Driver

Shelly Taunt

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Shelly started competing in 1995 after winning a competition in a motoring magazine to find a ‘Lady Rally Driver’. Competing against other ladies from around the country and some even rallying already it was Shelly’s sheer determination, driving skills, personality and a long awaited ambition that saw her shine above the rest. Although at a very young age it was obvious that she had a competitive skill for speed. Shelly used to love anything that had a steering wheel attached to it and can remember a time when her and her sister found a man-made go-kart in a ditch on the way home from school, Shelly thought it was the best thing ever and pleaded with her parents to let her keep it.

As a teenager when all her friends were out shopping for clothes Shelly would rather spend her money going to a Karting Centre or begging her male friends to let her drive their cars. Despite coming from a rallying family, Shelly’s only other involvement was marshalling and spectating on the odd event.

From the age of 19 she had other commitments buying her own house with her partner Gordon,then building a house of their own and then the arrival of their son Stefan. It was a long awaited dream, but was by far worth the wait for Shelly to finally have the opportunity to drive a rally car.

Shelly has now achieved her ambition and goal and in 2003 she became the ‘British Ladies Rally Champion’ and the ‘Formula 1400cc Champion’. After rallying on and off for almost 9 years and achieving other titles along the way this ambitious mum from Highworth Nr Swindon is still determined to achieve even more….

BEST RALLYING MOMENTS

Being entered into the Network Q Rally in 1995 in a brand new Escort Cosworth, after winning the ‘Find a Lady Rally Driver’ competition. This being Shelly’s 5th ever event.

Driving over the finish line on the South of England Tempest Rally 2003, winning the ‘British Ladies Rally Champion’ and the ‘Formula 1400cc’ title

WORST MOMENTS

Not finishing the Network Q Rally in 1995, after the fuel pump shattered.

FUNNIEST MOMENTS

When Co-driver Bob Stokoe insisted that Shelly under no circumstances was to stop at the end of a stage on the Northumberside Rally in 2002, even though the pair had to get a stage time. Shelly had to keep the car running due to the clutch failing and the pedal being stuck to the floor. Bob being 6’7” tall in a small Ford KA decided he was going to launch himself out of the car whilst it was moving. As Shelly took a glance sideways Bob disappeared from the Co-driver’s seat, a little concerned to where he was she looked in her rear view mirror to see Bob faced down in a big clump of grass. As the instructions were to keep the car running Shelly did just that. After a few moments realising that Bob was still alive, Shelly continued kangarooing down to the end of the stage and was then suddenly caught by a Nissan Micra with guess who sat on the bonnet hitching a ride. Bob then somehow managed to get back into the car sideways whilst it was still moving. Shelly then had to come to a sudden halt after coming to a junction that joined on to the main road.

WHEN NOT RALLYING

Shelly is a full time mum to 14 year old Stefan, although having responsibilities of a family and also a partner that is a Director of two Companies, she still finds time one day a week to help at Silverstone Rally School.
Shelly also at the moment arranges and organises everything for events (although this will soon be passed on to Julie). When Shelly has some spare time, she likes visiting places of interest, karting, playing darts, jetsking and generally having a good time…..

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