March 22, 2025 • 9 mins
Kiwi rally star Emma Gilmour is expected to appear at the Ayrburn Classic - and she joined Piney to discuss the event.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Because on this weekend it's the first year of the
festival at Airburn and arrow Town, a mix of high
end classic cars, entertainment, country music and dining. Around two
hundred classic cars on display, around four thousand people expected
through the gates. Female rally star Emma Gilmore is speaking
at the event and she joins us between her commitments, Emma,
(00:33):
thanks for your time. What a career it's been for you,
with hopefully more to come. Actually, can we start on
the presence, what is your schedule for for twenty twenty five?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Thank you? Well, asides from speaking at Airboon, the Tiger Rally,
which is the start of the New Zealand Rally Championship,
is about to kick off, so two weeks time we
will be rallying around Dunedin. So yeah, so just doing
a full New Zealand Championship program this year. Nothing overseas.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
You were a third overall in last year's New Zealand
Rally Championship, a good result. How do you reflect on
twenty twenty four In general terms?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
It was a bit of a tough here really I
had a massive crash when I finished racing with McLaren
in twenty three and it left me with a pretty
bad heat injury and concussion. So I was still pretty
average really when the season started last year. So I
was really proud that we were able to do the
full season and by the end of the year I
(01:27):
was feeling, you know, fully healthy and being a lot
more competitive. So yes, so it was a bit of
it. It was a bit of a challenge last year overcoming that.
So yeah, so super stoked to be starting the season
healthy and with a bit more experience under my belt
in this car and yeah, ready to go.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
How much trepidation was there about getting back into the
car after such a bad accident.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
There was a lot, it was. It was a real
because you've got that time to reflect as well, you know,
head injuries and concussions for those that have experienced them
know how tough they can be. And you know, I
really had a lot of time to reflect to think, gosh,
do I want to you know, have to go through
this again if something happened again, you know, what do
I want? And I think, you know, for me, rallying
(02:10):
has always been my passion. It's what I love doing,
and I feel really comfortable and safe when I'm rallying.
It was the racing that I was doing overseas, where
you're racing quite unpredictable vehicles on quite unpredictable terrain, and
I think if I'd had to go back and race those,
I think that would have been a question where I
probably would have said, no, I won't do that. But rallying,
(02:32):
I was still very comfortable and felt that my passion
and my love for it was still there.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Well, let's talk about your time with McLaren. In twenty
twenty two, you became McLaren's first female factory driver in
their Extreme E category. Can you tell us about that experience.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I've been gosh, the plus is still well outweighed the crash.
I mean, being part of McLaren, Being part of McLaren's
history is just something really special with Bruce McLaren being
in New Zealander and you know, the legacy that he's
created is just amazing. And you know, I think there's
going to be some beautiful for McLaren's on display this weekend,
(03:09):
so you know, just being able to see also what
McLaren did you know in twenty twenty two, they were
doing pretty poorly in the Formula one Championship. You know
that had changes of leadership, changes of drivers. They were
trying to get everything in place to improve and then
to see what they did last year in twenty twenty
four to win the IF one Constructors Championship, it was
(03:29):
super cool to have been able to witness that and
just see how a great team works. You know, there
was the passion there they were putting all the processes
in place, and then to see it all come to
fruition last season was very cool. So yeah, to have
been able to see that, and then you know, get
to go to Formula one events. You know, I got
to meet the King, which was just something that you
would never imagine getting to do. There was just so
(03:52):
many moments. You know, probably my highlight would have been
competing at the Good Would Festival, where I got to
drive you know IF one gtr which is a phenomenal
vehicle and this one had just sold to America for
thirty million pounds, so it was there were so many
pinch me moments. Sometimes I still think did that really happen?
