I am definitely in the anti-Rob/Amber club, but you have to give ROB his due. The man does know his contruction machines! With all the bunching earlier in episode 2, his skill with the front loader did legitimately earn them first place in this episode(unlike episode 1 where he bought it with the leading taxi).
to move from last (flight delay)to first in a leg takes talent and intelligence
as for buying the taxi... show me one team that hasnt pulled that one
thats charla and mirnas MO . He is simply one of the strongest racers
to ever run the race and love him or hate him we should give him his props
Teams still in the race that we I don't recall footage (either in clips or the show itself) of paying a cab to lead them are: Eric & Danielle, Teri & Ian, Joe & Bill, and possible Uchenna & Joyce (I haven't watch clips for that season).
The only one I am absolutely sure of from clips and show is Eric & Jeremy (thus Eric).
Now that doesn't mean they never did it.
Though of course, there is a whole list of different ways to navigate, without actually doing it yourself, following other cabs, following other teams, getting a fern to drive with you and navigate, getting a fern to drive in front of you and lead you, ect.