How I got into motorsports with Bowler Defender

Motorsports with four wheels and the Defender came into my world later in life. I was 36 when I first got behind the wheel of a rally car but like all things, there is a story on how that development to becoming a UK female rally driver came about.

Most know me for my passion and love for two wheels. I’ve ridden motorcycles in more than 33 different countries, participated in 10 multi-day international rallies including some of the most notoriously grueling and physically demanding races in the history of motorsports. My love for motorcycles started later in life, it wasn’t until I was 30 years old that I began riding off road. I didn’t grow up with bikes but following my life changing accident I found myself discovering the thrills and adrenaline of bikes. My most notable achievement is having successfully completed a grueling 6,000km 13-day desert race, becoming the first British female to finish the ‘original Dakar’ route in the Africa Eco Race. This was a huge feat for anyone but given my chronic pain following the accident and being one of few females in the sport it is even more of a feat.

The connection with Bowler was a gradual one. As a 14-year-old I was obsessed with the WildCat. The roar of it’s V8, the poise of it’s stance with Defender heritage. My ultimate dream car was a Bowler. I never imagined racing one, I merely wanted it for everyday life, popping to the shops for milk. I still recall the first time I saw one in person. My father took me to Eridge Park in Kent for some kind of rally event. A deep purple WildCat’s roaring engine set my soul on fire. My bedroom was a sea of posters with  a mix of cars but mostly the WildCat. A little girls dream despite being obsessed with ponies.

If you prefer watching to reading, you can watch my story here:

I had posters as a 14 year old and now I’m racing a Bowler… how did this happen?

Rallye du Maroc

It wasn’t until October 2021 when in Morocco that anything else occurred. I was there for Rallye du Maroc, a qualifying desert rally for the Dakar. I was there with my Honda CRF 450 RX in the enduro cup class. It was my first time in a rally bivouac and I was like a kid in a candy shop. Walking around dribbling over the incredible vehicles, from huge race trucks to pickups, side by sides and then the support vehicles. It was a little girls dream ‘car show’. On my wander around I bumped into a guy called Dave who was there supporting a race car and was super friendly and welcoming to me and my first-time energy.

Meet ‘Dave’

Fast forwards roughly a year and I get a phone call. “Hi Vanessa, it’s Dave Marsh, we met in Morocco”. I immediately knew who it was and went into an embarrassed apology for ghosting him mid conversation over the WildCat. He chuckled. It turns out ghosting the Head of Motorsports at Bowler… was less rude than he thought! He could instantly see my passion and energy. Dave wasn’t just calling for a chit chat, he had a question, and a big one at that!

“How would you like to come and do a round of the UK series in the new Bowler Defender 90?”

If I’d been able to bite his hands off in enthusiasm I would have done. This was my childhood dream coming true! I’ll be honest in that I had not heard of the new Defender 90 Bowler but google lead me to all the information, you can read more here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/

Getting your BARS licence

First up I had to get my BARS licence. This is a relatively straightforward process that largely ensures proficiency and safety across rally in the UK. First time in a Subaru car was fun. You can watch this process below:

Land Rover experience day at Eastnor Castle

The Defender Series takes the road-ready Defender 90 as a donor base vehicle before upgrading and modifying it to meet the grueling requirements of fast speed rally racing. This means an ideal start is getting to know the Defender as it  comes, before the infamous Bowler touch. Firstly. I  headed to the Customer Experience centre run by Land Rover at Eastnor Castle for a day off road. The technology in this car blew my mind. Land Rover have spent years developing a car that  has the ability to do as much for you as possible in order to  help you get through the toughest terrain. You can watch my first time  experience here:

Walters training on the Bowler driver development programme

Next I had to face getting into a Bowler Defender for the first time. I think the excitement was at such a high level I felt sick! It was bitter cold with sideways wind for my first weekend at Walters arena but I knew I was in safe hands. Bowler offer a full driver development programme designed to enable ANYONE to get into rally. They coach you, teach you and support you from the very foundations all the way though to the UK Defender rally series.

I had no idea what was to come on this new and amazing journey I was embarking on, but I can tell you I was excited Day one saw us doing rally safety, rescue and medical procedures, a detailed run through of the car, basic track side maintenance such as wheel changes and scrummy / delicious on site catering with Street Feast who support the Bowler events. I felt like a rabbit in headlights but by the end of the day I was feeling knowledgeable and prepared.

