2024 Defender EU Baja Championship

Year two in the Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI

Following the completion of the 2023 UK Defender Rally series with Bowler in my Defender 90 Big Boy it’s time to up the game and work towards my ultimate goal [keep reading for what that is!]. Year one saw me going from a total beginner, rabbit in a headlight having never been in a rally car to a huge development journey. Teamed with Chris Cummings as my navigator and supported by the wider Bowler team including the mechanics, we had a fantastic year, a year of growth. My driving ability, confidence in the car and skills improved with every event. Each event has been hand selected by Bowler to expand our driver data base. Over the seven events we managed 4 podiums!!! Which was just fantastic. The biking background really helped my journey. The 7 event series also enabled me to earn the licence upgrade to national, allowing me to compete in international events.

If you don’t know my story into motorsports you can read it here

Before I set my 2024 plans I want to clarify the below….

Am I leaving motorcycles behind? No, I’m managing chronic pain

My shift to incorporate both 2 and 4 wheels is driven by my need to manage chronic pain in my hip. Motorcycling takes a toll on my body. I live with chronic pain, my hip is deteriorating, and I sadly don’t go anywhere without painkillers. Completing the Africa Eco Race was a monumental challenge that I’m unbelievably proud of. BUT…I’ve had to come to an emotional realization that the one home that I have – my body – is something that I need to be a bit more mindful and protective of for my future.

However…I refuse to give up the thrill of racing. Four wheels offer a way for me to stay in the game and set the goal of getting back to the desert, in the bivouac, hooked on the adrenaline and keep on pushing boundaries. So instead of quitting due to my pain as a result of the accident, which also got me into motorcycles, I am going to ADAPT!

Time for the 2024 EU Baja Championship with Defender

As part of the Bowler customer experience and driver development programme they are offering a multiyear programme. The ultimate goal is to get you to the desert, going from total newbie to confident, ready and equipped for success. Having finished year one which saw me earning my national race licence, a critical part in the journey, I’m moving onto Europe in my Defender.

With four rounds in the 2024 Defender series it’s going to be another jump in my motorsports career. New terrain, new challenges and much bigger distances. The full series information can be found here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/

I’m racing the French, Spanish and Icelandic events. With the move going to Baja road book, navigation is key, so Bowler have paired me with a new navigator; Chris Hammond. He comes with 40 years of rally experience, having completed the Dakar as both a driver and navigator.  A huge learning resource for me!

It’s going to be an incredible year and the best bit is two big things:

First, I’ll be proudly flying the British flag with my Defender 90 Big Boys’ sexy new livery wrap done by AR Signs Ltd as we go into the 2024 EU Baja Championship as part of year two in the Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI. Stay tuned for more news, adventures and fun.

Secondly, September will see the Bowler team taking us to Morocco for a training camp in the sand dunes followed by a 6 day rally! I can’t wait to get into the desert again as it perfectly aligns to my personal goals… see below. See the racing calendar: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/calendar/

Defender 90 rally car with British flag driven by Vanessa Ruck

My ultimate rally goal is set!

My goal is to become the first British female driver to complete a major (yet-to-be-disclosed) international rally in 2026. Following starting in the 2023 Bowler Defender rally series as a total newbie, I am now stepping it up to the European series in Big Boy. He’s a T2 rally car build on a Defender production vehicle. Huge thanks to the Land Rover and Bowler team for your belief in me and the support, along with my key sponsors: FCLG  and Strata .

My energy and Bowler are perfectly aligned and I can’t wait to take you on the journey with me! Make sure you’re subscribed to all my channels so you don’t miss anything:

https://www.instagram.com/thegirlonabike/

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Sponsorship opportunities

As you know, I have huge racing goals on 4 wheels. I’m not quitting bikes but my hip pain means the cars give me a new chapter and I want to get back to the desert!!! Lots of exciting things to come if I can pull it off.

If you’re interested in any sponsorship opportunities please get in touch hello@thegirlonabike.com all sponsorship also helps me continue my free schools programme to help inspire UK youth. You can also support me in a smaller scale via my Patreon.

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Whatsapp and www.thegirlonabike.com.