally queen Shelly set for first event with new co-driver

NEWLY crowned British ladies' rally champion Shelly Taunt, from Highworth, will this weekend be competing in her first event of the year.

Not only will Shelly have more horse power, in the form of a newly acquired Subaru Impreza, but also girl-power as an old school friend, Julie Murphy, also from Highworth, is to be the new co-driver this season.

Julie is a complete novice who has yet to gain experience in her new role. But the Silverstone Rally School, Guest & Fiore Bricklayers, Creative Block Paving, Rapid Hire, Advances Sign Factory, Mintex, Silkolene, Piaa and now on-board, Simpsons of Highworth, supported crew have been working hard over the winter months preparing the car.

Shelley said, "I've decided not to defend my British title this year. I had a fantastic 2003 season, but we thought that while Julie is learning the ropes and I'm in a new car, it's best that we have no pressure.

"Our aim is to have a bit of fun but, in the meantime, learn as much about the car as possible. I'm not used to 4WD, and certainly the speed will be a lot faster than my Micra.

"We are hoping to do a major championship next year, and I'm certain that by then Julie will have gained enough experience to hold her International licence."

When asked how she felt about sitting in with the British ladies' rally champion, Julie, who lives with partner Keith and two sons James and Jason, replied:

"I can't believe my luck: I have always followed rallying and, when Shelly and I were teenagers, we went marshalling and spectating. It started as a bit of a joke as I hadn't seen Shelly for about 17 years.

"After I bought a road-going Subaru, I heard that Shelly was going to rally one, so I thought I would pop round and compare notes.

"To be honest, I was taken aback when she asked me whether I would like to have a go - but who could refuse an offer like that?"

Shelly's regular co-driver, Bob Stoker, is unavailable due to work commitments.

The pair's first event, the Oakington Stages, just outside Cambridge, will consist of very fast tarmac and the girls will be aiming for a finish and will also be looking for the ladies' trophy.