Crossword Genius

Old-style driver has companion, a funny guy always (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

charioteer

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'old-style driver' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'companion a funny guy always' is the wordplay.
'companion' becomes 'cha' (Companion of Honour).
'a funny guy' becomes 'riot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'cha'+'riot'+'eer'='CHARIOTEER'

'has' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for charioteer that I've seen before include "Driver of Roman vehicle" , "Her erotica (anag)" , "Driver common in early warfare" , "Ben Hur?" , "Hippodrome racer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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