RALLY SPORT MAGAZINE INTERVIEW, 1997

by Neil Perkins.

After several years in the wilderness of top flight international rallying, Barbara Armstrong stepped back into the limelight when it was announced in January 1997 that she would drive the second British SEAT Ibiza in the Mobil 1 RAC British Rally Championship. A long-time rally instructor and an excellent ambassador for women in British Rallying, Barbara began a career in her native Scottish Borders and progressed to the Peugeot GTi Rally Challenge. She became a respected competitor in a GpN Peugeot 309 and achieved a string of excellent results in what was then Britain's premier one-make rally championship. She blotted her copybook on the recent Pirelli Rally, but is upbeat about the rest of the season.

Marital situation:
Single

Children:
None

Number of years in competition:
My first event was the Galloway Hills Rally in a Sunbeam. I've been rallying about 10 years

Personal vehicle:
I drive a SEAT Cupra Sport. I gave my other cars away!

Favourite TV programme:
Emmerdale

Favourite music:
REM and Scottish band Runrig. My favourite record is Unchained Melody from the movie 'Ghost'

Favourite newspapers:
Sometimes I read the Daily Express, but I regularly read only Motoring News, Autosport and Rally Sport

Favourite actor/actress:
Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore

Hobbies:
I collect wooden ducks and enjoy gliding. It's my way of scaring myself, because there's always the risk of dying when you go gliding!

Biggest regret:
My accident on the second stage at Carlisle Airport during the recent Pirelli Rally in 1997

Greatest goal:
To tackle a World Championship event outside the UK in a competitive car

Worst moment of your life so far:
There aren't really any moments which spring to mind

Happiest moment of your life:
When I heard in January that I'd be driving the factory SEAT in this years' British Championships

Alternative career:
I'd probably be a farmer and also run a small catering business because I enjoy cooking

Best results in competition:
Being British Ladies Champion

Favourite holiday location:
Tasmania, but I'd like to get to Mauritius at some point in the future

Favourite food:
Pickled eggs

Favourite drink:
Becks beer and wine, particularly a good Chardonnay

Favourite restaurant (UK and worldwide):
Langans Brasserie in London

Favourite quality in a person:
Someone who is bright, confident and bubbly

Where would you like to be in ten years?
Retired from motorsport and possibly living in a big house. I would like to have been a works driver and fulfilled several goals in the sport and to know that I'd achieved far more than many people have the opportunity to do in the sport