Recently announced DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Aoife Raftery will contest a programme of American rallies at the wheel of a DirtFish Subaru WRX STI.
Having tested the car for the first time last month, Aoife starts her competitive Stateside journey at next month’s Olympus Rally, presented by DirtFish.
The Washington-based event marks the first outing for a DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver as well as Aoife’s debut in as four-wheel-drive rally car.
In addition to Olympus, Aoife will contest the following ARA round (Oregon Trail Rally) as well as Regional events Tour de Forest and the Mike Nagle Rally.
“I am thrilled to be driving with DirtFish,” said the 24-year-old from Ireland. “This opportunity to compete on the next two rounds of the ARA National Championship represents a personal milestone for me and a significant moment for women in motorsport.
“I aim to inspire others to chase their dreams, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.
“My first test with the car went really well – the car was fantastic to drive and DirtFish was the perfect place to learn more about four-wheel drive. The Olympus Rally will be my debut in a four-wheel drive car, this is a big moment for me and I’m delighted to be making it with DirtFish as a DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver.”
Looking forward to joining a wide community of Irish drivers competing at America’s highest level, Aoife added: “Representing my country and demonstrating that women can excel in all areas of motorsport is so important – this journey is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women drivers.
“Competing in the ARA with DirtFish is an incredible honour. I’m thankful for my support and excited to showcase my skills on such a prestigious platform. Together, we can drive change and inspire more women to pursue their passions in motorsport.”
DirtFish Women in Motorsport coordinator and fellow competitor Josie Rimmer was impressed with what she saw from Aoife at the test in Snoqualmie.
“From the moment we met with Aoife, you could see the determination, desire and drive in her eyes,” said Josie. “They were just some of the reasons we were so happy to name Aoife alongside Michele [Abbate] as a DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver.
“It’s awesome to be working with Aoife at this stage in her career. We’re so stoked to have her in our car as she makes her four-wheel drive debut at Olympus and for a further three rallies here in the Pacific Northwest. It was clear to see how comfortable she felt in the WRX from the get-go and she just got quicker and quicker as the test progressed.”
Beyond the driving, Aoife will work as an ambassador for DirtFish Women in Motorsport throughout the season – which will help spread this key message on both sides of the Atlantic.
Josie added: “Aoife has shown some amazing speed in the European Rally Championship (ERC) and having her competing in a dual program in ARA and the ERC is a first for us and for the sport of rallying. It’s a very big deal.
“And, of course, having her with us at the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit (Saturday, May 24) and at further WiM-related events will be a privilege and an opportunity to really help strengthen the message.”
Aoife’s schedule
Olympus Rally presented by DirtFish (Shelton, WA) April 12/13
Oregon Trail Rally (Dufur, OR) May 16-18
Tour de Forest (Shelton, WA) October 4
Mike Nagle Rally, (Oregon, OR) November TBA
About DirtFish
DirtFish Rally School opened its doors in 2010 and has been teaching students the art of rallying ever since. Based in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just 40 minutes from downtown Seattle, the School offers a variety of all-wheel drive, two-wheel drive, private and all-women programs.
The combination of top-specification Subaru WRXs and BRZs along with an unparalleled 300-acre property has helped DirtFish build a reputation as one of the best Rally Schools in the world.
After a decade of driving, DirtFish Media was started to help globalise the brand by telling the biggest and best stories in the sport. DirtFish.com is now the world-leading go-to source for off-road motorsport content.
Aoife Raftery is supported by: DirtFish | Motorsport Ireland | Spain’s Coach and Minibus Hire | O’Neill O’Malley Architects and Project Managers | Des Lyons Plant | Cannon Concrete, Oranmore | EARS Motorsport |Kenny | (Peugeot) Galway | PW Plant Sales | Thatch Bar, Oranmore | Loughrea Auto Parts | Lateralus B | Kerry Motorsport News
