So I don't look like a complete ogre, I should point out that it is normal for the nav to contribute to the running of the car, and to Mel's credit, she also did a lot of help in the preparation of the car, too. Rallying is not a cheap sport, It costs me over $400 to $500 each time I do a rally, and that's with someone else paying the entry. I know some navs who never pay for a ride, some of them aren't that good, either, and hence, you don't see them that often. I was very lucky with Mel, in that from the very beginning she worked hard to do the best job that she could, she learn't quickly, and although made the occasional mistake, never made the same one twice. She is now reaping the rewards of three years hard work, and it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling that I may have helped contribute to the success she's having now.
It's not an easy or cheap raod to follow, but if you have the commitment, you can succeed.
....You do, however, need an extremely strong stomach......