As I, you know, sit here in Dunedin in my
(04:13):
car dealership. You know, it seems like a lifetime away.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
As the first female driver at McLaren. How were you accepted?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, usually, it was very very cool. You know, Zach's
who's the boss at McLaren. He's very much He is
very proud of the heritage of McLaren, you know, with
Bruce's legacy there. So being the first female driver and
being from New Zealand, it was a really nice synergy
and you know, especially the woman within the McLaren factory
(04:44):
and that having a woman represent the brand was really
well received. And then since that time they now have
the IF One Academy, which is an opportunity for young
IF one type races so circuit races, to also get
involved with the McLaren team. So there was a lot
more opportunities happening with the female side.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Of things, and regardless of gender, Emma going into such
a storied franchise as McLaren was, was that in any way daunting?
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Oh yeah, hugely. I mean gosh that I remember the
first weekend. You know, the pressure I felt was massive,
you know, because all of a sudden you're on the
world stage and you're representing a brand that you know
is it's synonymous with you know, with motorsport, Like there's
not many names figures, so you know, there was a
(05:36):
lot of pressure that came with it, but you know,
I was just so so proud and privileged to have
had that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
So good. Well, at the moment, of course, we're cheering
on Liam Lawson, challenging start for him to his full
time F one career. Have you been keeping an eye
on Liam?
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Yeah, for sure. I mean I think it's amazing that
we have Liam competing, you know, alongside Max with stuff
and the Formula One. It's you know, I think I
felt really sorry for Liam. I thought it was a
very very tough opening round for him, you know, not
get that seat time is just crucial. I mean he's
already limited on seat time because he's a rookie to
the series, and then to miss a whole hour of
(06:14):
track running when he missed out on the free practice
three session, that was you know, hugely damaging to him
and his chances. But then you know, to then have
the rain on the Sunday, it was like, man, it
couldn't have got much harder for him. So I think
he did a really good job and I think you know,
considering all the things he was up against, and I think,
you know, we'll really see him fly this season, so
(06:34):
I can't wait to be sharing them on Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Absolutely, we're all the same. We're all absolutely the same.
Now back to you, Emma. I know that obviously you've
made your name as a driver, but I know that
a questrian was your your first love. So I how
did you go from four legs to four wheels?
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Yeah? Still, you know, horse riding. I still take my
head off to those questions because you know, it's a
really gutsy sport, the three day of venting and stuff.
But yeah, I started when I still horse riding. I
started by navigating and rally car because my sister and
my cousin had started rallying. So that sort of was
where the door got opened for me and motorsport. But
(07:13):
the horse riding, it sort of all came to a
head one day when I had a young horse that
he didn't want to do something last of him, and
he started rearing up and I jumped off because I
was scared, and then it sort of dawned on me
that I was like, hmm, I don't know if I
really want to get back on here, So that was
how it kind of came to an end in a
paddock and yeah, and then once I had to go
(07:33):
and the driver's seat, it all went from there. I
was just I was hooked. You know, the buzz that
you have driving a rally car on gravel, you know,
with it sliding and moving from corner to corner dancing,
It is like the best feeling in the world. And
it felt very similar to horse riding, but for me,
a more controllable in a more safe environment.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
I bet. Yeah, I can imagine that horses might have
a mind of their own on occasion. What you've told
us about what is ahead of you in twenty twenty five,
what about beyond that? Him is rarely driving something you
want to be doing for for quite some time yet?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I think so. I think it's something that as long
as I love to do it and the opportunity is there,
then it's something that I'll continue to do. I've been
very fortunate that I've had amazing partnerships and sponsorships throughout
my career. Vantage Windows and Doors have been with me
for over twenty years. So having a New Zealand company
like that that allows me to follow my passion is
(08:27):
super cool and I still would love to become the
new Zealand Rally champion. That's definitely still on my bucket list.
But you know what we get to do. I feel
we're really really lucky and as long as that opportunity
is there having a road to myself and driving it
as fast as possible, I think I'll still be lining
up to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Wonderful stuff. Look forward to seeing what the future holds
for you. Emma, Thanks for joining us, Thanks for taking
time out of your commitment at Airburn in Arrowtown over
the weekend. Hope that goes really well for you as well.
