Aliyyah Koloc completes final 24H Series race at Barcelona with Buggyra ZM Racing. With Championship standings close within top 3, Aliyyah, team-driver’s Adam Lacko, David Vrsecky along with recruits brought in for long-overnight race – Jaroslav Janis and Jaromir Jirik – the 19 year old Czech-Emirati driver embraced all that unfolded with strength of character that has been the trade-mark of her racing career.
And it all began on the start-line, when the Team experienced a mechanical issue with the car, even before lights turned green. Pushed back to pit-lane, chase was on to identify problem, dismantle fuel tank, re-assemble in running order, and get back on track. Well down in position, Aliyyah and Team remained composed knowing their speed on track had been confirmed having qualified 4 seconds faster than nearest rivals the previous day.
Facing and overcoming each challenge over the weekend, and through-out the seasons has undoubtedly transformed Aliyyah’s growth – both professionally and personally – on and off the track. Comments shared on how racing 24 hours was going to be a new experience was neither overwhelming nor daunting, as Aliyyah knew she had put in the preparation, training, mental and physical work to take on board the task ahead.
Plus, racing along-side a strong team-unit of Buggrya ZM Racing, with her father – Martin Koloc – at the helm, supported by driver’s, mechanics and crew, Aliyyah has gained the self-confidence that she is more than capable of punching above her weight when it comes to putting in lap-after-lap, which went on for many hours.
Aliyyah: ”I think it was the first time for most of us, so it was a very new experience, and a very tough race as well. But we made it to the finish and we got a podium finish too, so I’m very happy despite the issues we had. Honestly, I did a lot of driving during those 24 hours, including a long endurance stint at night so it was very interesting to experience driving in different conditions. I also drove a bit when the sun was rising, so that was very cool.
The team did a great job, along with all the drivers and mechanics, so I think we can be happy. I was just trying to be consistent and not have any issues, but unfortunately, I had a small contact that wasn’t my fault: no big damage, so we just pitted to change the wheel. That was a good wake-up call, but we managed to continue and made it to the finish!”
If the markings of a champion athlete revolve around identifying where improvements can be made, recognizing success when it’s due, plus finding enjoyment in the whole process, Aliyyah ticks all 3 boxes. A rare trait at such a young age, given Aliyyah has achieved massive development of driving skills which range from endurance/circuit racing, to T1/T1+ Rally.
Add to the list, her own expectations of performance, which step-by-step have elevated her racing across varying disciplines to the podium. Gaining P2 overall with the Team in 24H Series GT4 class along with P2 in Junior category and winning the Ladies class, Aliyyah has rounded out a process of driver-skill-development in short period of time.
So, what lies ahead for the tenacious woman, whose mantra of learning from all experiences is both challenging ad rewarding, in the present and future? Eyes are firmly fixed on competing in The Dakar Rally 2024 – in the highest echelon of categories T1+. Most certainly, a new learning curve coming up, one which Aliyyah will rise to, all the way to the finish.
Header photo: Aliyyah Koloc competing in 24H Barcelona with Buggyra ZM Racing. Image: Team.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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