1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,027 Speaker 1: from newstalk ZEDB. 3 00:00:12,627 --> 00:00:14,787 Speaker 2: Because on this weekend it's the first year of the 4 00:00:14,827 --> 00:00:17,827 Speaker 2: festival at Airburn and arrow Town, a mix of high 5 00:00:17,987 --> 00:00:22,267 Speaker 2: end classic cars, entertainment, country music and dining. Around two 6 00:00:22,387 --> 00:00:26,907 Speaker 2: hundred classic cars on display, around four thousand people expected 7 00:00:26,907 --> 00:00:30,947 Speaker 2: through the gates. Female rally star Emma Gilmore is speaking 8 00:00:30,987 --> 00:00:33,987 Speaker 2: at the event and she joins us between her commitments, Emma, 9 00:00:33,987 --> 00:00:36,347 Speaker 2: thanks for your time. What a career it's been for you, 10 00:00:36,427 --> 00:00:38,267 Speaker 2: with hopefully more to come. Actually, can we start on 11 00:00:38,307 --> 00:00:41,507 Speaker 2: the presence, what is your schedule for for twenty twenty five? 12 00:00:42,827 --> 00:00:46,787 Speaker 3: Thank you? Well, asides from speaking at Airboon, the Tiger Rally, 13 00:00:46,827 --> 00:00:48,867 Speaker 3: which is the start of the New Zealand Rally Championship, 14 00:00:48,907 --> 00:00:51,347 Speaker 3: is about to kick off, so two weeks time we 15 00:00:51,427 --> 00:00:54,547 Speaker 3: will be rallying around Dunedin. So yeah, so just doing 16 00:00:54,587 --> 00:00:58,747 Speaker 3: a full New Zealand Championship program this year. Nothing overseas. 17 00:00:58,907 --> 00:01:01,267 Speaker 2: You were a third overall in last year's New Zealand 18 00:01:01,307 --> 00:01:03,507 Speaker 2: Rally Championship, a good result. How do you reflect on 19 00:01:03,547 --> 00:01:05,147 Speaker 2: twenty twenty four In general terms? 20 00:01:06,547 --> 00:01:08,147 Speaker 3: It was a bit of a tough here really I 21 00:01:08,947 --> 00:01:12,347 Speaker 3: had a massive crash when I finished racing with McLaren 22 00:01:12,627 --> 00:01:14,467 Speaker 3: in twenty three and it left me with a pretty 23 00:01:14,467 --> 00:01:18,627 Speaker 3: bad heat injury and concussion. So I was still pretty 24 00:01:18,787 --> 00:01:22,387 Speaker 3: average really when the season started last year. So I 25 00:01:22,427 --> 00:01:25,187 Speaker 3: was really proud that we were able to do the 26 00:01:25,227 --> 00:01:27,147 Speaker 3: full season and by the end of the year I 27 00:01:27,147 --> 00:01:29,467 Speaker 3: was feeling, you know, fully healthy and being a lot 28 00:01:29,507 --> 00:01:31,507 Speaker 3: more competitive. So yes, so it was a bit of 29 00:01:31,667 --> 00:01:34,107 Speaker 3: it. It was a bit of a challenge last year overcoming that. 30 00:01:34,307 --> 00:01:36,867 Speaker 3: So yeah, so super stoked to be starting the season 31 00:01:36,947 --> 00:01:39,867 Speaker 3: healthy and with a bit more experience under my belt 32 00:01:39,907 --> 00:01:41,627 Speaker 3: in this car and yeah, ready to go. 33 00:01:41,987 --> 00:01:44,747 Speaker 2: How much trepidation was there about getting back into the 34 00:01:44,787 --> 00:01:46,267 Speaker 2: car after such a bad accident. 