Young Navigators

The Bob Rutherford Historic Rally Scholarship for Young Navigators was set up by Guy Woodcock and Bob’s son, rally organiser Will Rutherford, in memory of the late, great Bob Rutherford, a man fondly remembered and familiar to many in the historic rallying world, who sadly lost his life in 2021.  It aims to identify and support young, talented rally navigators.

For the inaugural award, finalists were put through a full day of monitored training and tests designed to bring out the potential star navigator in each of them in HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive rally cars.  The finalists all then competed in a map plotting exercise and media training, which included a TV style interview.

Danielle Pool was selected from the five finalists to win full training and funding to navigate expert drivers in four 2024 HERO-ERA rallies whilst also attending selected Motorsport UK Academy courses.  The other finalists, Ralph Bohannon (19, Brackley), Daisy Walker (20, Rugby) and Joseph Barnabas (18, Grantham) all impressed the expert rally panel as they were put through rigorous tests.  “I want to aim for a full season in the future, but after the rallies next year maybe see where I can progress, but this is a tremendous opportunity and I am so grateful to HERO-ERA,” said 15 year-old Pool.