Teen takes on the world in rally challenge

A SOUTHSIDE teenage girl is in Italy this week where she is preparing to compete against some of the world’s most famous rally champions.

Nicole Coffey (13), from Rathfarnham, is in a bid to secure a place among the top young drivers as part of this year’s FIA Karting Academy Trophy Shootout.

The competition is intense with just one spot available to the best driver who will go on to compete in further competitions in Portugal, France and Bahrain later this year.

Nicole has been competing in karting for the past three years.

She started out as a novice racer and won two races in Cadet Class as the only girl in the section.

Young Nicole said that being the only girl in competitions is something the boys have had to adjust to.

“I was the only girl racing in the cadets, which was hard at the start as the boys don’t like a girl beating them,

? she said.

“But because I was a quick driver they had to get used to it.

?

During her first season this year, Nicole has so far achieved one race win, four podium finishes and seven placings inside the top six.

She finished second in the All-Ireland Karting Championship and was third in the Irish Kart Grand Prix.

Nicole also went on to grab the Motorsport Ireland Novice Driver of the Year Award.

The energetic teenager currently plays for the GAA in Ballyboden, but motor racing and karting are her passion.

“I love everything about motor racing,

? she declared.

“I would love to start competing regularly in the UK and especially in Europe. I have a small gym at home that I work out in and I always try to eat healthily.

“I’m hoping to win the championship this year and then hopefully the Monaco Kart Cup someday soon, but for now I’m concentrated on hopefully winning the shootout in Italy as it would be a great experience.”