PETER and Jackie Jaggon share more than a love for motorsports. Married for 20 years, the couple shared the wheel of their Subaru Impreza WRX while competing against each other in the JN8 class last Sunday at ‘Dirt Masters’ on The Farmville track at Thetford Great House in Church Pen, St Catherine.

Peter Jaggon, a three-time Dover meet champion started circuit racing in 2007. His St Jago High School sweetheart, Jacqueline, entered the rallysport arena two years later.

The pair told Auto how their love affair with the track blossomed.

“I was always in it with him as a supporter. We would just go down and have some fun at the track, but the dirt events are what I really loved. I was always interested in watching them slide around in the dirt at rallies, and one day I took the keys to his car and told him I wanted to try it,” says Jacqueline.

Jacqueline, a pathologist by profession, admits to having always been a bit of a tomboy and to being very nervous her first time competing behind the wheel before crowds of people. A fear she conquered the moment she hit the gas pedal.

Hubby Peter beamed as he watched his wife tackle the turns on the track at Thetford Great House on Sunday.

“I've realised that the more she does it the more comfortable she gets. When she just started out she was afraid to go through some of the corners fast, but I can see she's getting used to the sliding. This was the first time she was driving in the mud and she was manoeuvring well and I was happy to see that.We're both learning as we go along but where I can I try to help her, even though she thinks I'm a little hard on her at times,” the businessman told Auto.

While her busy schedule does not often allow her to compete, Jackie relishes the chance to hit the dirt and encourages more women to get involved in the sport.

“First of all, you have to like it. You have to like the sounds and the smells and participating and driving. Whether it's on the circuit or on tarmac or on dirt you have to be into it first. Overcoming the nerves is a lot like going on stage and making a speech; once you get out there and you start, you forget that there are people watching you. Then you realise it is a thrilling experience,” said Jackie.

The couple has two children: a son, Corey and a daughter, Ramona. While none of their children are active participants in motorsports, Jackie thinks their daughter might be more inclined to one day follow in their footsteps