First year BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) competitor Ally Howells believes that her season will still be a success no matter the result at this weekend’s Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro.
Howells goes into the championship’s final round trailing Pro-Lite class leader Alan Dixon by eight points, but ahead by one point on the outright standings.
After a brilliant result at Finke where both Howells and brother Josh finished the prestigious race, Howells was proud of what they achieved during their first year in the AORC.
“It’s been a really good season so far for both Josh and I,” Howells said.
“I think we were surprised with our success at Finke because we had one goal to finish and the fact that we both completed it in two separate cars was just phenomenal.
“We are still pinching ourselves that we did it especially on our first attempt.”
Since her Finke success, the 25-year-old has grown in confidence and has shifted all her focus onto the Rainbow Desert Enduro, which will cover more than 550km across two days of jam-packed off road action.
While the car is in good condition, her confidence sky high and her competitive edge on the rise, Howells admits that the only thing standing in her way for a strong result is her composure.
“I am really looking forward to competing at this race. It’s challenging race because it’s such a long distance,” Howells explained.
“I am confident that we can finish and potentially win the class otherwise I wouldn’t be heading that way if the car wasn’t ready.
“Every track is different but I just need to keep level headed, as I tend to stuff it up if I get hot headed. I can’t overthink the end result and remain positive throughout.
“It’s a really big race so my plan is to just chip away at it bit by bit and mainly just have fun.”
With Ally competing for the Pro-Lite Class title and Josh competing for an outright podium, the Howells have every reason to be thrilled with their first season in the AORC.
However for Ally, no matter the result, her goals for competing at the highest level will always stem from the passion of women in motor sport and pride from the person who has worked extremely hard to get the two in this strong position.
“The hours my dad puts into the sport is like a full time job for him, as he not just running my car, but my brother’s as well,” Howells added.
“My brother and I may drive the cars but we wouldn’t be able to if it wasn’t for all the things my dad does for us. He is really clever.
“There is no pressure to get a result this weekend, but I put my own pressure on myself and at the end of the day I just want to make my dad proud.
“Long term, my goal is to get more women in the sport, because if I just get out there and give it a go and have fun, I am hoping more girls will follow and get competitive.”
The Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro takes place on 10-12 August, with Outright and Class Champion to be crowned at the conclusion of the event.
