The focus often lies on the victories, the awards, the picturesque scenes at the race's end. Yet, the essence of off-road racing — the part seldom caught on camera — is the hush of the wilderness when the steering falters, the soreness in your back after multiple truck inspections in a day, and the silent determination needed to persevere. Helen Tait Wright embodies this narrative deeply.

I've been monitoring Helen's progress for some time and recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with her following a series of demanding challenges she faced alongside her trusted co-driver Marcella and their cherished Land Rover, lovingly known as Lulu. What transpired in our discussion was more than a mere racing review; it was an authentic and radiant portrayal of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits and emerging more authentic than ever before.

Commencing lines signify triumphs as well

"I'll address the latter part of your question first," Helen remarked when I inquired about the instances where doubts crept in. "What propels us forward is the recollection of how arduous the journey to that point was. We don't anticipate it to be effortless."

In 2023, Helen and Marcella encountered one of their most challenging scenarios yet. Faced with a faulty clutch on Lulu, they confronted a tough decision: risk a breakdown during the race segment or skip the stage, leading to a lengthy return to the port. "So, might as well tackle the stage," she nonchalantly remarked. "And take our chances." They did just that — and clinched the second position. However, for Helen, that achievement was never about the accolade.

"That moment on the podium was about us — not surpassing other teams, but realizing that we had persevered through something truly difficult. That was triumph."

No standard guide for this

Helen possesses a beautifully practical approach towards what others might perceive as setbacks. "We don't call it failure," she stated matter-of-factly. "Disappointed, perhaps. But true failure would be refraining from embarking on the journey."

In a motorsport realm filled with clear-cut distinctions — victors, vanquished, timings, penalties — her viewpoint is refreshingly humane. "Each team responds uniquely to the same incident. There is no singular path to success. And success isn't always externally visible."

This sentiment resonates with me. Adventure is profoundly personal, and the genuine narratives often unravel in the messy midst.

Wrenches, nails, and what we learn from the green oval

Helen's bond with her Land Rovers is intrinsic. "They're a part of me," she expressed. And when it comes to the technical details, she is as hands-on as any seasoned mechanic. "Perhaps what it has taught me," she chuckled, "is that one can engage in mechanics and still maintain well-groomed nails!"

Yet beyond the aesthetics, there lies a lesson in resilience. "It reinforces my fundamental belief that one can achieve anything with dedication."

In the wilderness, clarity emerges

When I broached the topic of spirituality in the desert with Helen, she gently corrected me. "I was raised in a deeply religious setting, but it never quite resonated with me. I'd say I lean more towards spirituality."

Her words struck a chord. "If there exists a higher power, it's Mother Nature. The desert strips away all distractions. It serves as a reminder of our insignificance, yet also highlights the abundance of energy and wisdom available to us, provided we remain receptive."

She described Morocco as a place saturated with intangible energy — "enchantment, everywhere" — and her sentiments were vividly relatable.

Cab confessions and quiet understanding

Co-driving mirrors a pressured marriage — long hours, high stakes, limited avenues of escape. When I probed how she and Marcella maintained synchronization, Helen emphasized: "A foundational understanding that we are a team is crucial. No role outweighs the other."

This mindset wasn't always innate. "Lacking this fundamental principle made my initial rally extremely challenging," she confessed. However, with Marcella, the dynamic is rooted in trust and humor. "We have disagreements, naturally — who doesn't? But we move past them. That's what makes us resilient."

Under extreme circumstances, individuals unveil their most unfiltered selves. "You learn to be more patient, more forgiving. It's imperative to function as a cohesive unit."

Smile, nod, drive on

Off-road rallying, especially as a female duo, still encounters a strong undercurrent of male dominance. "Especially when we outpace them," Helen smiled. "The optimal response to that? Continue executing our tasks. Smile and acknowledge."

When the tyres stops, the magic starts

Helen disclosed numerous remarkable anecdotes to me, yet one incident stood out: the night in the desert during 2021 when their power steering malfunctioned amidst a marathon stage.

With the pump obstructed and the belt on the verge of snapping, they sought assistance — an action that led to disqualification but ensured safety. "Benjamin and Jean-Christophe stayed with us that night. What unfolded was one of the most enchanting nights of my life."

Stars twinkling like tiny dots in a velvety sky. Emergency supplies encircling a fire. A Daft Punk melody resonating in the darkness. "That memory is etched into my soul," she murmured softly.

Fuel, adrenaline and listening inward

Physically and mentally, rallying is relentless. I inquired how she coped with the toll. "Adrenaline lends a hand," she grinned, "but we also prepare rigorously. Supplements, hydration, rest. And we heed our bodies."

Lulu receives identical care. "I recognize her sounds. I'm always attentive. If something seems awry, I pick up on it." There exists a symbiotic relationship between driver and vehicle that cannot be taught — only felt.

Becoming more herself

So, who has rallying molded her into?

"More attuned to myself," she remarked. "More cognizant of my capabilities. And significantly less tolerant of deceit." She chuckled. "Especially from individuals who boast but never act."

However, with experience comes humility. "Someone recently labeled me an expert. I refute that. My father used to say, 'An EX is a has-been and a SPURT is a drip under pressure.'"

To the girls watching

For the Girls Observing

I posed the question of what advice she would offer a young girl hesitant to attempt the same path. She responded promptly.

"You won't know until you try. But don't commence thinking you can't. If you have faith in yourself, you can conquer anything."

A Rosy Lizard and a Moment of Enchantment

Rallying is replete with grand spectacles — traversing dunes, engine overhauls, emotional conclusions. Yet at times, the enduring instances are the most peculiar.

"In 2022, Stage 2," she recounted, "we spotted a vivid pink lizard on a rock. I eased off the throttle to observe it, but it vanished. I might have thought I imagined it — except Marcella saw it too." Another moment of rally magic.

A pink lizard and a moment of magic

Helen conveyed that there wasn't a singular "this is my calling" moment. Nonetheless, she added: "This rendition of me — this woman who drives, who mends, who trusts, who endeavors — is the one I admire the most."

A narrative worthy of exploration

Narratives hold significance. It's the reason behind my vocation. Helen shares her saga not to astonish but to motivate. "I derive immense joy from delving into others' tales," she shared. "And I hope that someone reads ours and discovers what they seek."

When I inquired if there was anything she hadn't disclosed previously, she paused. "No," she affirmed. "I think we divulge most things."

A rallying ritual

Helen doesn't engage in formal prayers. Yet, prior to each stage, she and Marcella implore the universe to safeguard all three team members — driver, co-driver, and Lulu. "That's our ritual."

As for a motto? "Trust the process," she articulated.

Or, in the words of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:

"Everything will work out in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."

Still going: the santana chapter

Even as I pen down these words, Helen finds herself midway through yet another off-road trial of determination and resilience — this time navigating the rugged terrain of the Santana Trophy. True to her nature, she's not merely participating; she's excelling. At the time of our dialogue, she held a commendable 6th position in her category, despite the event's grueling paths and capricious conditions.

It serves as a reminder that for Helen, this isn't a one-off escapade or a checkbox on her bucket list. It's a lifestyle. Every rally marks a fresh chapter, every obstacle a new chance to demonstrate — to herself above all — that she can continually push beyond her boundaries. And that, I believe, epitomizes a true rally driver: not only finishing but returning, time and again, more formidable than before.

Follow along Helen and Marcella’s adventures:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gazellesoffroadteam/ 

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