Terry Harryman, a legendary and wildly successful co-driver in the world of rally, has passed away at the age of 87.
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Best remembered for a truly memorable "Dear God" call, Harryman served as a navigator for multiple drivers throughout his career. He guided Ari Vatanen, Michele Mouton, Ronnie McCartney, Paddy Hopkirk, and Mark Lovell.
It was with Vatanen that Harryman uttered the words heard by millions over the years. As Vatanen drove the Opel Manta 400 during the 1983 Manx International, he got out of shape. He careened toward a pair of concrete posts on either side of the cattle guard, but he avoided a high-speed crash.
"Dear God," Harryman said as Vatanen continued racing. He then calmly went back to reading his race notes as the pair pushed for the best time .
A moment that will live forever. Rest in peace to legendary co-driver Terry Harryman who passed away today. He and Ari Vatanen provided one of the biggest saves ever in rallying. #rally #rip #terryharryman #motorsport #arivatanen pic.twitter.com/s0YIqIffOp
— The Motorsport Hub (@TheMSHub) September 21, 2026
Viral moment aside, the co-driver from Northern Ireland enjoyed considerable success over a career spanning five decades. He won the Circuit of Ireland in a Mini Cooper S while navigating for McCartney. He then won it three years later with Hopkirk, also in a Mini Cooper.
He won six World Rally Championship races and celebrated nine podium finishes while guiding Vatanen. Harryman won the 1986 German Rally Championship title with Mouton, mere months after he broke his back in a crash with Vatanen.
He also navigated Lovell to the Dutch and Irish rally titles while continuing to showcase his abilities as a co-driver.
“Dear God.” A voice rally fans will never forget. 🕊️
Remembering legendary co-driver Terry Harryman, 1938–2026.
His contribution went far beyond an iconic onboard moment. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in peace, Terry. 🤍#TerryHarryman #Rally pic.twitter.com/XcxiR6YfTQ
— SplitTime Rally (@SplitTimeRally) September 22, 2026
His successful career also included navigating during the Dakar Rally, possibly the most grueling endurance race on the planet.
Harryman retired in 2003, and he was inducted into the Ards and North Down Borough Council's Sporting Wall of Fame in August 2024.
"The Wall of Fame is a very prestigious award that honours the Borough's outstanding sportspeople who have reached the highest level within their chosen sport," Councillor Alistair Cathcart, the Mayer of Ards and North Down, said in 2024.
"Inductees are restricted to a maximum of one per year, and nominations are carefully considered by the Ards and North Down Sports Forum judges."
"Terry Harryman enjoyed a motorsport career that spanned more than 50 years. During his illustrious career that stemmed from his interest in maps, he became one of the most sought-after rally co-drivers in the world and navigated for the world's leading drivers at the sport's highest level.
"He was one of rallying's pace note making pioneers and I am pleased he has been honoured in this way."
