Performance Coach and Former National [Ladies] Rally Driving Champion

A specialist in mental toughness, Penny Mallory is no stranger to extreme challenges. The first woman to compete for Ford in the World Rally Championship, she built her career around resilience, determination, and peak performance.

Her journey has been anything but conventional. After experiencing homelessness at 14 and growing up in a family affected by alcoholism and mental illness, she turned adversity into strength, proving that mindset can conquer even the toughest obstacles.

In December 2026, Penny will embark on her most gruelling challenge yet - rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.

Teaming up with two men and two women, Mallory will spend around six weeks in an all-day, all-night endurance battle, pushing through the elements until they reach Antigua.

Training for the Atlantic crossing is already underway, with the crew setting out on a series of practice rows along the south coast, including off the Exmouth coastline, giving Devon locals a chance to witness their preparations firsthand.

Beyond the physical feat, Mallory is an inspirational speaker, author, and presenter, having fronted World Rally Championship coverage and written multiple books on performance and mindset.

Host

We are glad to be welcoming back David FitzGerald who returns this year to once again co-host the DASLS Awards 2024.

David "Fitz" FitzGerald has been in the media for over thirty two years, covering television presentation, programme production, corporate and commercial presentations plus script writing and commercial voice overs.