A YOUNG motorsports enthusiast from Rugby is all revved up after reaching the final six for a prestigious scholarship to be trained by experts as a rally driving navigator.
Daisy Walker, 20, is among the finalists for the Bob Rutherford Historic Rally Scholarship for Young Navigators.
She will be competing to win full training and funding to navigate in four rallies whilst also attending selected Motorsport UK Academy courses.
Daisy Walker is one of the six finalists for the Bob Rutherford Historic Rally Scholarship for Young Navigators.
Daisy loves map reading from childhood holidays, and grew up with historic motorsport through classic motorcycle manufacturing and racing.
After a family friend recommended rally navigating, she has since taken part in several rallies, including LeJog – a 1,300-mile endurance rally from Land’s End to John O’Groats – and loves the thrill of classic car navigating with her dad.
Her goal for rallying is to win a rally, and to improve her navigating skills.
The scholarship winner will compete in four rallies organised by historic motoring events company HERO-ERA alongside an expert driver, and receive all the necessary equipment to help them as young navigators.
The Scholarship was set up in memory of Bob Rutherford, who enjoyed a long career in rallying before his death in 2021.
Bob’s son and rally organiser Will Rutherford, who co-founded of the scholarship in his dad’s name, said: “Having read through all the applications and understanding how eager the young candidates are to learn from this great opportunity has been very pleasing, although it’s made it very difficult for us to come to a decision on our finalists as there have been many deserving of the chance to gain some brilliant experience.
“The broad range of applications has been staggering and we look forward to seeing where this opportunity can take them in the future.”
The finalists will be tasked with impressing the expert rally panel at a final ‘shoot out’ selection at Bicester Heritage on August 31.
HERO-ERA Competition Director Guy Woodcock, one of the panel, said: “The scholarship in memory of Bob will allow us as an organisation to keep his legacy alive by encouraging youngsters to be involved in the sport he loved.
“The day will consist of interviews on your aspirations, a briefing session on navigating, practical sessions navigating around a special test, road sections and regularities in our Arrive & Drive classic cars, how to deal with media requirements, and other matters which we feel will assist the successful applicant in moving forward.”
The winner will be announced in September.
