PROFILE 32 ONE OF A KIND REBECCA JACKSON Rebecca Jackson is a British race car driver, TV presenter, motoring journalist, brand ambassador, world record holder, multiple trophy winner and former used car sales business owner. CLEARLY A busy and knowledgeable woman about all aspects of motoring, we caught up with Rebecca to find out what a typical day in her life consists of. Recently announced as a brand ambassador for MotorEasy, the UK’s fastest growing motoring association, Jackson starts the day with a conference call regarding MotorEasy’s ‘Lost in Translation’ campaign to promote the use of ‘plain English’ in garages. Jackson self-started a usedcar sales business in 2007, having professionally bought, sold, restored, repaired, driven, raced and independently reviewed cars around the world, she is a trusted voice for motoring consumers. Jackson said; “<strong>The</strong> campaign has been designed to remove consumer confusing jargon and promote hassle-free and time-saving maintenance and repair bookings, as well as best value and convenient MOTs, warranties, repairs and car servicing. A positive move for workshops, helping to build trust between garages and consumers”. “As a busy entrepreneur, consumer and motorist I understand the need to make car ownership and maintenance simple. <strong>The</strong> ‘Lost in Translation’ campaign should bring greater clarity to the world of motoring, allowing MotorEasy members to focus on the more important things in life,” continues Jackson. Mid- morning is a telephone interview with a wellknown consumer motoring magazine to promote her TV show, Modern Wheels or Classic Steals, currently airing on Dave. Jackson is a well-established TV presenter having previously co-presented CBBC car show Ali-A’s Superchargers and appearing as a guest presenter on Fifth Gear. Her current show involves Jackson battling against the owner and founder of <strong>The</strong> London Motor Museum, Elo King, to help a confused car shopper choose between a modern motor or a classic car. Jackson is firmly on the side of the current product vehicles, where King likes to throw some less conventional classic vehicles into the mix. Jackson is full of praise for her co-presenter, and despite the on-screen rivalry and healthy banter, it is clear the pair enjoy working together. Series one features an eclectic selection of vehicles from a Renault Zoe to a classic BMW 5 Series Alpina. Budgets range from a few thousand to over £100,000. “I had lots of favourites,” says Jackson “<strong>The</strong>re were just too many great cars to choose from: A Porsche 997 Turbo S, McLaren 570S and BMW i8 rank highly, but then there is the beautiful Ferrari 488 Spider which features in the series opening credits.” In one episode Jackson treats a lucky shopper to some ‘Rebecca Racer’ hot laps in a Lamborghini Gallardo, using her racing skills to demonstrate the capabilities of the impressive sports car, to the delight of her passenger. <strong>The</strong> show has been well received by viewers and Jackson hopes a second series is commissioned. And not just for the obvious super car driving benefits. Currently being shown at 8pm on Mondays, the series is also available on catch-up via UKTV PLAY. As an ambassador of Pertemps Driver Training, Jackson is heavily involved in its Road Safety and vehicle health check videos, which aim to help raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using mobile devices at the wheel. <strong>The</strong> videos also address common driving distractions which regularly cause accidents, as well as tips for seasonal driving. Jackson said; “I am about to record a series of videos for Pertemps on how to become an LGV driver; A world away from my previous driving experience, but I’m really looking forward to it. Heavy goods driving is still a male dominated industry, so I am also supporting Pertemps and M6 Toll’s ‘Her-GV’ campaign, helping more women to pursue careers driving professionally.” As online video reviewer for What Car? Jackson’s recent reviews range from the luxurious Audi A7 to the budget busting Dacia Duster. <strong>The</strong> 15-minute YouTube videos usually take over three hours each to film. In the evening, Jackson makes some final amends to her weekly motoring column in <strong>The</strong> Telegraph, here, she writes long term test reviews as well as consumer news and opinion pieces. A busy day, but it’s clear that Jackson loves her cars, something which is apparent in her many projects. Her own garage currently homes a BMW E36 M3, Land Rover Defender and Toyota MR2 Turbo. Her Porsche Boxster, which she drove to victory in the BRSCC production Boxster Championship is currently tucked away with her race team. She is clearly very passionate about her cars – when she gets the time to drive her own vehicles that is. 32 Elan News.indd 1 13/11/2018 10:50
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