From an early age Rhianon Gelsomino knew she wanted a career in motorsport.
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Born in Wedderburn into a family fanatical about the sport, it was really just a matter of choosing what category she would compete in.
And not one to back down from a challenge, she chose arguably the hardest of the lot, rally driving.
"I love that in rally you have two people working together in a car and they need to be 100 per cent in sync to achieve their goals," Rhianon said.
"I think it's one of the hardest forms of motorsport in the world and I love challenges.
"If the co-driver is not doing their job at the highest level, the team can't win."
The third generation of her family to be involved in the sport, Rhianon made her rally debut in 2005, her teammate and brother Nathan by her side.
Over several years the duo competed in over 15 countries, the sibling's synchrony winning them several championships, podiums and stage wins.
And while it may be in her blood - her father, Mike Reeves, and grandfather were also keen racers - it was hard work and dedication that sealed the 40-year-old's most recent (and biggest) achievement to date.
Alongside her current racing partner, Travis Pastrana, the pair secured the 2021 American Rally Association Championship - in all star fashion - by winning their fourth event of the season, which successfully put their rivals out of contention.
"We've had a fantastic championship, with four top level cars battling it out each round. Travis and I worked very hard on our pace-notes and videos to win the first three rounds which set us up really well," Rhianon said.
The pair started working together in 2020, bringing together nearly 300 rally events worth of experience between them, but Rhianon is confident they learn something new every race.
"We have both worked extremely hard together to achieve the results we have. Five wins from nine starts and an American Rally Championship win for 2021," she said.
"I have focused really hard on helping Travis develop his pace-notes and Travis is always fantastic with feedback for me.
"We really make a great team."
With the championship now secured, the pair who race for Subaru Rally Team USA, are back in action this weekend at the Oregon Trail Rally for the final round of the season.
Ironically, Rhianon's hottest competition is currently her husband, Alex, who is currently ranked second in the championship standings with teammate Ken Block.
The husband and wife - who share the same passion for motorsport - met during the 2012 World Rally Championship season.
"We married in 2013 and have been happily rallying all over the world since," Rhianon said.
"We also started a rally training business called OzRallyPro and we have trained approximately 300 drivers and co-drivers.
"Starting the business was important for me, as I love teaching and this allows me to do both."
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