FOR Northallerton rally driver Becky Taylor, the 2000 season has had more than its fair share of ups and downs.

In between studies in Newcastle, the 20-year-old has been contesting the prestigious Ford Racing Ka Rally Championship this year in her University of Northumbria-backed car. Her mother Gill, a teacher at Allertonshire School, has been co-driving for her daughter.

All was going well for the crew until they contested the Enterprise Rally in Wales in July. Becky managed to roll the car, causing extensive damage, but they still managed to reach the finish and claim second place in the ladies class.

With the next round of the championship only a few weeks away in Belgium, and with no more funds to repair the badly damaged car, Becky was set to hang up her suit and sit out the remainder of the season. She even contemplated retirement from this most expensive sport, until a white knight came to the rescue.

Simon Bailes, a family friend who owns Peugeot dealerships in Northallerton and Guisborough, heard of the youngster's plight and promptly offered to help out with the repair of the car.

With only a couple of weeks to go before they were due to set off for the Tour of Flanders International Rally, the car was whisked off to Bailes' accident repair centre for them to start work on rebuilding the smashed shell.

Despite a couple of delays and last minute dramas, Taylor picked up her immaculately-repaired car with less than 48 hours to spare before they departed for Belgium.

Becky took her time to regain her confidence and get up to speed, but gradually improved during the two-day event.

Despite brake failure on one high-speed corner - described by her mother as the most frightening experience of her long rallying career - the ladies brought their car home in sixth position in the Ford Ka class, with Becky winning the junior award in the process.

"We are indebted to Simon Bailes and his team at the accident repair centre, without whose help this would not have been possible.

"I hope our result goes some way to repaying them, we really appreciate what they have done for us", said a delighted Becky after the event