Navigator crucial to rally success

But mention the name Sergio Cresta or Timo Rautiainen and very few fans can identify with them.

Similarly, in the Trinidad and Tobago Rally Club’s Championship, fans shout out “Ainsley Lochan!, John Powell!, or Barry Mckenzie!” when they demonstrate their awesome driving abilities at rallies. However, the co-drivers and responsibilities are lesser known.

The co-driver’s most important role in high-speed rallying is to call pace-notes for the driver. Unlike other forms of motorsport, rallying involves ever changing conditions over various forms of terrain.

Pace-notes accurately describe the route in extreme detail— the number of turns, junctions, all notable features of the route which might affect the way it is driven at speed, the distance between each feature, the degree and severity of corners, crests, surface type and conditions (water, mud, gravel).

Likewise, in navigation rallying, the co-driver reads the route book, informing the driver of upcoming turns, distances, etc. The co-driver is also responsible for ensuring the team is within the time allocations for service periods, road sections, etc so as not to accrue penalties during the rally.

Time calculations are critical as the early or late arrival at checkpoints accumulates penalty points which eventually decide the winner of the event.

Here in Trinidad, the co-driver’s additional functions vary from team to team. It can range from stocking the cooler with drinks and ice, to ensuring food for the crew is delivered on time, to fetching a cold Stag and some of Sham’s curried duck for the driver when the event is over.

While each event is memorable, the most enjoyable event for 2006 was the two-day Ultra/Stag Invitational Stages in August 2006.

Competing against international competition over two days not only tested our ability, but also the level of concentration, determination and preparation.

One of the keys to a successful rally partnership is a good relationship between driver and co-driver. While in the car, there is a tremendous amount of mutual trust and effective communication gets you to the finish line safely.

I competed with Vishal Dhanraj, long-time friend and co-competitor, in his Group “A” Subaru Impreza sponsored by Esso Lubricants (Lange Trinidad Ltd), Mileage Mack and Kumho Tires, Lucozade Sport, and BT Rentals.

We teamed up at the end of 2005 through to 2006 and were grouped with stiff competition such as local boys Lochan, McKenzie, fellow Esso team-mate Colin Khan as well as the Barbadian Barry Gale and Steve Olliverre from St Vincent.

Although we ran into some mechanical difficulties towards the end of the event, we completed each special stage, finishing a respectable eighth overall and sixth in group. Most importantly, we had fun all the way in the tremendously successful event.

On the navigation side of things, manoeuvering our way across Trinidad over a three day period in the 1,000km Navigation Challenge in May to a well deserved podium finish, was challenging. Errors made near the end of the rally as a result of sheer exhaustion, put us out of contention for top honours in that event.

Although some see rallying as just another form of motorsport, those who commit themselves to the events, the cars and competition, see it as a way of life.

Co-driving is not just another support role; the co-driver is the life-line that keeps the drivers on the edge and in front of the competition.

While the rally cannot happen without the crews, the marshals, and of course the spectators and sponsors, the co-driver’s seat is in fact, the best seat in the house.

Well except the driver’s seat of course.

(This article was prepared by Kelvin Mohammed, TTRC Secretary)