Coral Taylor
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Coral Pamela Taylor dominated Australian rallying for over three decades as a co-driver, claiming five Australian Rally Championship titles and proving that precision beats speed.
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I had no idea it was possible to drive so fast on gravel roads… I remember the nervous excitement and the thrill of competing.
They wouldn’t be allowed to run events like that today … we were expected to go solidly for 48 hours at a time, … but I loved it.
I have never pushed the female side of my achievements: I’m just an integral part of Neal Bates motorsport and rallying.
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FULL BIO: Coral Taylor
Coral Taylor stands as one of Australia’s most accomplished rally co-drivers, with a career spanning over three decades and five Australian Rally Championship titles. Her remarkable journey from nervous teenager to motorsport legend showcases the power of family tradition, natural talent, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
EARLY YEARS
Born in 1961, Coral Pamela Taylor was thrust into the demanding world of rallying at just 18 years old when her father, veteran rally driver Norm Fritter, invited her to co-drive in the grueling 1979 Repco Round Australia Trial. After taking co-driving courses at a local car club and competing in smaller events, she found herself navigating one of the sport’s most physically and mentally challenging endurance rallies. “I had no idea it was possible to drive so fast on gravel roads,” she later recalled. “I remember the nervous excitement and the thrill of competing.” The experience was transformative—48 hours of non-stop competition that would be considered too extreme by today’s safety standards, but which ignited a lifelong passion for motorsport.
OTHER INTERESTS
While Coral’s professional life has been dominated by motorsport, she has demonstrated her commitment to the sport’s governance and development through various leadership roles. She serves as a director for the NRMA since 2008 and was appointed to the Motorsport Australia Board in 2020, where she works to shape the future of Australian motorsport.
EARLY SUCCESS
Taylor’s breakthrough came in 1986 when she secured her first rally victory co-driving for Peter Glennie. However, it was her partnership with Neal Bates and Toyota beginning in 1993 that would define her career. The duo immediately clicked, winning the Australian Rally Championship in their first season together. Their chemistry was undeniable—combining Bates’ aggressive driving style with Taylor’s precise navigation and tactical expertise. The partnership also extended beyond the car, with Coral often driving team trucks and handling logistics, showcasing the versatility that would become her trademark.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1986: First rally victory co-driving for Peter Glennie
- 1993: Australian Rally Championship winner with Neal Bates (Toyota)
- 1994: Australian Rally Championship winner with Neal Bates
- 1995: Australian Rally Championship winner with Neal Bates (third consecutive title)
- 1995: Targa Tasmania outright winner
- 1999-2001: Targa Tasmania class winner three years running (Lexus IS200)
- 2008: Appointed NRMA director
- 2020: Appointed to Motorsport Australia Board
- 2023: Fifth Australian Rally Championship title co-driving with Harry Bates
INSPIRATIONS
Taylor’s primary inspiration came from her father, Norm Fritter, whose guidance introduced her to the sport and shaped her early understanding of rally competition. Her career-defining partnership with Neal Bates also provided continuous motivation and professional growth. “I am very passionate about motorsport and rallying in particular. I’ve been very lucky to enjoy the career that I have,” she reflects, crediting these key relationships for her sustained success.
REPUTATION
Regarded as one of the most successful and decorated co-drivers in Australian motorsport history, Taylor has earned respect for her racecraft, leadership, and deep motorsport knowledge. Her approach to gender in the sport is refreshingly straightforward: “I have never pushed the female side of my achievements: I’m just an integral part of Neal Bates motorsport and rallying.” This philosophy has allowed her achievements to speak for themselves while serving as a powerful example for the next generation, including her daughter Molly Taylor, who became the first female Australian Rally Champion. Her longevity and professionalism have made her an invaluable asset to Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia and a respected voice in motorsport governance.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
At an age when most would consider retirement, Coral remains actively competitive, continuing her partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia as co-driver for Harry Bates (Neal’s son) in the Australian Rally Championship. Her dual role as competitor and sport administrator reflects her commitment to motorsport’s future: “I want to be able to give back to the sport so we can succeed going forward and make motorsport the best we possibly can.”
References:
Wikipedia – Coral Taylor
Motorsport Profile Interview
Motorsport Australia Board Announcement
Rally Champion Profile
Australian Rally History
Have Coral updates or corrections? Please let us know – We’d love to keep this profile current.
