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The action begins at the Perce-Neige

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Khatir Soltani
From the CARS press release

The nation's top rally drivers are set to kick off the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship Presented by Subaru February 8-9 at the Rallye Perce-Neige Maniwaki.

Defending Canadian champion driver Antoine L'Estage and his co-driver Nathalie Richard will battle it out against the best of the rest at the winter-weather event in the Gatineau region of Quebec. The Hyundai-supported driver has claimed back-to-back Canadian Rally Champion titles.

But they'll be keeping a close eye on 2007 event winners and series runners-up Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard and co-driver Marc Goldfarb in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. Snow specialist Sylvain Erickson and co-driver Chloe Erickson are also sure to be a threat in their brand-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

There's no doubt the field will be blisteringly fast at the tricky winter rally. L'Estage and Comrie-Picard recently finished one-two at the U.S. season opener, and Erickson is a snow and ice veteran.

Two-time Canadian champion Pat Richard will also return to the series with a Subaru factory effort in 2008, but it's not yet certain whether he'll attend the season opener.

Also, 2005 champion driver Peter Thomson, and western two-wheel drive contenders Eric Grochowski, from Calgary, and the Zedril brothers - 2007 Production class champions from Winnipeg - are expected to compete.

The Rallye Perce Neige is the only true winter rally in the Canadian Rally Championship and is home to some of the longest stages on the continent. The event, held from February 8 - 10, includes 237 kilometers of competitive stages.

To follow the action LIVE, click on: http://www.rallyscoring.com/
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada