An all girl rally team are getting geared up to tackle the Mercury Motorsport Stages this weekend (14 and 15 June) at Crail Aerodrome. The pairing of Michelle Falconer and Allie Donaldson are hoping to prove that in the male dominated sport, females can give the boys a run for their money.

Falconer, who regularly co-drives in the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship, will switch roles as she gets behind the wheel of her family 1600 Vauxhall Nova. “The car was a Christmas present for me and my brother Andrew. I navigated for Andrew when he drove in a rally for the first time earlier this year, so I can’t wait for my turn” explained the Culloden Car Sales supported driver.

The Highland Waste Service backed car has however undergone a complete re-shell over the winter months. Michelle’s dad made a spectacular exit to the Snowman Rally on the opening round of the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship in February. “My dad used the car on our local rally the Snowman, and he rolled five times, so as you can imagine there was a fair bit of work to be done!” said Falconer.

While this weekend will mark Michelle’s second outing in the driving seat, co-driver Allie Donaldson will be navigating for the first time. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and challenge, the nerves are there, but once we get to the start line, I'm sure the adrenaline will take over” admitted Allie.

She continues “although my dad has been involved in motorsport for as long as I can remember, it wasn't until last year that I decided to become more involved in the sport.  I joined the Highland car club and competed in navigational rallies and went spectating and marshalling on a few stage rallies, it was then I realised it was something I really wanted to try myself” 

The Mercury Motorsport Stages, round 3 of the Hytorc Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship is set to attract some of Scotland’s best tarmac rally drivers. Crews will tackle over 90 miles of flat out driving, negotiating 14 stages on the two day event. The Dalcross Bodyshop supported team of Falconer and Donaldson are looking forward to the challenge of competing with Scotland’s best, and hope they can challenge some of the more experienced teams out there. “I’m really looking forward to the event now. It will be a bit daunting without my dad in the other seat telling me what to do this time but we will try our best and improve our times throughout the day!” commented the AJM Haulage supported driver.

As the Inverness Focus Vehicle Rental rally team make the final preparations to the car, co-driver Allie sums up the feelings of the team. “We are both really excited about the event, having the chance to work together as a team in the Nova, gaining experience and most importantly enjoying ourselves.”