Getting into a Defender rally car

Getting into the Defender 90 as a passenger was next. I had my brand new Alpinestars race suit, full fireproof kit, shoes, socks, balaclava etc as advised by Bowler. I felt like a power ranger. Then it was time to get the Simpson neck device to prevent neck injuries in a crash, and the Stilo helmet with a built in intercom before strapping into the 5 point harness bucket seat. It was a very new feeling! There are very few moments in life where you’re strapped into a seat with the ability to only move your lower legs and arms. Chris Cummings my navigator and co-pilot who Bowler paired me with was a calm and reassuring voice. I don’t remember much from those first laps other than pure joy! Squeals, giggles, shrieks of horror and delight. My first impressions; wow that car could move!

My turn behind the wheel

This could have been something pretty overwhelming. Walters arena is notorious for its snotty wet slippery Welsh terrain, there weather was giving us it’s best and I was brand new. But the whole team, from the service crew supporting on the vehicles, the other drivers, the navigators and everyone in-between was just so friendly. It was an environment where being a total beginner was okay. That is why I was there! Little did I know that my motorcycle background would give me such a huge leg up. The ability to read the terrain, to understand braking and weight transfer and picking smooth lines. I certainly had and advantage. I would describe this day as being like a legal high. You can watch it here:

First time in a Bowler Defender 90

Then it escalated

Following an incredible first weekend where I even managed to get a podium, I was hooked. I needed more of this in my life. The adrenaline of having 2.3tonnes of mass, a navigator throwing instructions such as “fast right” where you then have to flat foot into a blind corner on total trust that it’s just a small bend, it was incredible! I sat down with Bowler and we came up with the idea of me completing the full UK Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI. More information here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/

Bowler year one progress

The UK series saw myself and up to 9 other racers from a huge range of backgrounds all competing in 7 events. We were united by the love of motorsports, the thrill and the Bowler facilitation. There was no way I could have participated in these events solo. I would not have had the knowledge, skills, equipment to go solo, so Bowler really was the catalyst for this for most of us. The added bonus of the Defender series is the set specification of the cars. Once Bowler have turned them into rally cars, taking the P300 production models with added safety features, including race-specification seats, FIA-approved roll cage and fire extinguishers.

We as racers are not allowed to further modify them. They use the same powerful 300PS Ingenium petrol engine, responsive eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and advanced All-Wheel Drive system as showroom models, with all mechanical enhancements done by the expert team from Bowler. But that is where it stops. The rich guy can’t throw on a £40k suspension upgrade package or enhance its engine. The car spec is set, the rest is down to us as drivers. A fantastic way to limit the budget but also set a level playing field where our skills and navigator relationships stand us apart. The Bowler Defender series has to be one of the best ways to get into motorsports.

I rolled my Defender rally car

Myself and Chris Cummings, had a fantastic year. We had some hicks and hurdles, including rolling my Defender. That was a bit of a shock but a huge learning experience and the car took near zero damage, despite having a lie down.

What is the new Bowler Defender 90 – full specs video

Full Defender 90 Bowler rally car specs are available here: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/defender-rallycar/

4 podiums in seven races in my Bowler Defender 90

Otherwise, it was 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.

Defender Rally Series Partnered with TATA ELXSI results: Vanessa Ruck

• Walters Areana – 3rd in Defender class 2023
• Rallynuts Stages Rally – 2nd in Defender class 2023
• Summer Scottish Hill rally – 3rd in class and 14th overall 2023
• Nicky Grist – 6th in Defender class 2023
• Yorkshire Hill rally – 5th in Defender class 2023
• Conwy Cambrian Rally – 7th in Defender class 2023
• Scottish borders hill rally – 3rd in Defender class 2023

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 offers me a way 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!

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 built 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 .

Next it’s the Defender EU Baja Championship

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

With four rounds in the 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’ll be proudly flying the British flag with his sexy new livery wrap done by AR Signs Ltd [I highly recommend them for vehicle and helmet wraps] 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.

See the racing calendar: https://www.bowlermotors.com/defender-rally-series/calendar/

Bowler Defender 90 rally car with British flag driven by Vanessa Ruck

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 or book me for a motivational / key note speaker.

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.