January 24, 2024
Carbon Positive Motorsport brand ambassador Ashleigh Morris launched her 2024 season plans at this year's Autosport International Show at the NEC.
Sporting a new Ashleigh Morris Rallying livery, Ashleigh’s Ford Fiesta ‘JIG’ was on display at the four-day event on the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) stand. Ashleigh was joined by co-driver Emma Morrison, as they helped the club to raise its profile, and revealed their plans for the season.
During the busy days, Carbon Positive Motorsport Director Steve Smith managed to catch up with Ashleigh to talk about her plans for the year ahead.
CPM: Ashleigh – it's great to see you and JIG back again with a fantastic new livery - what brought you to Autosport International this year?
AM: I’ve been a member of the BWRDC since 2018, so when the club needed a car for the stand I was happy to volunteer JIG. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends, make some new connections, promote the BWRDC and try to encourage more women into motorsport. It was also the perfect chance to show our new livery and talk about our plans for this season.Â
CPM: You decided last year not to compete in a championship as JIG was being rebuilt, instead you competed on several events at home and overseas – what were your highlights from last year?
AM: There were a few! While JIG was being rebuilt I hired cars for a couple of events, including a trip to France to do Rallye de Grasse. Competing abroad was a long-term ambition of mine, and Rallye de Grasse included stages from Rallye Monte Carlo so it was very surreal to compete on such iconic stages. Competing in the Peugeot 208 Rally 4 was fantastic as well, it was a big step up for me.Â
Argyll Rally was a highlight too as the stages really suit my driving and we finished 3rd in class and with a strong overall result. My final highlight was taking JIG to Jersey to compete on the rally there in October. I went to Jersey every summer with my family when I was growing up, so the place holds very special memories for me and being able to return there to compete on the rally was a really proud moment.Â
CPM: So, you’re returning to a championship campaign for this season - what are your plans?
AM: I’m planning to compete in the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship which kicks off with the Legend Fires North West Stages in March. I was due to compete on the event in 2020 but it was cancelled due to covid so it will be great to finally take part. There are a couple of rallies on the calendar which are on my bucket list – the Manx and Rali Ceredigion – so I’m really excited about those two especially. I did a couple of events in the championship last year and was really impressed with how well organised it was and how welcoming everyone was.Â
CPM: Last year you also were regularly also co driving – will you be in the hot seat again this season?
AM: Yes, I’m co-driving for Ollie O’Donovan again in a Hyundai R5 in the Circuit Rally Championship. The next round is Brands Hatch later in January, then we have five more rounds through to April so I’m keeping busy in my off-season!
CPM: Can you believe you're entering your third full season as a brand ambassador for Carbon Positive Motorsport! – something we really value and thank you for. How has carbon offsetting helped you?Â
AM: Carbon offsetting is important to me personally – it’s crucial to consider the impact our sport has on the environment and how I can give something back and help secure the future of the sport for the next generation. It’s also a great talking point for potential sponsors and with other competitors – so many people want to get involved and understand how important it is to the future of rallying.
You can be like Ashleigh and offset your carbon emissions quickly and simply using our new Season Offset.