Co-driver Basics: What You Need to Know for Rally Success

If you’ve ever watched a rally and wondered who’s calling out the turns, that’s the co-driver. The co-driver is the navigator, the voice that keeps the driver on the right line, and the safety net when the road gets tricky. In this guide you’ll learn the day‑to‑day duties, the must‑have skills, and a few practical tips to make your partnership with the driver click.

What a Co-driver Actually Does

First off, a co-driver reads pace notes. Those notes are a shorthand description of every corner, jump, and surface change on a stage. While the driver focuses on steering and throttle, you’re reading the notes out loud, usually every few seconds. The timing is key – say the note too early and the driver might over‑correct; too late and he’ll be surprised by a hairpin.

Beyond notes, you handle the paperwork. That means making sure the car meets the regulations, logging start times, and checking that the crew’s licences are up to date. You’re also the point of contact for the team’s motor‑mechanic, keeping an eye on any issues that pop up during the day.

Safety is another big part of the job. If the weather turns or a road is blocked, you decide when to stop, when to push, and how to keep the driver calm. Your clear, calm voice can mean the difference between a fast run and a crash.

Key Skills Every Co-driver Needs

Sharp reading speed. You have to skim through dense notes without stumbling. Practice with a metronome or a timer so you can keep a consistent rhythm.

Good memory. Even though you have notes, you’ll need to remember the flow of a stage, especially when a note is missing or unclear. Re‑running stages in a simulator helps train this muscle.

Clear communication. Speak loud enough to be heard over the engine, but stay calm. Use a consistent tone and avoid filler words – “uh”, “um”, or jokes can distract the driver.

Quick decision‑making. If you see a rock slide or a sudden rain patch, you decide on the fly whether to push or back off. Trust your instincts and keep the driver informed.

Physical stamina. Rally days are long, and you’re stuck in a cramped cockpit for hours. Stay hydrated, stretch before each stage, and keep your mind fresh.

Here’s a quick routine you can try before a rally weekend: review the route map, practice reading your notes at different speeds, and do a short breathing exercise to calm nerves. It sounds simple, but it sets a solid foundation.

When you first start, pair up with an experienced driver who can give you feedback. Ask them what timing works best for their car and driving style. Over time you’ll develop a rhythm that feels natural for both of you.

Lastly, never stop learning. New cars, new terrains, and new regulations keep the sport fresh. Join a local co‑driver workshop, watch stage videos, and read other crews’ note‑taking methods. The more you expose yourself to different approaches, the better you’ll become.

Ready to give it a go? Grab a notebook, start jotting down your own pace notes on a familiar road, and practice reading them out loud. The more you practice, the more confidence you’ll build – and that confidence shows up on the stage, helping your driver shave seconds off every run.

Rally racing call outs, also known as pace notes, are a crucial aspect of this adrenaline-pumping sport. As a co-driver, my primary job is to provide precise and timely information to the driver about upcoming turns, jumps, and road conditions. With a unique system of symbols and numbers, I call out the details as the driver expertly navigates the course at high speeds. This effective communication between the driver and co-driver is critical for the team's success in rally racing. A single mistake in the call outs can lead to disastrous consequences, but when done right, it's what makes this thrilling motorsport so exhilarating!