35 00:01:48,267 --> 00:01:49,867 Speaker 3: There was a lot, it was. It was a real 36 00:01:49,907 --> 00:01:52,907 Speaker 3: because you've got that time to reflect as well, you know, 37 00:01:53,707 --> 00:01:56,627 Speaker 3: head injuries and concussions for those that have experienced them 38 00:01:56,667 --> 00:01:59,707 Speaker 3: know how tough they can be. And you know, I 39 00:01:59,827 --> 00:02:01,547 Speaker 3: really had a lot of time to reflect to think, gosh, 40 00:02:01,547 --> 00:02:03,547 Speaker 3: do I want to you know, have to go through 41 00:02:03,547 --> 00:02:06,507 Speaker 3: this again if something happened again, you know, what do 42 00:02:06,547 --> 00:02:10,227 Speaker 3: I want? And I think, you know, for me, rallying 43 00:02:10,267 --> 00:02:12,707 Speaker 3: has always been my passion. It's what I love doing, 44 00:02:12,947 --> 00:02:16,667 Speaker 3: and I feel really comfortable and safe when I'm rallying. 45 00:02:17,107 --> 00:02:19,387 Speaker 3: It was the racing that I was doing overseas, where 46 00:02:19,867 --> 00:02:24,347 Speaker 3: you're racing quite unpredictable vehicles on quite unpredictable terrain, and 47 00:02:24,427 --> 00:02:27,227 Speaker 3: I think if I'd had to go back and race those, 48 00:02:27,347 --> 00:02:28,827 Speaker 3: I think that would have been a question where I 49 00:02:28,867 --> 00:02:32,427 Speaker 3: probably would have said, no, I won't do that. But rallying, 50 00:02:32,467 --> 00:02:35,147 Speaker 3: I was still very comfortable and felt that my passion 51 00:02:35,387 --> 00:02:36,747 Speaker 3: and my love for it was still there. 52 00:02:37,067 --> 00:02:40,027 Speaker 2: Well, let's talk about your time with McLaren. In twenty 53 00:02:40,027 --> 00:02:43,427 Speaker 2: twenty two, you became McLaren's first female factory driver in 54 00:02:43,467 --> 00:02:46,907 Speaker 2: their Extreme E category. Can you tell us about that experience. 55 00:02:47,747 --> 00:02:51,267 Speaker 3: I've been gosh, the plus is still well outweighed the crash. 56 00:02:51,307 --> 00:02:53,947 Speaker 3: I mean, being part of McLaren, Being part of McLaren's 57 00:02:53,947 --> 00:02:57,827 Speaker 3: history is just something really special with Bruce McLaren being 58 00:02:57,827 --> 00:03:02,187 Speaker 3: in New Zealander and you know, the legacy that he's 59 00:03:02,307 --> 00:03:05,307 Speaker 3: created is just amazing. And you know, I think there's 60 00:03:05,307 --> 00:03:08,107 Speaker 3: going to be some beautiful for McLaren's on display this weekend, 61 00:03:09,027 --> 00:03:12,827 Speaker 3: so you know, just being able to see also what 62 00:03:13,027 --> 00:03:15,427 Speaker 3: McLaren did you know in twenty twenty two, they were 63 00:03:15,427 --> 00:03:18,267 Speaker 3: doing pretty poorly in the Formula one Championship. You know 64 00:03:18,307 --> 00:03:20,587 Speaker 3: that had changes of leadership, changes of drivers. They were 65 00:03:20,627 --> 00:03:23,267 Speaker 3: trying to get everything in place to improve and then 66 00:03:23,587 --> 00:03:25,467 Speaker 3: to see what they did last year in twenty twenty 67 00:03:25,507 --> 00:03:29,587 Speaker 3: four to win the IF one Constructors Championship, it was 68 00:03:29,627 --> 00:03:32,027 Speaker 3: super cool to have been able to witness that and 69 00:03:32,067 --> 00:03:34,147 Speaker 3: just see how a great team works. You know, there 70 00:03:34,227 --> 00:03:36,867 Speaker 3: was the passion there they were putting all the processes 71 00:03:36,867 --> 00:03:39,507 Speaker 3: in place, and then to see it all come to 72 00:03:39,587 --> 00:03:42,987 Speaker 3: fruition last season was very cool. So yeah, to have 73 00:03:43,027 --> 00:03:45,267 Speaker 3: been able to see that, and then you know, get 74 00:03:45,267 --> 