Another key position in the team is that of the navigator. Sitting beside the driver, reading instructions about every bend, crest or junction, at high speed on gravel requires nerves of steel and a huge amount of trust in the driver. One mistake by the navigator can easily put an end to the rally for the team and result in a spectacular crash.
After discussions with some very experienced navigators, DSA Motorsport team owner/driver Mark Butcher selected the experienced and very enthusiastic Jenna Kelley to join him. Mark and Jenna will tackle all five rounds of the 2011 Bosch Australian Rally Championship in the new ARC Outright Class driving a Subaru WRX STi.
“Selecting a navigator is never easy. We have had some great navigators in our team including Daniel Wilson and Nicole Bryan and allot of interest from other co-drivers. Jenna’s passion for the sport along with her experience helped us make the decision in the end. We have a test event pencilled in March and this will be the first time we work together. It’s a tough environment inside a rally car and I set very high standards for all my crew members – so it won’t be easy – but I am confident Jenna and I will work well and give us a good chance of some outright results” said Butcher.
Jenna has recently been selected by the Layne Beachley – Aim for the Stars Foundation as a grant recipient. The Aim for the Stars Foundation was established to assist women in sport and Layne Beachley is directly involved in working with each of the grant recipients to develop themselves in their chosen field.
“I am so excited and grateful to have been selected to participate in the Aim for the Stars program. I know it will help open doors for me to progress in the sport of rallying. This will be my first full season in the Australian Rally Championship and I can’t wait to get to round one in April over in Western Australia. I also hope we can get Layne in my seat for a ride sometime to show her what rallying is all about!” said the excited Jenna.
DSA Motorsport will also help promote the foundation with some signage on the rally car and information on the foundation available at events.
“The foundation is a great concept and like anyone that is competitive and believes in getting out there and having a go – I am pleased to be working with Layne this year” said Mark.
More information on the foundation can be found at www.aimforthestars.com.au or by visiting our website and following the link.
Information on the team can be found at www.dsamotorsport.com
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