That's Emma Gilmore Female Rally Start For more from Weekend
Sport with Jason Fine.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Listen live to news Talk zed B weekends from midday,
or follow a podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalk ZEDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Because on this weekend it's the first year of the
festival at Airburn and arrow Town, a mix of high
end classic cars, entertainment, country music and dining. Around two
hundred classic cars on display, around four thousand people expected
through the gates. Female rally star Emma Gilmore is speaking
at the event and she joins us between her commitments, Emma,
(00:33):
thanks for your time. What a career it's been for you,
with hopefully more to come. Actually, can we start on
the presence, what is your schedule for for twenty twenty five?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
Thank you? Well, asides from speaking at Airboon, the Tiger Rally,
which is the start of the New Zealand Rally Championship,
is about to kick off, so two weeks time we
will be rallying around Dunedin. So yeah, so just doing
a full New Zealand Championship program this year. Nothing overseas.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
You were a third overall in last year's New Zealand
Rally Championship, a good result. How do you reflect on
twenty twenty four In general terms?
Speaker 3 (01:06):
It was a bit of a tough here really I
had a massive crash when I finished racing with McLaren
in twenty three and it left me with a pretty
bad heat injury and concussion. So I was still pretty
average really when the season started last year. So I
was really proud that we were able to do the
full season and by the end of the year I
(01:27):
was feeling, you know, fully healthy and being a lot
more competitive. So yes, so it was a bit of
it. It was a bit of a challenge last year overcoming that.
So yeah, so super stoked to be starting the season
healthy and with a bit more experience under my belt
in this car and yeah, ready to go.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
How much trepidation was there about getting back into the
car after such a bad accident.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
There was a lot, it was. It was a real
because you've got that time to reflect as well, you know,
head injuries and concussions for those that have experienced them
know how tough they can be. And you know, I
really had a lot of time to reflect to think, gosh,
do I want to you know, have to go through
this again if something happened again, you know, what do
I want? And I think, you know, for me, rallying
(02:10):
has always been my passion. It's what I love doing,
and I feel really comfortable and safe when I'm rallying.
It was the racing that I was doing overseas, where
you're racing quite unpredictable vehicles on quite unpredictable terrain, and
I think if I'd had to go back and race those,
I think that would have been a question where I
probably would have said, no, I won't do that. But rallying,
(02:32):
I was still very comfortable and felt that my passion
and my love for it was still there.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Well, let's talk about your time with McLaren. In twenty
twenty two, you became McLaren's first female factory driver in
their Extreme E category. Can you tell us about that experience.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I've been gosh, the plus is still well outweighed the crash.
I mean, being part of McLaren, Being part of McLaren's
history is just something really special with Bruce McLaren being
in New Zealander and you know, the legacy that he's
created is just amazing. And you know, I think there's
going to be some beautiful for McLaren's on display this weekend,
(03:09):
so you know, just being able to see also what
McLaren did you know in twenty twenty two, they were
doing pretty poorly in the Formula one Championship. You know
that had changes of leadership, changes of drivers. They were
trying to get everything in place to improve and then
to see what they did last year in twenty twenty
four to win the IF one Constructors Championship, it was
(03:29):
super cool to have been able to witness that and
just see how a great team works. You know, there
was the passion there they were putting all the processes
in place, and then to see it all come to
fruition last season was very cool. So yeah, to have
been able to see that, and then you know, get
to go to Formula one events. You know, I got
to meet the King, which was just something that you
would never imagine getting to do. There was just so
(03:52):
many moments. You know, probably my highlight would have been
competing at the Good Would Festival, where I got to
drive you know IF one gtr which is a phenomenal
vehicle and this one had just sold to America for
thirty million pounds, so it was there were so many
pinch me moments. Sometimes I still think did that really happen?
As I, you know, sit here in Dunedin in my
(04:13):
car dealership. You know, it seems like a lifetime away.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
As the first female driver at McLaren. How were you accepted?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, usually, it was very very cool. You know, Zach's
who's the boss at McLaren. He's very much He is
very proud of the heritage of McLaren, you know, with
Bruce's legacy there. So being the first female driver and
being from New Zealand, it was a really nice synergy
and you know, especially the woman within the McLaren factory
(04:44):
and that having a woman represent the brand was really
well received. And then since that time they now have
the IF One Academy, which is an opportunity for young
IF one type races so circuit races, to also get
involved with the McLaren team. So there was a lot
more opportunities happening with the female side.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Of things, and regardless of gender, Emma going into such
a storied franchise as McLaren was, was that in any way daunting?