00:03:47,507 Speaker 3: to go to Formula one events. You know, I got 75 00:03:47,507 --> 00:03:49,547 Speaker 3: to meet the King, which was just something that you 76 00:03:49,587 --> 00:03:52,507 Speaker 3: would never imagine getting to do. There was just so 77 00:03:52,587 --> 00:03:55,507 Speaker 3: many moments. You know, probably my highlight would have been 78 00:03:55,587 --> 00:03:59,307 Speaker 3: competing at the Good Would Festival, where I got to 79 00:03:59,427 --> 00:04:02,587 Speaker 3: drive you know IF one gtr which is a phenomenal 80 00:04:02,707 --> 00:04:05,107 Speaker 3: vehicle and this one had just sold to America for 81 00:04:05,187 --> 00:04:08,107 Speaker 3: thirty million pounds, so it was there were so many 82 00:04:08,107 --> 00:04:11,707 Speaker 3: pinch me moments. Sometimes I still think did that really happen? 83 00:04:11,827 --> 00:04:13,547 Speaker 3: As I, you know, sit here in Dunedin in my 84 00:04:13,587 --> 00:04:17,027 Speaker 3: car dealership. You know, it seems like a lifetime away. 85 00:04:18,467 --> 00:04:21,747 Speaker 2: As the first female driver at McLaren. How were you accepted? 86 00:04:22,747 --> 00:04:26,467 Speaker 3: Yeah, usually, it was very very cool. You know, Zach's 87 00:04:26,787 --> 00:04:29,787 Speaker 3: who's the boss at McLaren. He's very much He is 88 00:04:29,867 --> 00:04:33,707 Speaker 3: very proud of the heritage of McLaren, you know, with 89 00:04:34,147 --> 00:04:37,907 Speaker 3: Bruce's legacy there. So being the first female driver and 90 00:04:37,947 --> 00:04:40,747 Speaker 3: being from New Zealand, it was a really nice synergy 91 00:04:40,947 --> 00:04:44,827 Speaker 3: and you know, especially the woman within the McLaren factory 92 00:04:44,827 --> 00:04:48,787 Speaker 3: and that having a woman represent the brand was really 93 00:04:48,827 --> 00:04:52,147 Speaker 3: well received. And then since that time they now have 94 00:04:52,387 --> 00:04:55,507 Speaker 3: the IF One Academy, which is an opportunity for young 95 00:04:55,667 --> 00:04:58,707 Speaker 3: IF one type races so circuit races, to also get 96 00:04:58,787 --> 00:05:01,267 Speaker 3: involved with the McLaren team. So there was a lot 97 00:05:01,347 --> 00:05:04,187 Speaker 3: more opportunities happening with the female side. 98 00:05:04,027 --> 00:05:08,307 Speaker 2: Of things, and regardless of gender, Emma going into such 99 00:05:08,347 --> 00:05:14,067 Speaker 2: a storied franchise as McLaren was, was that in any way daunting? 100 00:05:15,147 --> 00:05:19,627 Speaker 3: Oh yeah, hugely. I mean gosh that I remember the 101 00:05:19,667 --> 00:05:23,227 Speaker 3: first weekend. You know, the pressure I felt was massive, 102 00:05:24,147 --> 00:05:26,067 Speaker 3: you know, because all of a sudden you're on the 103 00:05:26,067 --> 00:05:29,347 Speaker 3: world stage and you're representing a brand that you know 104 00:05:29,507 --> 00:05:32,947 Speaker 3: is it's synonymous with you know, with motorsport, Like there's 105 00:05:33,227 --> 00:05:36,107 Speaker 3: not many names figures, so you know, there was a 106 00:05:36,107 --> 00:05:39,147 Speaker 3: lot of pressure that came with it, but you know, 107 00:05:39,267 --> 00:05:41,667 Speaker 3: I was just so so proud and privileged to have 108 00:05:41,707 --> 00:05:42,627 Speaker 3: had that opportunity. 