OK, something with a mention of some REAL MG history.
Another media release, this time from "MG Sport and Racing":
FIRST FEMALE DRIVE FOR 48 YEARS IN MONTE CARLO MG
Top female rally driver Natalie Barratt s entry in a Super 1600 MG ZR
on the Monte Carlo Rally this week is the first time a woman has driven
an MG on this event for nearly half a century, when Nancy Mitchell
competed at the Principality in an MG Magnette in 1956.
Natalie has several years experience of international rallies, but
decided to take a year out last year to go circuit racing in saloon
cars. However, when the opportunity arose to go for the Junior World
Rally Championship (JWRC) with the KF Concept backed Risbridger
Motorsport Solutions Team this year in a competitive car, partnered by
Welshman Carl Williamson, she didnt hesitate.
Natalie Barratt said: Its been 12 months since Ive competed in a
rally and Im really excited to be back in a rally car again. We had a
successful test in Austria last week and the car is working very well.
The Monte Carlo is quite a challenge as Ive done a recce for it before,
but never actually contested the rally. Im so looking forward to that.
The 2004 Monte Carlo Rally is also the first time an MG ZR Super 1600
has been entered in a World Rally Championship (WRC) event although
former British Champion Gwyndaf Evans and Claire Mole won the GpN class
for standard showroom cars in an MG ZR160 at the WRC Wales Rally GB last
November.
The opening round of this years Championship takes place on January 23-
25th over the tortuous mountain roads around motorsports most glamorous
venue. Weather conditions will play a vital role in the outcome of this
latest running of the worlds oldest rally and rally crews will have to
cope with everything from snow and ice to dry tarmac. To do well, the
newly formed partnership of Natalie and Carl will not only have to drive
hard, but will need to make some shrewd judgements on tyre choice too.
Natalies year as a circuit racer might just prove decisive.
--
Eric
'68MGB MkII
Adelaide, South Australia
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