Forget slaving around in the kitchen in the ’70s, Minota Ann Van Bergen is a trailblazing woman who redefined the limits of South African rallying, etching her name into the record books as the first woman to conquer a national rally championship!
Western Cape, South Africa (16 March 2025) – At the mention of motorsport or a driver behind the wheel of a racing machine out on a competitive track, the first thing that may come to mind is the picture of a young man eager for speed, pressing the accelerator to reach the finish line.
But that is not the case in the story of Minota Ann Van Bergen, a woman who not only broke barriers but also made history as the first woman to win a national rally championship in South Africa!
This thrill seeker wasn’t barefoot in the kitchen, but rather was by her now-late husband’s side, Ewold Van Bergen, navigating him to his fourth national title in 1970.
According to Motorsport South Africa, their partnership made waves on the global stage, becoming the first husband-and-wife team to win an international rally with a stunning victory at the TAP Rally in Portugal.
“To this day, Minota remains the only South African woman to have claimed both national and international rally victories outright and the only woman to be awarded Springbok colours in rallying,” Motorsport shares.
Years later, this rally legend’s boldness still inspires many and remarkably proves that women can be at the forefront of motorsport! Minota didn’t just break records—she redefined what was possible.
Motorsport South Africa honoured Minota with the 2024 Pioneer Award, recognising her as an icon whose influence still drives the sport forward to this day!
Sources: Motorsport South Africa
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