109 00:05:42,867 --> 00:05:45,067 Speaker 2: So good. Well, at the moment, of course, we're cheering 110 00:05:45,107 --> 00:05:48,387 Speaker 2: on Liam Lawson, challenging start for him to his full 111 00:05:48,427 --> 00:05:50,867 Speaker 2: time F one career. Have you been keeping an eye 112 00:05:50,907 --> 00:05:51,387 Speaker 2: on Liam? 113 00:05:52,187 --> 00:05:54,547 Speaker 3: Yeah, for sure. I mean I think it's amazing that 114 00:05:54,587 --> 00:05:57,747 Speaker 3: we have Liam competing, you know, alongside Max with stuff 115 00:05:57,747 --> 00:06:00,427 Speaker 3: and the Formula One. It's you know, I think I 116 00:06:00,427 --> 00:06:02,347 Speaker 3: felt really sorry for Liam. I thought it was a 117 00:06:02,467 --> 00:06:06,067 Speaker 3: very very tough opening round for him, you know, not 118 00:06:06,067 --> 00:06:09,267 Speaker 3: get that seat time is just crucial. I mean he's 119 00:06:09,507 --> 00:06:11,987 Speaker 3: already limited on seat time because he's a rookie to 120 00:06:12,027 --> 00:06:14,427 Speaker 3: the series, and then to miss a whole hour of 121 00:06:14,507 --> 00:06:16,747 Speaker 3: track running when he missed out on the free practice 122 00:06:16,787 --> 00:06:20,787 Speaker 3: three session, that was you know, hugely damaging to him 123 00:06:20,787 --> 00:06:23,147 Speaker 3: and his chances. But then you know, to then have 124 00:06:23,187 --> 00:06:25,307 Speaker 3: the rain on the Sunday, it was like, man, it 125 00:06:25,347 --> 00:06:28,187 Speaker 3: couldn't have got much harder for him. So I think 126 00:06:28,227 --> 00:06:30,187 Speaker 3: he did a really good job and I think you know, 127 00:06:30,307 --> 00:06:32,467 Speaker 3: considering all the things he was up against, and I think, 128 00:06:32,787 --> 00:06:34,587 Speaker 3: you know, we'll really see him fly this season, so 129 00:06:34,627 --> 00:06:36,627 Speaker 3: I can't wait to be sharing them on Yeah. 130 00:06:36,667 --> 00:06:39,067 Speaker 2: Absolutely, we're all the same. We're all absolutely the same. 131 00:06:39,227 --> 00:06:41,467 Speaker 2: Now back to you, Emma. I know that obviously you've 132 00:06:41,507 --> 00:06:44,867 Speaker 2: made your name as a driver, but I know that 133 00:06:44,947 --> 00:06:47,867 Speaker 2: a questrian was your your first love. So I how 134 00:06:47,867 --> 00:06:50,387 Speaker 2: did you go from four legs to four wheels? 135 00:06:52,307 --> 00:06:55,867 Speaker 3: Yeah? Still, you know, horse riding. I still take my 136 00:06:55,907 --> 00:06:58,107 Speaker 3: head off to those questions because you know, it's a 137 00:06:58,147 --> 00:07:01,427 Speaker 3: really gutsy sport, the three day of venting and stuff. 138 00:07:01,467 --> 00:07:04,867 Speaker 3: But yeah, I started when I still horse riding. I 139 00:07:04,907 --> 00:07:07,907 Speaker 3: started by navigating and rally car because my sister and 140 00:07:07,987 --> 00:07:10,587 Speaker 3: my cousin had started rallying. So that sort of was 141 00:07:10,627 --> 00:07:12,947 Speaker 3: where the door got opened for me and motorsport. But 142 00:07:13,667 --> 00:07:15,587 Speaker 3: the horse riding, it sort of all came to a 143 00:07:15,667 --> 00:07:17,907 Speaker 3: head one day when I had a young horse that 144 00:07:18,067 --> 00:07:19,947 Speaker 3: he didn't want to do something last of him, and 145 00:07:20,387 --> 00:07:22,867 Speaker 3: he started rearing up and I jumped off because I 146 00:07:22,907 --> 00:07:24,787 Speaker 3: was scared, and then it sort of dawned on me 147 00:07:24,867 --> 00:07:26,427 Speaker 3: that I was like, hmm, I don't know