How did I survive!!?? My first international Defender race and 40% crashed out

Welcome to Round two of the 2024 Defender Rally EU Baja Championship in Gatinais, France - Rallye Terres Du Gatinais. This is my first international rally in Big Boy my 2.3 tonne beast of a Defender 90! As I continue into year two of the Bowler Driver Development Pathway I now have my national license through racing with Bowler Motors. And we are also upping my game in terms of teammates. I’m now with up there one of the most experienced motorsport individuals in the UK, Chris Hammond.

How did I survive!!??

Driving in treacherous conditions, a racing heart and a few tears while sliding in the mud, skimming over ruts, squealing with adrenalin, facing ice like terrain and avoiding huge ditches that were taking no prisoners!

Of the 75 vehicles that started only 45 finished, that's 30 vehicles either crashing out or having mechanical problems! So after only hitting one obstacle, I am proud to have not only finished but claimed 7th in class!

Next round is in Spain and it's a 400km day! Bring it on 💪

If you're interested in coming to race me check out the Bowler website below

If you want to know more about Big Boy, the 2.3 tonne beast follow the link below

You can read the full story of how I got into motorsports here:

Please follow my adventures on:

If you made it this far, comment and join the conversation

#DefenderRally #BowlerMotors #EUBajaChampionship #OffRoadRacing #MotorsportAdventures #thegirlonabike

Supported by
Michelin #teammichelin
Revolution Race
CTEK Chargers

Edit & Thumbnail - Team KapDx Media - (Suruj Barman & Arjun Tumung)

Tracks:
ES_CLOUD9 - BLUE STEEL.mp3
ES_Begging for More - Rockin' For Decades (1).mp3
ES_No School Today - Femme TOV.mp3

Timestamp
0:00 - Intro to EU Baja Championship in Gatinais
2:00 - Inside the Bowler Bivouac
6:06 - Customized Bowler Defender Insights
12:30 - All About My Race Suit
14:16 - Day 2 Morning
17:47 - First Race Start
20:14 - Midstage Race Overview
23:25 - Interview with EU Baja Championship Media Crew
26:42 - Three Special Stages Complete
28:25 - Co-Driver Experience Insights
29:38 - Infotainment Inside the Bowler Defender
32:10 - Refueling a Rally Car
33:06 - Day 3 Race Day Start
34:15 - Defender Hands-On Experience Overview
43:40 - Finished

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[steevmeister]

DODO? DODO? ... The most gorgeous Dodo that's ever lived 😍

[GaryFrance_Tour]

Friggin awesome Vanessa. Your progression in four-wheel racing and your learning is coming on in leaps and bounds. Love your relationship with Chris. Brilliant Vanessa, just brilliant.

[anthonystevens]

And welcome to Chris. And Big Boy has a new outfit, a very fetching design. I guess Sid is feeling a tad inadequate... Also a tad harsh on "ditch the Dodo", we love Anika, she's a loon and a great member of your team! Stage 2 having snotty wet patches is so descriptive and why you need to keep Mr Boy tyres side down and in the track. If I was brave and really felt the need to loose a lot of weight very fast I'd be happy to be a passenger in one of your drives unfortunately the thought of the amount clean up afterwards on the inside of the vehicle might just stop me. I'd probably be ready for recycling afterwards as well. A top job Vanessa, and well done, Chris is a great guy and please don't "ditch the Dodo".

[Toni.]

I love how you give your Vehicles names and when you talk about them you refer to them in the male, him, he, boy

[tkeightley]

Im a 62 year old truck driver, recently got back into motorcycles. Having a blast! You always inspire me. When things are challenging you keep on truckin👍🙂

[RileyTrafford]

hi it’s me again, i never new that you have never raced your defender!From your fan, riley

[robaylmer]

Amazing driving Vanessa, even with Chris's expert help you have the "technique". A truly courageous person (your middle name me thinks) for getting in the drivers seat in the first place! It's good you can let the emotions (and stress) out with a good cry - no harm in that at all - kudos! Hats off to you and looking forward to your next event. Think it's time I got another tee soon 🏁🏁🍾🍾🌹🌹

[AdamForeman]

Venessa! Absolutely amazing driving! You should be very proud of yourself. How much did it cost you to get Chris to say all those things? LOL! You need to make a "DITCH THE DODO!" t-shirt with Anika's face on it! Oh and oh oh, man bun alert! 😂😂😂

[Steve-Debs]

So funny to watch depending on which camera you’re using, is if the vehicle is Left hand or Right hand drive. No wonder you found drive difficult at the start. Lol

[Mechman]

Hey if you were snow downhill slolom skiing you want to hit all the flags so you all good!

[MrJustsaysean]

No TGOAB video would be complete without you horsing back some food. Well done.

[cymutch]

Sorry for the nerd moment, but with a BFGoodrich tyre sponsorship and the championship website stating all cars run BFG's why did all the defenders have Goodyear duratrac's on for this event? 🙈🙈

[IanDobson-qjgp]

WELL DONE what was your final place in the race👍👍x

[JEmmertz]

Putting the oven on and prepping dinner while I wait for you and your shenanigans...

UPDATE: The car looks Sweeeet!!! 👍

[BBRAIN]

Always thought with fireproof underwear it was also for both gender's available . And big boy looks great in his new skin

[donbreeden]

Your phone is on bathroom mirror mode.