Rev-up in a male domain

TAG Motorsport’s number one mechanic Janelle Navarro is living out her dream as part of an elite racing team.

By Marc McGowan
WHO says V8 Supercars is a male’s domain?
Certainly not for Narre Warren’s Janelle Navarro, the number one mechanic for TAG Motorsport in the V8 Supercar Development Series.
Navarro, 22, is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of fellow Narre Warren resident Geoff Emery’s and teammate Tony Bates’ high-powered vehicles.
“I can’t describe it. It’s the best thing – there’s nothing like it. I used to go to the races as a kid and loved it from the start,” she said.
“It wasn’t easy to get in, put it that way, but I was pretty certain about what I wanted to do and I’ve been fortunate to have worked with good people who taught me the right way to do things.”
Navarro served as a volunteer in the V8 Supercar Development Series in 2006 before stepping up to be the number-two mechanic behind Darren Walter for Rod Nash Racing at the elite V8 Supercars level last year.
She also did a three-year stint in the V8Race Experience at Calder Park – where the public gets to drive V8 Supercars – and a four-year mechanical apprenticeship.
While the drivers may see most of the action, Navarro explained that race day was just as exciting for her.
“You sort of watch in anticipation and feel every bump and you’re jumping around and screaming,” she said.
“You’ve got to love it if you’re going to do it because if you don’t people might find it really hard with the long hours.”
TAG Motorsport’s workshop is located at the back of Emery’s home and most days consists of just Navarro and team manager Sean Scott.
Navarro enjoys the small team environment and hopes to continue her budding relationship with TAG Motorsport.
“I’m hoping later on to get back into the main game – that would be awesome – but all experience is grouse,” she said.
“I definitely want to stay and see where it takes me because so far it’s taken me to two awesome positions.
“I haven’t really set goals. It’s really fun to be part of Supercars and, having done that last year, anything else is a bonus – I’m so glad to be here.”