Daredevil Co-Driver Balances Two Drivers on Three Continents in a High-Stakes Rally Challenge
In the heart-pounding world of rally racing, where split-second decisions can make or break a race, one co-driver is taking on an unprecedented challenge. Hannah McKillop, a rising star in the rally scene, is set to co-drive for not one, but two different drivers across three continents in 2025.
McKillop’s journey into the high-octane world of rally racing began with a passion for cars instilled in her by her mechanic father. From a young age, she knew she belonged in the driver’s seat, but it wasn’t until her husband, also a co-driver, encouraged her to take the leap that her rallying career took off.
Now, McKillop finds herself juggling a jam-packed schedule, partnering with DirtFish Women in Motorsport Driver Aoife Raftery in the European Rally Championship and select American Rally Association events, while also teaming up with Garry Pearson at M-Sport for a British Rally Championship campaign. With a total of 16 events lined up, McKillop is set to showcase her skills on a global stage.
The intensity of McKillop’s schedule is not lost on her, but neither is her unwavering dedication to her craft. “This is like literally everything I dreamed of, it’s everything that I wanted,” McKillop shares. “It’s very cool, and I’m very, very, very grateful. But I also have made a lot of sacrifices in my personal life. Nothing good comes easy.”
As McKillop embarks on this thrilling adventure, she brings a wealth of experience from her past collaborations, including a standout performance at the Monte Carlo Rally last season. With each event, McKillop continues to hone her skills, learning from each driver she partners with and adapting to their unique styles.
Navigating the intricacies of co-driving for two different drivers is no easy feat, but McKillop approaches the challenge with a mix of professionalism and camaraderie. “Pacenotes and getting them on time is obviously a key part of the job, but there’s so much more to co-driving outside of that,” she explains. “You’ve got to be able to read your driver – work out how they are and understand how to pick them up when they need picking up, and then leveling them out when they need to be leveled out.”
Despite the demanding nature of her schedule, McKillop remains committed to giving each driver her all, even if it means navigating calendar clashes and back-to-back events. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to forge strong bonds with her drivers set her apart as a co-driver to watch in the world of rally racing.
As McKillop gears up for the challenges that lie ahead, one thing is certain – she is a force to be reckoned with on the rally stage. With her passion, skill, and unwavering determination, McKillop is paving the way for a new generation of co-drivers in the adrenaline-fueled world of rally racing.