if I 148 00:07:26,467 --> 00:07:29,107 Speaker 3: really want to get back on here, So that was 149 00:07:29,227 --> 00:07:30,707 Speaker 3: how it kind of came to an end in a 150 00:07:30,747 --> 00:07:33,907 Speaker 3: paddock and yeah, and then once I had to go 151 00:07:33,987 --> 00:07:36,867 Speaker 3: and the driver's seat, it all went from there. I 152 00:07:36,907 --> 00:07:39,067 Speaker 3: was just I was hooked. You know, the buzz that 153 00:07:39,147 --> 00:07:42,027 Speaker 3: you have driving a rally car on gravel, you know, 154 00:07:42,107 --> 00:07:45,307 Speaker 3: with it sliding and moving from corner to corner dancing, 155 00:07:46,027 --> 00:07:47,747 Speaker 3: It is like the best feeling in the world. And 156 00:07:47,787 --> 00:07:50,067 Speaker 3: it felt very similar to horse riding, but for me, 157 00:07:50,347 --> 00:07:52,867 Speaker 3: a more controllable in a more safe environment. 158 00:07:53,187 --> 00:07:55,227 Speaker 2: I bet. Yeah, I can imagine that horses might have 159 00:07:55,307 --> 00:07:57,427 Speaker 2: a mind of their own on occasion. What you've told 160 00:07:57,467 --> 00:08:00,427 Speaker 2: us about what is ahead of you in twenty twenty five, 161 00:08:00,707 --> 00:08:03,187 Speaker 2: what about beyond that? Him is rarely driving something you 162 00:08:03,227 --> 00:08:05,507 Speaker 2: want to be doing for for quite some time yet? 163 00:08:06,427 --> 00:08:09,827 Speaker 3: I think so. I think it's something that as long 164 00:08:09,867 --> 00:08:12,307 Speaker 3: as I love to do it and the opportunity is there, 165 00:08:12,347 --> 00:08:14,707 Speaker 3: then it's something that I'll continue to do. I've been 166 00:08:14,827 --> 00:08:18,547 Speaker 3: very fortunate that I've had amazing partnerships and sponsorships throughout 167 00:08:18,547 --> 00:08:21,227 Speaker 3: my career. Vantage Windows and Doors have been with me 168 00:08:21,307 --> 00:08:24,147 Speaker 3: for over twenty years. So having a New Zealand company 169 00:08:24,187 --> 00:08:27,747 Speaker 3: like that that allows me to follow my passion is 170 00:08:27,867 --> 00:08:31,227 Speaker 3: super cool and I still would love to become the 171 00:08:31,227 --> 00:08:35,027 Speaker 3: new Zealand Rally champion. That's definitely still on my bucket list. 172 00:08:35,187 --> 00:08:37,947 Speaker 3: But you know what we get to do. I feel 173 00:08:37,987 --> 00:08:40,747 Speaker 3: we're really really lucky and as long as that opportunity 174 00:08:40,827 --> 00:08:43,587 Speaker 3: is there having a road to myself and driving it 175 00:08:43,627 --> 00:08:46,307 Speaker 3: as fast as possible, I think I'll still be lining 176 00:08:46,387 --> 00:08:46,787 Speaker 3: up to do it. 177 00:08:46,867 --> 00:08:49,267 Speaker 2: Wonderful stuff. Look forward to seeing what the future holds 178 00:08:49,307 --> 00:08:51,027 Speaker 2: for you. Emma, Thanks for joining us, Thanks for taking 179 00:08:51,067 --> 00:08:54,067 Speaker 2: time out of your commitment at Airburn in Arrowtown over 180 00:08:54,067 --> 00:08:56,387 Speaker 2: the weekend. Hope that goes really well for you as well. 181 00:08:56,427 --> 00:09:00,827 Speaker 2: That's Emma Gilmore Female Rally Start For more from Weekend 182 00:09:00,867 --> 00:09:02,187 Speaker 2: Sport with Jason Fine. 183 00:09:02,347 --> 00:09:05,587 Speaker 1: Listen live to news Talk zed B weekends from midday, 184 00:09:05,867 --> 00:09:07,907 Speaker 1: or follow a podcast on iHeartRadio