Karen Gaillard, the rising star of the Iron Dames
A true hard worker, Karen Gaillard is playing on two fronts this year to refine her driving skills. In the Iron Dames team since the beginning of the year, she believes she has reached a new level. She is also aiming higher with the 24 Hours of Le Mans in her sights.
« She is a real workaholic. » These words, spoken by Perrine Bouche, team manager of ANS Motorsport, are strong. But in another sense, they are true. You just have to go to the team’s garage during an Ultimate Cup race to realize it.
As soon as she got out of the car, Karen Gaillard took off her helmet and balaclava. She glanced at the timing board. And there, her expression darkened. She headed to the engineers’ table to try to understand why she considered her best average time. “I didn’t know I was in the lead when I got out. It’s the track that improved at that moment,” explains the pilot.
A good relationship with Frey, Gatting and Bovy
The word “relentless” takes on its full meaning when she details all the work she does outside the established channels. If necessary, I am capable of spending two hours analyzing the data to understand what was wrong. And to know how to improve. An attitude that delights her boss. “In this way, she will make tremendous progress,” says Perrine Bouche.
« These are words worth gold. Really. »
But it’s not just this aspect that helps her. Since the beginning of the season, she has been in the realm of the Iron Dames. A true reward for the 22-year-old Swiss. « She has reached a new level. » Committed to the Michelin Le Mans Cup, she immediately got used to the all-pink Lamborghini GT3. She, who until then had never taken the wheel of such a racing car. So a big change from the Midjet and Vortex she had previously and the ANS team’s Nova NP02 this year.
With Deborah Mayer’s structure, she benefits from a tailored program. Physical trainer, mental coach, nutritionist, English lessons… Everything is there to support her. To help her grow. She can also count on the support of three iron ladies engaged in the World Championship: Michelle Gatting, Sarah Bovy, and Rahel Frey. On some weekends, we are on the same circuit, so we can compare our data, exchange… Having participated in one of the support races for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, she spent part of the double clock lap in the team’s garage. Alongside the Lamborghini drivers of Iron Lynx. I met Daniil Kvyat, Mirko Bortolotti… It was amazing. We were able to exchange. These are words worth gold. Really.
A step into ALMS?
Motivated, determined, she is aiming for the top. The IMSA, the WEC, and the ELMS are on her mind. But for now, the positions are filled. An opportunity could open up for her. Thanks to the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS). Iron Dames have entered a car in this championship for this season. Only one girl has been confirmed, Michelle Gatting. However, two more are needed to complete the line-up. Is Karen Gaillard part of it? Honestly, I don’t know. I hope so. It is a prestigious championship.
The announcement should arrive soon. The first leg being on December 7 in Malaysia. But one thing is certain. The Swiss woman is ready. She can rely on her impeccable physical condition. Cardio, boxing, muscle strengthening… She goes through the exercises to be in top form. « It’s from my father. He told me it was very important. I have never had sore muscles after a race. »
Hard-working, that’s for sure, she is. A mentality she has had since school. And she plans to keep it. Work is the only way to reach the heights. She deserves it, certifies Perrine Bouche. So, a winning bet?
