GRC
Rallycross Driver Emma Gilmour Takes on the Boys
She's the first woman in Red Bull Global Rallycross history, but can she run in the front?
Emma Gilmour became the first woman to race GRC.
© Alison Padron
The 2014 season was shaping up to be a dream come true for Emma Gilmour. The opportunity to drive for one of her friends in Rhys Millen and compete against drivers she's watched on TV for years has been great, but it hasn't quite translated into success on the track.
Practice had just wrapped up on the Sunday of the first stop of Red Bull Global Rallycross in Barbados. Her Rhys Millen Racing mechanics were working frantically to get her Hyundai Veloster Turbo ready for the her first heat. After dealing with mechanical issues all weekend, Emma was preparing to make her official debut in Heat Race 1C against Foust, Deegan and Dyne becoming the first woman to drive in GRC.
As Emma stepped away from the garage, we caught up with her about what it means to be the first female driver and what other females have been saying about it, plus how she fits in with the rest of the drivers.
How does it feel to be the first woman to drive in GRC?
It's funny, I don't focus on that at all. I'm just driving because that's what I love to do. But the real buzz came when I got off the track last night. There were so many females that came over to say hi and say thanks for doing what I do. They were excited that there's a female driver. That side of it is what's really cool. It's opening up the sport to another gender in some ways. It shows that females can compete.
It's your first time in this particular car, how are you acclimating to it?
It's tough, there's so many things to get used to with this car. The left-hand drive, the race format, and even how the whole weekend runs. It's totally foreign to what I'm used to doing [rally racing]. There's a lot going on, with a lot to learn.
Since everything is so new to you, it's tough to be successful immediately, but as a competitor, is it frustrating to struggle?
Absolutely. I'm happier now that I've had some time behind the wheel. Each time I've gotten in the car I've gotten better. I continue to get more comfortable and I'm also getting faster. My background is more on gravel, but I'm working on it, and loving it at the same time.
You said this is the first time racing rallycross, what are the challenges you've been facing?
The guys I'm racing. By far, the coolest thing has been sitting at the starting line, looking around at all the guys I usually see on TV. The lights come on, and your foot goes to the floor. The noise is awesome, it's like a video game. Once I got a taste of that, I really loved rallycross.
What's your relationship with teammate Rhys like?
We have a really good relationship. We're pretty similar. I run my own rally team back in Australia, so I understand what he's going through. He's not just turning up as a driver -- he's juggling a lot of things as an owner. We get along great.
What are your goals and expectations with GRC in 2014?
I want to get competitive. I want to mix it up with the boys. Most importantly, I want to keep learning and improving. I've never done rallycross, I didn't come from a Lites background, so to be competitive would be important. It's always going to be learning. I'm lucky Rhys is a really supportive teammate and fellow driver.
You've been really successful in the past in racing, so it's got to be difficult to not win?
Definitely, that's probably my biggest weakness, I'm not patient. Of course, I want to be at the top right away, but the drivers I'm competing against are all very, very good. It's mind games out there, sitting 12th, with only 12 cars out there, is frustrating, but I have to remember this is going to be a process.
What are you looking forward to most this season?
Just being able to see as much as possible of America. I came to the US for the first time in March to meet the team and that's it. Never thought I would go to places like North Carolina. I'm excited.
Red Bull Global Rallycross NY will be broadcasted live on Sunday, July 20, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, on NBC.
