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The Trans-America Challenge is a rather special classic car rally which involves 45 participants traversing through some of the most breathtaking roads in America. Although what really sets the 2015 edition apart is the participation of a woman who is believed to be the world’s oldest rally navigator.
Say hello to Dorothy Caldwell, a 97-year-old woman who will be seen in the fast lane throughout the 5810-mile long rally with her son Alastair in a 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III.
“When we lived in England, my family was into racing – my brother did it, and then both of my sons in New Zealand. The first rally I did with Alastair was in Suffolk in 2011. It seemed like quite a simple thing to me, so when he asked if I would navigate for him on the first Trans-America Challenge back in 2012, I said I would! Since then, we’ve been to Burma for a rally and I’m about to leave for the second Trans-America Challenge as we speak.”, said the great grandmother.
Dorothy’s son Alastair is a former manager of the McLaren Formula One team. He insists his mother has never attempted to ‘pull rank’ from behind the map. “We’ve never had a cross word on a rally, it’s a team effort and we work very well together.”
As a navigator, Dorothy will look after the maps, updates and trip meter. It’s a role that requires dedication and a constant state of alertness; as the rally navigates a difficult route through challenging terrain. Although given her past experience in rallying, the arduous role should ideally be a cakewalk.
You go girl!
