A trailblazing racing champion is revving up the pressure ahead of Britain’s first ever closed-roads rally – by challenging herself to beat an unusual rival.
British Ladies title-holder Nabila Tejpar is competing in her home county for the very first time at this weekend’s inaugural Corbeau Seats Rally – which will see drivers sweep through Tendring in a series of timed tests.
To mark the occasion, the 24-year-old from Maldon is giving herself an additional challenge – and aims to beat her rally driver dad Aziz Tejpar at the sport he introduced her a few years ago.
Sunday’s event will be the first time they have competed in the same category.
“It’s amazing to think that we will be rallying a few miles away from home and to compete against Dad is actually a real challenge,” said Miss Tejpar. “I’m the third generation of rally drivers in the family.
“My grandad used to rally in Africa and so he passed on his knowledge to my dad who handed it down to me – so now the pressure is on to try and beat him in pretty much our back yard.”
Mr Tejpar will be behind the wheel of a very different Ford – a powerful ex-Alistair McRae Escort MK2.
So even though she is used to competing against some of the best young rally drivers in Europe, Miss Tejpar is well aware of the challenge she faces.
“He is still pretty handy behind the wheel,” she added.
“Don’t tell him though as he will think I am worried.”
The reigning British Ladies rally champion will be cheered on by her home crowd at the event on Sunday.
Thrillseekers turning out to watch will get so close they can almost taste the action, organisers said.
Last month the locations of two official spectator areas – where crowds can watch cars thunder past from a safe distance – were revealed.
The first and main zone is at Ship Hill in Bradfield, set to give panoramic views of the route.
Those watching from the second at Wick Road near Great Bentley will see cars sweep round a tight hairpin bend.
The televised rally – the first of its kind in England – will see challengers compete against the clock across the district, with the main hub on Clacton seafront.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend.
For more detailed information about when and where you can watch the rally, visit this link.
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