Skoda Rally Blog

Yesterday Rally Guide 1 was published for Wales Rally GB 2012, so the schedule is available, and sees a return to servicing in Cardiff (as per 2010), meaning a more central location (i.e. being able to stay in Cardiff all week).  It takes place on 14-16 September, a couple of months earlier than previously, so should hopefully see better weather than other years.

However, I have a problem.  I don’t have a navigator – Paul is unfortunately unable to do the event as Baby Burley II is in the oven, and due out about a month after the event.  Last year didn’t work out and I didn’t get to do the event, so I’m posting this to see if anyone has any decent suggestions.  I’ll outline what I’m after:

• Someone who has a Rally International Licence – this means you will need to have finished enough rallies to go from having your MSA Stage Rally Driver licence (6 national B finishes will do it), then done the medical and got your upgrade.  This is easy enough, but obviously costs  a few quid (depending on your doctor – mine charged me £12 for my last one, Paul’s was more like £180!).  They will also need the full FIA-compliant set of safety gear (underwear, boots, suit, helmet, HANS device)
• Someone who is willing to put up half the cost of the entry; this is the only way I can afford to take part.  In 2010 I think the total was around £4000, give or take.  Paying the entry fee of £1745 and your own costs would be pretty much what is needed – the other costs I can take care of; it might seem like there’s nothing else to spend, but believe me once you’ve paid for accomodation, fuel, tyres and a bunch of other stuff, another £2000 is spent pretty quickly.
• Someone who has the same attitude as me (and indeed Paul) to doing the event.  We have done it previously with Paul producing a single-page schedule for the week, and this has worked perfectly well – I’ve spoken to a couple of drivers who say they have had navigators who have produced “War and Peace movement schedules” – this isn’t something that’s needed, IMO, and I don’t think I would see eye-to-eye with anyone who would do that.  As we would be spending the week together for 12 hours+ per day, this is essential.  I take rallying seriously, but within the bounds of knowing my own talent/ability, and having a laugh.  I am under no illusions that I’m going to be doing this for anything other than the (fantastic) experience – indeed having done it 4 times before I know what I’m looking to do.  Obviously I’m not going to drive round like an OAP, but it’s a balance between having a great week and frightening myself silly!  A sense of humour is vital, I think, but I guess everyone thinks they have one!
• Having a car that could be used for recce would be a big advantage – I sold my recce car in 2010, and would need to prepare another one which wouldn’t be the end of the world, but would be more time and money…

That just about covers it.  The car is nearly ready to go (which is unusual) – it needs a few more touches done to the mapping, and a small list of “niggles” addressed, but it’s in the best shape it’s ever been, and more powerful than ever before.  This is absolutely the last time I will be able to afford to do something like this, and I would like to do it, but I can’t do it without finding the right person to do it with;  I’ve been immensely fortunate to have done it four times with Paul, and despite all the struggles on a couple of the events, they have been among the most memorable things I’ve ever done.  I WANT TO DO THIS, so if anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears – use the contact form!