Or rather “How I ended up co-driving at the Ramada Express Rally.”

So Kris and I were headed out to Laughlin to work at the rally. I said somewhat off-handedly that “I should have brought my gear.” Kris asks, “Why?” “Just in case someone needs a co-driver!” This is the first rally that we’ve worked at or been to since we started competing, since we got all our gear and got licensed. We chatted a bit about “who I would co-driver for” and in what situations. I’m still getting used to doing everything a good co-driver should be doing – reading the notes at the right time, resetting the odo, calculating our stage times, resetting the speedometer, setting my stopwatch, all the while counting down, and tightening down my harness and helmet – would I really be comfortable riding with someone else? On the other hand, I want the experience so I can be a better co-driver for Kris.

To continue – when we got to Laughlin Thursday night we checked in, and caught up with a few people. We stopped to talk to Michael Taylor, and he mentioned that since his son had finals at school, he wasn’t going to be co-driving the whole rally. Instead, his wife Jennifer would be co-driving on Friday and Steven would be there on Saturday. So he needed a co-driver for Sunday, “if we happened to know anyone.” Well, I obviously didn’t have my gear, or licenses, and even though the Sunday portion of the rally is more like an extended rallycross, each team is still required to wear a full suit and there has to be a co-driver.

After a bit of brainstorming, Kris suggested asking if I could borrow Steven’s suit and helmet, if the organizers would agree to let me sign up without my newly acquired licenses. Donna Hocker was happy to sign me up: “Oh, I know you’re in good standing with your license, you just got it at Prescott! And you already signed the waiver to work, so you’re all set. I’ll put you on the entry list.” On Saturday night I got Steven’s suit and I was ready to rally in the Taylor truck on Sunday morning. I had a great time with Michael, the truck got more sideways than ze’Neon usually does, so that was a cool experience. I had to really shout because it was REALLY loud and the intercom was on the fritz. All I hope is that I did a good job. I know Michael has won the CRS P-Stock class, and I was more than happy to help. Next time I’ll bring my suit and helmet!