Thailand, April 29, 2026 — Indonesian female rally driver Lody Francis Natasha continues to make her mark on the Asian motorsport stage through her participation in the Thailand Rally Raid Championship (TRRC) 2026 Round 1, held on April 25–26, 2026 in Chachoengsao, Thailand. Competing alongside co-driver Nada Simarak from Thailand, Lody secured 3rd place in the T2.1 Class and emerged as the only all-women team to join the competition, marking a significant achievement in a highly competitive field dominated by seasoned rally raid drivers.
The two-day rally, held in Chachoengsao, featured approximately 150 kilometers of special stages, beginning with a short but technical 8.85 km stage (SS1), followed by a demanding 133.47 km stage (SS2). Despite its relatively compact distance, the event is widely regarded as one of the most competitive proving grounds in the region, with many participants being regular contenders in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2026.
Lody’s participation in TRRC forms a critical part of her preparation strategy for AXCR, widely recognized as Asia’s largest and most prestigious cross-country rally event. Since its inception in 1996, AXCR has spanned multiple countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China, and is officially sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body behind Formula 1, the World Rally Championship (WRC), and the Dakar Rally.
“TRRC is competed by core teams with a high level of experience, especially the Thai drivers who race consistently throughout the year. Meanwhile, I only compete once a year, so it presents its own challenge. Even though the distance is around 133 kilometers, for me this is considered a short rally, which means time is very limited. If the performance isn’t optimal or there are technical issues, there’s no opportunity to recover the next day,” said Lody.
Designed as an ultimate endurance test, AXCR challenges competitors across extreme and varied terrains, from mountain roads and dense jungles to river crossings, plantations, and coastal sections, often under unpredictable weather conditions. The rally demands not only driving speed but also exceptional navigation precision, physical endurance, and mental resilience.
AXCR continues to evolve in both scale and complexity. The 2026 rally, marking its 31st edition, will span approximately 2,000 kilometers from Pattaya to Phitsanulok. Although held entirely in Thailand, the event continues to uphold full international competitive standards.
“I’m very grateful for this result and for all the support I’ve received throughout this journey. Representing Indonesia on the international stage is something I carry with great pride. As part of the IMI Women in Motorsport Commission, I also hope this journey can contribute to opening more opportunities for women in this sport. Every race is not just about competing, but about proving that we belong here and can perform at the highest level. I hope this progress continues and brings greater support for Indonesian motorsport,” she added.
Lody’s journey in AXCR reflects a long-term commitment to the sport. Since first competing in 2017 as one of Indonesia’s earliest female participants, she has taken on multiple roles within rally teams, including co-driver and team manager, before returning as a driver from 2023 onwards with an all-female lineup. Competing as an independent privateer against factory-backed teams, she represents a rare combination of technical experience and resilience.
Her most recent AXCR performance in 2025 saw her finish 11th in the T1D (Diesel) class out of 26 competitors and 19th overall out of 44, while also ranking as the highest-performing female team in her category.
Beyond competition, Lody represents a broader movement in motorsport. In a discipline traditionally dominated by male drivers, her presence highlights the growing role of women in rally raid at an international level.
“I want to prove that women have a place in rally raid. This is not just about me, but about opening doors and giving more women the confidence to step into this field,” Lody emphasized.
As an Indonesian athlete competing on the international stage, Lody brings not only performance credibility but also strong storytelling value, combining national representation, women empowerment, and endurance sport excellence. Her journey as a privateer, built on discipline and precision under extreme conditions, continues to resonate with both motorsport audiences and broader lifestyle communities.
TRRC 2026 Round 1 marks a key milestone in her ongoing journey toward AXCR. With growing experience, consistent performance, and exposure to elite competition, Lody is steadily positioning herself as a rising contender in the Asian rally raid circuit.
