They’re the ‘wheel’ deal

By Shaun Inguanzo
RALLY driving is not only a risky business, but also an expensive one.
So for Pakenham duo Jesse and Samantha Robison, one could argue that the challenge is even greater.
The brotherandsister team are ‘privateers’ in the Victorian Rally Championship, meaning they must pay their own way without sponsorship.
However that has not deterred Sam, 22, and Jesse, 20, from gearing up against some of Victoria’s most professional and wellbudgeted rally teams.
Jesse takes control of the wheel, while Sam can be found right next to him providing the crucial navigation.
The Robisons, earlier this month, competed in the NGK Rally of Melbourne leg of the Victorian Rally Championship, across the Yarra Ranges, with high hopes of success.
However Sam said an exploding clutch and electrical problems wreaked havoc on the team’s chances of getting a decent place in the event.
“The first day we had problems when the clutch exploded out the side of the gearbox housing,” she said.
“It all ended promptly for us on the first day, so we went home, fixed it and then on Sunday had good times.”
In fact, had the pair been able to compete on the first day of the rally, it could have been a tale of sweet success for ‘Team Robison’.
In the past, talented driving and navigating has seen Jesse and Sam surprise their opponents with some terrific times, despite any compromise the pair made on equipment to keep costs down.
“We sort of get by with whatever we can,” Sam said.
“Last year our biggest success was the last round of the Victorian championship and we won the twowheeldrive class for that round up in Wangaratta.
“This year in our second event we were eighth outright and second in our class out at Alexandra.”
The class Sam refers to is known simply as P6, which is for older fourwheeldrive turbo cars such as the Robison’s 1991 Subaru Legacy.
“Our best result has been this year up at Bega where we placed third in the Victorian championship and second in P6 again.”
Jesse said a good navigator was imperative and praised his sister.
“We know each other really well and we work together pretty good,” he said.
“I’ve had a few other people navigate over the years, but it’s not quite the same once you get to know your navigator and how each other works, it’s better in the car.”
Such a partnership is vital to avoid serious accidents, but Jesse assured people the risk of crashing was ‘calculated’.
“You’ve got as much chance of hurting yourself during normal everyday driving, so it’s not a thing that crosses too many peoples minds,” he said.
The maintenance of their vehicle is credited largely to their dad, Tom Robison, a former enduro bike rider.
The sport costs the Robisons $500 per race for an entry fee, $1500 for the NGK Rally of Melbourne entry fee and while the pair get by with secondhand tyres, new ones can cost up to $300 each, with a new set of four required for each race.
Jesse and Sam said they were on the hunt for sponsors to help fulfil their dream of entering the Australian Rally Championship.
“Ultimately we would like to compete without it costing us anything,” Jesse said.