In fact, Brogo rally driver Lynda Leigh and 17-year-old apprentice mechanic from Moruya, Maisie Place, tore up the track with the best of them. 

Place is now keen to get behind the wheel for herself, and will contest the Rallye Des Femmes, Australia's premiere lady drivers event, in October.

She is also planning to take to the driver’s seat herself in next year’s Valley Rally. 

As a late starter to rallying, Lynda  joked that taking up the sport was part of a “midlife crisis”. 

“I really enjoyed watching the Rally of Canberra since I moved there from Sydney in the 90s, but never did I think for a moment I’d compete or own my own rally car,” she said.

She said when she was growing up, girls racing was considered “unfeminine”.

However, her partner David Stephens has a long history in the sport including national, NSW and ACT championship wins and was highly supportive of her having a go.

Leigh’s first taste of success behind the wheel included a runner-up spot in the 2016 ACT Novice series where the podium was all-women with Kim Day in first and Anneke Ferguson third. 

“David has competed on the famous Upper Cobargo and Buckajo Roads since the 70s and he often stated he hoped I'd get a chance myself,” Leigh said.   

“Those roads are well known to rally drivers … and I was certainly proud to run these fantastic roads.

“David beat me, Kim beat me, heck almost everyone beat me but the secret of rallying is ‘to finish first, first you must finish’,” she said. 

“I'm always happy to finish the event - that in itself is an achievement.” 

She said she was thrilled to have been able to give young Maisie Place the opportunity to take part.

“With Molly Taylor winning the Australian Rally Championship last year, there's never been a better time for women and girls to get involved. 

“I love the community and camaraderie of rally sport and want to share the passion.  As for next year's Bega rally, we will be back for sure and I look forward to competing against Maisie,” she said.