As the SA Rally-Raid Championship heads into its nail-biting finale at the Northam Zondereinde Bushveld 400, all eyes are on the drivers gunning for glory. But behind every great driver is an equally skilled navigator – the unsung hero who turns chaos into control. This month, Behind the Helmet steps into the co-driver’s seat with Boyd Dreyer, navigator for 2023 champions Gareth Woolridge and the Castrol NWM Ford Rally-Raid Team, who are locked in a fierce battle with young star Saood Variawa for the 2025 title.
In rally-raid, the navigator’s role extends far beyond calling out turns. It’s about reading terrain, interpreting the road book, tracking the GPS, and maintaining unflinching composure when conditions get rough. One wrong call or missed turn can cost precious seconds and in this championship, that could mean the title.
“Navigation on the last VAPS HCV Vryheid 400 route in October for example was extremely tricky, especially with the heavy rain,” explains Boyd. “I’ve got complete trust in my driver and in our car. That allows me to focus purely on navigation. Gareth handles the driving – I concentrate on keeping us on course.”
Precision under pressure
Unlike circuit racing, rally-raid is unpredictable. The terrain changes constantly, GPS signals fade beneath trees, and weather can turn a smooth track into a mud bath within minutes. “Navigating through the trees was especially tough in Vryheid,” Boyd recalls. “There were so many small roads crossing each other and the GPS kept dropping under the canopy. In those moments, it’s all about trusting the road book and being absolutely precise with every call.”
The synergy between driver and navigator is everything. “It comes down to experience, friendship and understanding each other,” says Boyd. “We’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years, but those have built the foundation for how well we work together now.”
That calm under pressure is what sets champions apart. “I focus on one kilometre at a time. Staying calm is key. We pull back slightly on performance where we need to be more precise, and that helps us keep things under control.”
Navigators are indeed the unseen backbone of rally-raid – constantly scanning, calculating and communicating. They ensure that speed meets strategy, turning instinct into precision. “This last race tested us more than any other,” Boyd admits. “It’s definitely raised our threshold for staying calm when things get chaotic. Going into the final race, that composure will be a massive advantage.”
And as Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally Raid says, The championship title could come down to seconds – one mistake in navigation, one missed turn, and it’s over. The top two teams are separated by just three points – it’s incredibly tight, and next week’s grand finale will decide it all.”
As the countdown to the Northam Zondereinde Bushveld 400 begins, Boyd and Gareth are once again ready to trust each other completely – proof that in rally-raid, teamwork doesn’t just win races – it wins championships.
Fans can follow live updates via the RallySafe App, available free on iStore and Google Play, or through the official SA Rally-Raid Championship social media channels:
Facebook: @sarallyraidchampionship
Instagram: @sarallyraidchampionship
YouTube: @SouthAfricanRallyRaidSARRC
Prepared on behalf of SA Rally-Raid by Cathy Findley Public Relations.
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