Speedy Sisters Set For Success
In the testosterone-fuelled environment of predominantly male oriented motorsport, whilst it's not uncommon for females to compete, few actually succeed but that's about to change with the emergence of not one, but two speedy ladies from North Yorkshire.
Sisters Paige and Drew Bellerby from Northallerton are regular competitors in the Shannon Group MSA British Rallycross Championship and have recently secured backing from lubricants company Fuchs Titan Race in addition to their existing sponsors Sayers Road Tankers to bolster their bids for success.
18-year-old Paige is a former Junior champion and went on to race in the Suzuki Swift series with podium places at both Lydden and Pembrey but following a year out whilst a new car was being built, the Marketing Assistant plans to return at Pembrey later this month at the wheel of a Lotus Exige in the SuperNational class.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Drew has just finished her GCSE exams before embarking on a career in childcare and education at college later in the year but having only competed for the first time last year, actually leads this year's Junior Championship in her Suzuki Swift following a win at Knockhill and second place at Lydden so far.
The plan for the remainder of this season is for Drew to hopefully win the Junior championship whilst Paige will gain valuable experience in racing against some of the fastest drivers and cars in the country with a view to a full on assault on the SuperNational Championship for 2015.
Paige said: "I'm really looking forward to racing again as it's been a while and I've missed it. The rear-wheel drive Lotus will be something totally different to what I've driven before but I'm sure I'll be OK once I get a bit of time behind the wheel. To have Fuchs Titan Race come on board and support us is fantastic and along with our existing sponsor Sayers Road Tankers, hopefully we can achieve some good results."
Drew said: "Hopefully I can continue the good start to this season and end up winning the Junior title as Paige did back in 2010. I'm really enjoying driving and despite my lack of experience compared to some other drivers, it's not been an issue. We are very grateful for the backing of Fuchs Titan Race and Sayers Road Tankers, hopefully we can progress higher up the ladder and achieve lots more success in the years ahead."
Whereas both Paige and Drew help with the preparation of their respective cars, and also help source the finances to compete, the inspiration behind his two daughters' involvement in the sport is five times British Rallycross champion Dave Bellerby who has put his own career on hold to help them.
The next round of the Shannon Group MSA British Rallycross Championship takes place at Pembrey near Llanelli in South Wales on Sunday 27th July 2014. For more information please visit www.britishrallycross.co.uk and for information on Fuchs products, please visit www.fuchslubricants.com.
Pictures attached (courtesy of Tony Todd) - Paige (red race suit) and Drew (black race suit)