Taye Perry is courageous, passionate, determined and races with attitude equal to her peers no matter whether on a bike or behind the wheel as navigator. Hardly surprising then, that the petite, yet feisty rider/co-driver pushes herself out of her comfort zone from one season to the next, having just completed 2022 Dubai International Baja with Buggyra Racing Team.
To describe Taye’s spirit for adventure, love for racing, and deep desire to test the parameters of her racing skills, look no further than her debut entry in 2020 Dakar Rally. Right up to Stage 11 of 12 Taye was set to finish the 43rd edition of Dakar in 49th position in Bike General standings until the unexpected happened.
No-one will forget, the images of Taye stranded in the middle of Saudi Arabia’s desert with bike broken, waiting with hope, despair, and strength of conviction that someone would stop and help her back to neutralization – some 25kms away.
Radio communications kept checking to see if Taye wanted to be rescued, but that would mean giving up on being able to finish Dakar. For Taye, competing in the world’s most challenging of races meant taking risks, trusting that her physical and mental capabilities would see her through even the most dire of circumstances. With that belief, Taye managed to get the tow needed, pushing her bike the last couple of metres to the bivouac just before midnight.
Switch up to 2021, Taye made calculated decision to race Dakar Rally as co-driver with Bryan Baragwanath and Century Racing, finishing credible 32nd in Car category. In 2022, Taye entered formidable pairing with Dakar Legend Cyril Despres. Keen to take part in the Peugot Team’s goal of advancing preparations for 4 x 4 powered by hydrogen vehicle for 2023, the duo completed Car classification in 19th position.
Remaining true to herself, Taye learnt as much as possible racing with Team’s varied in manufacture and strategy, raising her profile as most valuable competitor in Rally. And, true to Taye’s shot in the arm approach, that her result was only as good as the last, she joined Dakar Legend Camelia Liparoti as co-driver in Ha’il Baja earlier this month.
As Camelia stated, ‘we felt as one as soon as Taye joined me as co-driver‘ confirming how in synch Taye really is with meeting the goals of the Team and driver, in whichever vehicle – Rally or Baja Championships.
Competing in Dubai International Baja with Buggyra Racing Team – two weeks previous- has been perfect antidote for Taye’s ability to keep moving forward in her career. Her talent of rising to each and every challenge presented during competing in the world’s pinnacle of races in Rally and Baja’s has proved most valuable asset – not just for Taye, but for Team’s seeking out-of-the-box thinking competitors. Such sense of conviction, to endure extreme race situations, to remain steadfast in face of adversity, and to rise above the fear of the unknown makes Taye a formidable opponent in the present and in the future.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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