Hi,

We are Helen & Marcella, and we will be the first British female team to contest the Dakar Classic rally, in 2026, with our Land Rover 110, “Purdey”

ABOUT US

We are the only British women's team with a proven track record in 4x4 off-road endurance rallying, having competed in such events since 2019. We achieved a 4th place finish in 2022, and 2nd place in 2023. We have a unique understanding of the challenges we will face which will set us in good stead to reach the finish of this gruelling challenge.

**Our biggest challenge is to get to the start line, and for this we need your help!**

ABOUT THE EVENT.

The Dakar Classic rally takes place in Saudi Arabia in January, and covers around 7000km over 12 stages.

The rally is an endurance regularity and navigation event demanding precision as well as mental and physical toughness, and mechanical reliability.

We would be only the second British team to enter, and the first women.

WHAT WE NEED

With our event entry secured and our service crew booked, we are now into the final phase of our preparation and sorting out all the "other" little things that we have to do before the rally start, and we would appreciate some help with our budget for those.

This includes our flights to Saudi (Purdey is reserved on the ferry) our nutrition and hydration for the stages (breakfast and evening meal are included at the bivouac) spares for Purdey, in car cameras so we can share this journey with everyone, and a hotel for rest day to give us a break from camping and recharge our batteries.

OUR AIMS

By participating in the rally we not only want to fly the British flag, but we want to serve as inspiration for women and girls, showing that they are capable of competing in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

In particular we want to inspire more mature ladies to follow their dreams … there is life after 50 (and menopause!)

During the event we will be championing a U.K. charity, Wonder Foundation, who work to provide valuable education to women and girls worldwide, but to do that we need to get to the start line.

We really appreciate any help you are able to give, and we will make sure that we share our journey with all our supporters.

You can find us on social media @gazellesoffroadteam and watch us build our rally car on YouTube @projectpurdey110