SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1546613
MUCH MORE THAN A NAVIGATOR Javier Valenzuela has a lot on his plate these days by Stuart Bourdon Photos by Get Some Photo javier Valenzuela has been a co-driver and navigator for Vildosola Racing for almost 20 years. During that time, he has earned a reputation for his thorough approach to his responsibilities. Valenzuela recalls his years in the second seat with Tavo Vildosola, as well as his new additional duties as team manager. “In my position as team manager, before we even leave for the race, I’m involved in making sure both trucks (Tavo’s and Gus’ race trucks) are all in perfect working order, and that the trucks have been rigorously tested. We do as much of the logistic planning for the race as we possibly can before we even get to the event. Once we are at the race venue, the main goal is to pre-run. And while we are pre-running, we are mapping the course and making notes.” Valenzuela told us Tavo is such a good driver that, except for the really big obstacles or hazards, he doesn’t need to be told about every twist and turn during the race. Tavo has an uncanny ability to read the road ahead, even at full speed. Likewise, Rob MacCachren (when he drove for Vildosola Racing) possessed that same knack for going fast while staying out of trouble. “When pre-running with guys like them, I am mostly worried (and make detailed notes for) about what we call a ‘race-ender.’ If there’s a big rock on the right around a sharp corner that’s hard to see and we think it could end our race, we mark that spot in a way that tells us later this is a race-ender rock.” “The same thing goes if there’s a big drop-off or washout that could end our race. And I have a few rules. When there’s something coming up that is a race-ender, the driver has to respond to make sure that he heard me. He has to acknowledge that he heard what I said. If not, I keep repeating it until he acknowledges. If he’s not responding, I then raise my hands and wave to get his attention. Sometimes Tavo is so focused on driving that he can’t hear me. That’s when the hand gestures work.” Valenzuela is probably more involved in the overall racing operation than most navigators. “I’m doing so much more now than just handling navigation during the race. I now have a more comprehensive role in the entire operation. Even when we’re pre-running, and the race trucks are back at the shop, if a problem comes up, they call me or text me. I’m answering from somewhere in the middle of the desert. Back when I started, co-drivers were mechanics. That was a non-written rule. You were the mechanic of the car, and you were calling out obstacles; that was it. That’s where I think I’m a little different than most navigators.” SJ