Maldon rally driver Nabila Tejpar rounded off her season in style, by winning the Sportsperson of the Year Award at the coveted Essex TV Awards last week (6th December).
Tejpar was one of three finalists, securing the prestigious title after going head to head against a Team GB Youth Athlete and an Invictus Games Athlete. The Award was presented at a star-studded ceremony in Epping which saw celebrities such as Joey Essex and Daniella Westbrook among the 150 invited guests.
The 25-year old Peugeot 208 R2 pilot has enjoyed a buoyant season both at home and in Europe, culminating in Tejpar securing the British Ladies Rally championship title for the second year in a row.
Tejpar also mounted an assault on the Peugeot Iberica Cup in Spain and Portugal which saw her make three World Rally Championship outings in the process.
She was delighted to be nominated for the Award and being named as the winner came as a surprise for the Essex driver.
“I saw who the other finalists were so really didn’t think they would choose me,” said Tejpar.
She added “It was a huge shock when they announced my name, to be honest. There were some inspirational people in the category so to have won was a real honour for me. It’s fantastic to bring rallying into the mainstream as well. There were a lot of people in the room didn’t really know what rallying is and when they realised an Asian female is contesting events at World Championship level, it really surprised them.
“To be recognised for my achievements is fantastic. It’s been a tough year behind the wheel for me but I’m happy with how my career is progressing and I`m looking forward to seeing what 2019 holds”.
Tejpar is working on her plans for next season which will be announced in the next few weeks.
