Drivers will be drivers. They’ll always want more. They sort of have to. It’s the only way to keep the throttle down when you’re screaming through the forest upwards of 100 mph.
This sport demands it of you. It demands that you push and dig and that you never quite feel satisfied. It demands more.
But.
Last weekend, Aoife Raftery pushed, battled, dug deep, she was absolutely relentless – all the way to the second step of the podium in class. But what were her first words when she got out of the car at Parc Ferme?
“I just know I have more.”
Only outright rally winner Travis Pastrana finished ahead of Aoife in her class – a clear sign of her ability
She has more to give: more speed, more finesse.
I stood there for a second, considering a response, knowing, as a competitor, that I would say exactly the same thing. Knowing, as her team manager, that she had just blown the thing out of the water. Knowing, as her promoter, that she’d just set a pace no one expected. Yet wishing, as her friend, that somewhere in her brain there was an ounce of the pride I was feeling for her.
I don’t know if my response to her was perfect. I don’t know if she comprehends what she and her co-driver Ditte Kammersgaard just accomplished.
But I do know that I’m proud. I do know that the competitor in her is fierce. I do know that she won’t stop pushing. That’s why she’s a DirtFish Women In Motorsport Driver.
She has the fight. She has the grit and the tenacity and the commitment to carry it through. To keep going. To place second yet only see the desire to strive for first.
100 Acre Wood was a brilliant start. But Aoife isn't satisfied yet and is still pushing for more
She inspires; her fellow competitors, the little girls at parc expose, future drivers, and me. So take it in, Aoife. Even if you feel like it’s not enough yet. Even if you’re not convinced.
Take it in.
And know that we’re here, beyond grateful and proud to have you flying this flag. This is just the beginning.
Oh, and we’ll see you at Olympus.
