Rosemary Smith
Encyclopedia
Rosemary Smith is a rally driver from Dublin, Ireland.
Smith initially trained as a dress designer.
Smith entered her first rally as a navigator. After deciding that navigating was not to her liking she switched to driving. She came to the attention of the Rootes Group's Competition Department who offered her a works drive.
In 1964 Smith took the ladies prize on the Circuit of Ireland Rally driving a Sunbeam Rapier
. In 1965 Smith (Hillman Imp
) won the Tulip Rally
outright.
Smith was controversially disqualified from the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally
, after winning the Coupe des Dames, the ladies class. In all ten cars were disqualified. "Rosemary Smith said she would never compete again unless the decision were reversed."
Other competition successes included an outright win in the 1969 Cork 20 Rally
. Smith has won the ladies' prize several times on the Scottish Rally
and on the Circuit of Ireland Rally
, twice each on the French Alpine Rally and on the Canadian Shell 4000 and once on the Acropolis Rally. She also has numerous class wins to her name.
Smith initially trained as a dress designer.
Smith entered her first rally as a navigator. After deciding that navigating was not to her liking she switched to driving. She came to the attention of the Rootes Group's Competition Department who offered her a works drive.
In 1964 Smith took the ladies prize on the Circuit of Ireland Rally driving a Sunbeam Rapier
Sunbeam Rapier
The Series I Rapier was a pretty car which in general, was well received by the motoring press. Available in a range of attractive two-tone colour schemes typical of the period, it boasted steering column gear change, leather trim and an overdrive as standard fittings. Vinyl trim was an option in...
. In 1965 Smith (Hillman Imp
Hillman Imp
The Hillman Imp is a compact, rear-engined saloon car that was manufactured under the Hillman marque by the Rootes Group from 1963 to 1976...
) won the Tulip Rally
Tulip Rally
The Tulip Rally , first held in 1949, is the oldest Dutch rally competition.The teams are divided into three classes: Tour, Sport and Expert. The Expert Class is for the navigators which in the past 2–6 years in the Top-20 of the Sport class have ended, or the previous years in the Top-20 of the...
outright.
Smith was controversially disqualified from the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally
Monte Carlo Rally
The Monte Carlo Rally or Rally Monte Carlo is a rallying event organised each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco which also organises the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The rally takes place along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and...
, after winning the Coupe des Dames, the ladies class. In all ten cars were disqualified. "Rosemary Smith said she would never compete again unless the decision were reversed."
Other competition successes included an outright win in the 1969 Cork 20 Rally
Cork 20 Rally
The Cork 20 Rally is a long standing motor endurance test lasting twenty hours which is held annually in the vicinity of Cork in Munster, Ireland. It is now a well established international event, drawing competitors from Ireland North and South, Britain, Europe and further afield. The rally was...
. Smith has won the ladies' prize several times on the Scottish Rally
Scottish Rally
The Scottish Rally is the highlight of the Scottish Rally Championship. Taking place in June of every year, the warm weather and unique forest stages draws competitors from around the world....
and on the Circuit of Ireland Rally
Circuit of Ireland Rally
The Circuit of Ireland International Rally is an annual automobile rally, which was first held in 1931 making it the second oldest rally in the world. The most recent event was held in 2010....
, twice each on the French Alpine Rally and on the Canadian Shell 4000 and once on the Acropolis Rally. She also has numerous class wins to her name.