Posted by Today, we have a guest post by Robert Fagg. Robert is a rally racer co-driver, sponsored by NETELLER, and has emerged as a fierce competitor as he’s raced across Great Britain and as far afield as China. You can learn more about Robert on his website or subscribe to the blog for further guest posts. And help us cheer on Robert while he races this weekend in the Isle of Man International Rally.
Following a short break after completing the RSAC Scottish Rally, my attention now turns to my home event and round five of the Kick Energy Fiesta SportTrophy—Rally Isle of Man. I am changing drivers for this round and the rest of the season. I am teaming up with joint Championship leader Matt Edwards.
Competing at home on the Isle of Man is a definite advantage, but there are always new challenges that the island has to offer and is famous for. I grew up here watching future world champions hurtle down the narrow lanes and being able to race on the very same roads is a great feeling. Plus, I get the opportunity to race in front of all those that have supported me throughout my rallying career.
Getting ready for a race
The rally is only a two day event, but for the racers it takes days building up to and following the event. 6 weeks prior teams submit their entries and plans have to be made for travel and accommodation—a task that I take on as part of my co-driving role. I also check the information sent from the event administrators to ensure that we know exactly what is going on and when. After reviewing everything that is required at an event, I produce a schedule for the team and that way all team members have vital information on hand.
Days before the event, Matt and I devote our time to reconnaissance of the stages. We have 160 stage miles to cover and we will check the pace notes to ensure that we will have the best description of what lays ahead to enable us to produce the quickest time.
After the reconnaissance is the shakedown. The shakedown gives us the opportunity to test our car on a closed public road—similar to that we will compete on during the event. Matt has not competed on the island before and this will prove vital in trying to set the car up for the tricky nature of the Manx roads.
Trusting a new driver
This will also be the first time Matt and I have sat in a car together. The shakedown gives us the chance to test pace notes and get to know each other better. The relationship between a driver and co-driver is one that requires complete trust from both sides. The driver must be completely happy that the co-driver can give him the information at the right time and commit to it. The co-driver must trust the skills of the driver to take the car as fast as possible through narrow lanes and sharp turns on the information the co-driver provides. Without trust the overall times will undoubtedly suffer.
Matt and I look to be on pace from the start but this is a tough rally with solid hedges waiting to punish any mistake we make. Wish us luck and good weather this weekend.
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