CRC: Pat Richard wins but Antoine L'Estage remains on top

From the Canadian Rally Championship

Richard and Ockwell suffered a technical problem during the final service, requiring them to delay their departure and incur a penalty which nearly cost them the event. The duo proceeded to crush the stage record on the final stages to re-affirm their win.

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard were tempted to fight for the win, but had their minds on a bigger prize. With a second place finish, the two retain a six point lead in the Canadian Rally Championship heading into the final event next month.

Scott Trinder and Bill Westhead finished third after a close battle with rivals in the last few stages. The result is the first national podium finish for the team.

Jan and Jody Zedril earned the top two-wheel drive finish, clinching the 2009 Group 2 class title. The overall two-wheel drive championship is still to be decided at the final event.

Eric Grochowski and Leanne Junilla finished second in two-wheel drive, despite engine problems that worsened through the rally. Carl Barrell and Martin Burnley were third.

Colin Armstrong and Keith Morison took victory in the Production Class in their Subaru Impreza WRX.

The manufacturer’s championship will also be decided at the final event of the season, where Subaru will defend a slim 10-point lead over rivals, Mitsubishi.

The final round of the Canadian Rally Championship is the Rally of the Tall Pines, held in Bancroft, ON, on November 19-21, 2009.


Pacific Forest Rally Final Results:

1) Pat Richard – Alan Ockwell (Subaru Impreza STI) – 1 hours 26 min. 12.40 sec.
2) Antoine L'Estage – Nathalie Richard (Mitsubishi EVO X) – 1:27:23.00
3) Scott Trinder – Bill Westhead (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:33:45.20
4) Simon Losier – Francois Morin (Mitsubishi EVO VIII) – 1:34:13.50
5) Mark Jennings-Bates – Jennifer Daly (Subaru Impreza STI) – 1:36:54.90
6) Jan Zedril – Jody Zedril (Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart) – 1:39:16.80
7) Colin Armstrong – Keith Morison (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:40:46.90
8) Graham Bruce – Ryan Warrington (Subaru Impreza STI) – 1:42:06.70
9) Eric Grochowski – Leanne Junilla (Volkswagen Golf) – 1:42:23.50
10) Dave Hintz – Rick Hintz (Subaru Impreza WRX) – 1:42:39.80
Etc.