On a multi-day road rally, a good co driver can make the trip. The role is part navigator, part relief driver and part travel partner. For drivers new to rallies, it’s worth knowing what the job involves before inviting someone along.
Navigation is the core of it. Rallies follow planned routes with meeting points, fuel stops and hotel arrivals. A co driver tracks the route, watches for turns, and keeps an eye on the group’s plan. That frees the driver to focus on the road and the cars around them.
Sharing the driving is the second part. Long rally days can be tiring. A co driver with a valid license, who is covered by the car owner’s insurance, can take a turn behind the wheel. Checking that coverage before the trip is important, since some policies on high-value cars limit who can drive.
A co driver also handles the small things. Calling ahead to a hotel, finding a coffee stop, taking photos and videos, or managing the group chat all fall to the passenger seat. Those tasks add up over a long day.
The best co drivers stay calm. Traffic, missed turns and long stretches of highway happen on every rally. Someone who keeps the mood light makes the experience better for everyone.
Choosing the right person matters. A spouse, a friend or a fellow car lover all work, as long as they enjoy long drives and get along well in small spaces. Exotic cars rarely have much room.
Crown Rally, an invite-only exotic car rally that has supported charity through #rally4acause since 2014, welcomes drivers and their co drivers on events across the country. Interested teams can request an invite online.