The more they worked together however, the bigger their dreams became, and the more money they needed. When Hyundai pulled out of the Sport, this meant L'Estage had to found, and fund, his own personal team.
That meant asking around for sponsorships, a long and tenuous process. Business owners are not so keen to let other people spend their money.
"Because they're afraid to be told 'no', some people don't even ask. Rally is very much a business, you have to show other businessmen it can be viable," reveals L'Estage.
"But, just because you've won a few rallies, it doesn't mean sponsors are going to come knocking on your door," L'Estage admits. "I was told 'no' many times, but never gave up because, well... rallying means everything to me."
Over the years, L'Estage had to be creative to keep to money flowing. Even after winning five national titles, and four North American ones, L'Estage still has to make his own luck. Except now, he does it so well, he can almost live from it.
Which is more than what can be said from many competitors, who ruin themselves.
What Antoine L'Estage has, a viable rally career, he does it through a humble team of dedicated people. And through passion.
In 2011, he became one of very few rally drivers to be invited, among other extreme sports athletes, to the famous X Games.
In 2011, L'Estage won four consecutive rallies in Canadian championship, and earned five national podiums – including two wins – in the United States. Even before the end of his season, he has won the Canadian and North American titles, yet again.
 |
| Antoine L'Estage and his codriver, Nathalie Richard. (Photo:World Rally Sport/Aaron Kathman) |
That meant asking around for sponsorships, a long and tenuous process. Business owners are not so keen to let other people spend their money.
"Because they're afraid to be told 'no', some people don't even ask. Rally is very much a business, you have to show other businessmen it can be viable," reveals L'Estage.
"But, just because you've won a few rallies, it doesn't mean sponsors are going to come knocking on your door," L'Estage admits. "I was told 'no' many times, but never gave up because, well... rallying means everything to me."
 |
| L'Estage during the Hyundai era. (Photo: Antoine L'Estage) |
Over the years, L'Estage had to be creative to keep to money flowing. Even after winning five national titles, and four North American ones, L'Estage still has to make his own luck. Except now, he does it so well, he can almost live from it.
Which is more than what can be said from many competitors, who ruin themselves.
What Antoine L'Estage has, a viable rally career, he does it through a humble team of dedicated people. And through passion.
In 2011, he became one of very few rally drivers to be invited, among other extreme sports athletes, to the famous X Games.
In 2011, L'Estage won four consecutive rallies in Canadian championship, and earned five national podiums – including two wins – in the United States. Even before the end of his season, he has won the Canadian and North American titles, yet again.