Bonnie with Mark Higgins after his flying TT lap in 2016
Interest in the Rally Challenge from the Isle of Man has continued following Liam Whitley taking the 2022 title, with Douglas resident Bonnie Papper being the first Junior contender to sign up for 2023. Liam commented, ‘I have been spoken to Bonnie on a few events and her eagerness to learn as much as possible is admirable’.
With just seven rallies under her belt in the UK and the Isle of Man which include forestry, single venue, road and targa rallies, the twenty year old has already achieved a goal she set herself by taking to the hot seat of a Fiesta R5 with Colin Minton and Ignition Motorsport for the coming season.
Bonnie’s progress has been aided by RL360 International Finance Group Ltd. where she has the role of Customer Services Administrator. Bonnie added, ‘The company are very supportive and understand and encourage my dedication to Motor Sport. They have also helped by giving me some assistance with travel’.
Bonnies busy year will include competing on rounds of the the Independent Paint Supplies Rally Challenge , MRF Tyres BTRDA Forest Rally Series, Seacon UK English Rally Championship, Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship in association with Pirelli, ANWCC Championships, SP Petch Rally Championship and the Manx Rally Championship. She added, ‘I am very lucky to have such an amazing team, family, friends and fans supporting me on my journey. I also hope to inspire more women in motorsport and sport, and inspire people to participate in things they enjoy doing rather than worrying about what other people think’.
Her results so far:
2021
Manx auto sport stages (Jurby) – Vauxhall Corsa – Retired snapped 2 driveshafts
Dukes targa rally (Isle of Man)- Mazda MX5 – 4th o/a (8seconds from 3rd)
Pokerstars rally (Isle of Man) Toyota Corolla – 59th o/a and 15th in class
2022
Haydn Minay Targa (Isle of Man) – Toyota Yaris – 2nd o/a
Lookout Stages (Melbourne) – BMW E30 – 11o/a and 3rd on class
Manx International Rally (Isle of Man) – Toyota Corolla – 30th o/a and 9th in class
Hero’s Stages (Weston) – Toyota Corolla – 13th o/a and 3rd in class
Cushing Night Rally (Isle of Man) – BMW – 6th o/a and 4th in class
Grizedale Stages (Ambleside) – Ford Fiesta R5 – 30th o/a and 17th in class and 2nd mixed crew
2023
Malcom Wilson rally (Cockermouth) – Ford Fiesta R5 – 28th and 7th in class
Bonnie’s bid for the Rally Challenge title begins with the Rallynuts Stages.
