From sleeping under helicopters in Moroccan deserts to managing high-performance athletes through grueling international events, Gillian (Gilly) Dykes, FIM Africa Director and FIM Cross Country Bureau member, is no stranger to the chaos and charm of Rally-Raid.
An accomplished FIM official and one of the few women in this niche, high-octane motorsport space, Gilly has paved her way through decades of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering love for the sport.
She has been integrally involved in the lead-up to next month’s South African Safari Rally. Presented by event partner Toyota Gazoo Racing, this is Round 3 of the prestigious World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), taking place for the first time from 18-22 May in the North West province.
Dykes’ journey began at just 18, sparked by a deep-rooted involvement in motorsport and nurtured over the years with the help of Motorsport South Africa, FIM Africa, and the global FIM family. “People think we just show up,” she laughs. “But the truth is, officials go through rigorous exams and gain years of on-the-ground experience – from club to national events – before even being considered for an international role.”
Rally-Raid is unlike any other discipline. It’s the only motorsport event that sees bikes, quads, SSVs, and cars all racing side by side, with the FIM handling two wheels and the FIA overseeing four. “The cross-over means regulations must align, especially since many of our top riders move into cars later in their careers.”
Technological advancements – from paper road books to digital navigation systems – and increased safety requirements, like mandatory air vests for riders, have changed the game. “It’s about evolution, but also about keeping the spirit of adventure alive,” she says.
And adventurous it certainly is. She recalls her first Dakar in 2013, not as an official, but managing two riders. “We were a group of about ten women, each supporting a team or rider. By Day 10, the fatigue, altitude, and endless logistics took their toll. We once joked that looking after our riders was like breastfeeding all over again – you’re on constant standby for their every squawk.”
Navigating rough terrain, encountering sandstorms, and finding sleep in various situations – including beneath a helicopter – Gilly’s experiences highlight the challenges faced in this line of work. But her love for the sport is palpable. “It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”
“Rally riders,” she says, “are a special breed. The mental and physical toll is immense. Training includes hours dragging tractor tyres and biking for eight hours a day. By the second week, even the fittest athletes are sleep-deprived and mentally drained. And then there’s the distraction of social media, and the stress of penalties and regulations.”
As one of the few officials from Africa on the international circuit, she’s proud of how far South African riders have come. “Our terrain – from dunes to bushveld – forces riders to ‘read the road’ quickly, and that raw grit and survival instinct sets them apart.”
Her message to young officials and riders? “Do it! When you live with someone for two weeks during a rally, they become family – riders included. There’s camaraderie, there are debates, but it’s all part of the passion.”
She encourages newcomers to connect with their national federation, get involved, and start learning. “Read the regulations. Watch webinars. Attend seminars. Whether you’re riding or officiating, knowledge is power – it’s how you understand the rules, protect yourself, and maybe even win a protest. The sport evolves every year and I never stop learning.”
After all, Gilly knows firsthand that motorsport is not just about speed. It’s about resilience, evolution, and the human spirit that keeps coming back for more – dusty and tired – but still smiling.
And it’s a feeling echoed across the community. As South Africa revs up for May, all eyes are on its wide-open spaces, its rich racing culture, and the promise of Rally-Raid glory, African-style.
