I live for motorsport - Laidlaw

Though she did not get a podium finish in the FIA/NACAM/JMMC Rally Jamaica 2015 event, former Campion College schoolgirl, Michelle Laidlaw, has vowed to continue carrying the torch for women by representing the gender in the various disciplines of motorsport. She strongly believes that women can, and do, achieve success in the male-dominated sport, which has been invaded by the ladies over the past decades.

"I have always been a pioneer and leader for women. I wish I had more females competing in these events," the petite Laidlaw told Automotives at the Tru Juice Sports Club in Bog Walk, St Catherine. This, during the lunch halt of the two-day rally, which concluded on the waterfront, downtown Kingston, last weekend.

Laidlaw was the co-driver of Bobby Marshall. The two competed in a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage two-wheel drive. They finished in 16th place overall and also top the JA3 Class.

"It was an exciting rally; we had a number of challenges which we overcame. At one stage, we lost the intercom service in the car and had to resort to hand signals to communicate. I don't know how he (Bobby Marshall) did it, but he did fine and interpreted well," said Laidlaw, who is regarded as one of the first females in Jamaica and the region to contest rally events.

She has been rallying since 2008 and has only missed two events over the past seven years

"I am a go-getter and have been involved in every form of motor racing. Everybody can identify me with the motorcycling association. Anything to do with motorsport, I just love it. Sometimes my eyes are glued to the television set, watching the Formula One Series. I live for motorsport," said the part-time commentator and quality assurance manager of Epping Oil Company.