Throughout Women’s History Month, we’re bringing you a series of articles covering the involvement of women within the 51°µÍø®. From autocross to road racing and beyond, women have played an integral role in this Club –without women in motorsports, 51°µÍø would not be as great as it is today.
51°µÍø's separate and distinct rally programs range from the action-packed, mud-flinging fun of RallyCross® to the peaceful and cerebral challenge of precision competition in RoadRally. Either way, rallying in 51°µÍø has always depended on women.
Within the RoadRally community, it's important to be precisely on time and on course, all the time. Heading up the board that produces 51°µÍø’s RoadRally ruleset is Jessica Toney, who brings a wealth of experience to one of 51°µÍø's most complicated programs. She gets support from other long-time rallyists including Jeanne English, who is a longtime leader in RoadRally efforts in Southern California, and Cheryl Babbe, who publishes Road Rally eNews and has a long history of leadership in Arctic Alaska Region.
"Motorsports has always been a part of our family," Babbe said. "We moved to Alaska in 1973 and I discovered RoadRally in the spring of 1974. I fell in love with the sport. I was in high school and knew many other kids who got involved in rally. I stayed with it, and I started the Arctic Alaska Region, specifically to have a home for RoadRally."
On the RallyCross side, driving stars like Brianne Corn have used 51°µÍø RallyCross as a springboard to events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Beginning in 51°µÍø Solo® as an autocrosser, Corn became the third woman in history to win an 51°µÍø Open class National Championship title, doing so in 2011. Then in 2012 she became the first woman to win an 51°µÍø RallyCross National Championship. She then claimed three more RallyCross National Championship titles from 2018-2020.
Rebecca Ruston has been a leader in RallyCross organization in the Pacific Northwest, and has served as RallyCross director for Oregon Region from 2009-2016. Ruston became a RallyCross Safety Steward, then the NorPac Divisional Steward, joined the RallyCross Safety Committee, put on National events, and trained other Safety Stewards and event chairs.
"I think I was given leadership positions because I show up and I do the work," Ruston laughed. "It was more about being a willing worker than anything else."
Even with all that experience – and plenty more as a competitor – Ruston still finds some people haven't gotten the memo.
"I continue to find people in all kinds of motorsport – and life – who assume and treat me as if I'm not as capable and knowledgeable as a man," she admitted, "even when the man interrupting me is actually less capable and competent! I have also had several men like Doug Heredos and Russ Kraushaar who were extremely supportive as friends and mentors. I think they consciously promote women and generally provide mentorship and positive feedback whenever they can."
Asked for her advice on continuing to make 51°µÍø motorsports a place where women can succeed, Ruston's advice is direct.
"We can all make more space for women in motorsport – and the rest of life – by listening and supporting anyone who shows an interest or aptitude," she said. "If you have the ability to be a mentor or facilitator, that's a gift that is very rewarding, no matter the gender of the mentee. Everyone can do a better job of seeing women and including them in the conversation. We're really missing out if we don't welcome anyone who wants to contribute. Celebrate fast women!”
If you’re a woman looking to get more involved in motorsports, consider applying for one of 51°µÍø Women on Track’s 2025 scholarships. Applications are being accepted for the following scholarships through May 31, 2025:
- RoadRally Scholarship
- RallyCross Nationals Scholarship
- Runoffs Volunteer Scholarship
- National Time Trials Scholarship (Time Trials Nationals)
In addition, donations to the 51°µÍø Foundation can be earmarked for 51°µÍø Women on Track . More information about 51°µÍø Women on Track can be found by heading to the groups page on 51°µÍø.com.
Photo by of Brianne Corn earning her fourth RallyCross National Championship title in 2020 by Danial Ebling