Speaker 3 (05:15):
Oh yeah, hugely. I mean gosh that I remember the
first weekend. You know, the pressure I felt was massive,
you know, because all of a sudden you're on the
world stage and you're representing a brand that you know
is it's synonymous with you know, with motorsport, Like there's
not many names figures, so you know, there was a
(05:36):
lot of pressure that came with it, but you know,
I was just so so proud and privileged to have
had that opportunity.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
So good. Well, at the moment, of course, we're cheering
on Liam Lawson, challenging start for him to his full
time F one career. Have you been keeping an eye
on Liam?
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Yeah, for sure. I mean I think it's amazing that
we have Liam competing, you know, alongside Max with stuff
and the Formula One. It's you know, I think I
felt really sorry for Liam. I thought it was a
very very tough opening round for him, you know, not
get that seat time is just crucial. I mean he's
already limited on seat time because he's a rookie to
the series, and then to miss a whole hour of
(06:14):
track running when he missed out on the free practice
three session, that was you know, hugely damaging to him
and his chances. But then you know, to then have
the rain on the Sunday, it was like, man, it
couldn't have got much harder for him. So I think
he did a really good job and I think you know,
considering all the things he was up against, and I think,
you know, we'll really see him fly this season, so
(06:34):
I can't wait to be sharing them on Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Absolutely, we're all the same. We're all absolutely the same.
Now back to you, Emma. I know that obviously you've
made your name as a driver, but I know that
a questrian was your your first love. So I how
did you go from four legs to four wheels?
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Yeah? Still, you know, horse riding. I still take my
head off to those questions because you know, it's a
really gutsy sport, the three day of venting and stuff.
But yeah, I started when I still horse riding. I
started by navigating and rally car because my sister and
my cousin had started rallying. So that sort of was
where the door got opened for me and motorsport. But
(07:13):
the horse riding, it sort of all came to a
head one day when I had a young horse that
he didn't want to do something last of him, and
he started rearing up and I jumped off because I
was scared, and then it sort of dawned on me
that I was like, hmm, I don't know if I
really want to get back on here, So that was
how it kind of came to an end in a
paddock and yeah, and then once I had to go
(07:33):
and the driver's seat, it all went from there. I
was just I was hooked. You know, the buzz that
you have driving a rally car on gravel, you know,
with it sliding and moving from corner to corner dancing,
It is like the best feeling in the world. And
it felt very similar to horse riding, but for me,
a more controllable in a more safe environment.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
I bet. Yeah, I can imagine that horses might have
a mind of their own on occasion. What you've told
us about what is ahead of you in twenty twenty five,
what about beyond that? Him is rarely driving something you
want to be doing for for quite some time yet?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I think so. I think it's something that as long
as I love to do it and the opportunity is there,
then it's something that I'll continue to do. I've been
very fortunate that I've had amazing partnerships and sponsorships throughout
my career. Vantage Windows and Doors have been with me
for over twenty years. So having a New Zealand company
like that that allows me to follow my passion is
(08:27):
super cool and I still would love to become the
new Zealand Rally champion. That's definitely still on my bucket list.
But you know what we get to do. I feel
we're really really lucky and as long as that opportunity
is there having a road to myself and driving it
as fast as possible, I think I'll still be lining
up to do it.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Wonderful stuff. Look forward to seeing what the future holds
for you. Emma, Thanks for joining us, Thanks for taking
time out of your commitment at Airburn in Arrowtown over
the weekend. Hope that goes really well for you as well.
That's Emma Gilmore Female Rally Start For more from Weekend
Sport with Jason Fine.
Speaker 1 (09:02):
Listen live to news Talk zed B weekends from midday,
or follow a podcast on iHeartRadio
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