Rally: L'Estage secure the win, Richards the championship
Pat Richards and Alan Ockwell clinched the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship title yesterday in Merritt, British Colombia, when they finished third of the Pacific Forest Rally.
Starting dead last Saturday morning after experiencing numerous problems Friday night, the drivers accomplished an incredible climb up to the third place, enough to secure the 2008 Championship title since they only needed a seventh place to do so. Quebecker Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard secured a second win this season in the Canadian Rally Championship, also putting them in great position for the North American Rally Cup they are racing for. L'Estage and Richard looked to be in trouble sometimes Friday when gear oil seemed to be falling from their car. Their center diff broke on first stage but the team was ready to repair and it finally hold long enough for them to have a comfortable advance. Advance that was very useful on Saturday when other problems slowed them down a littl more. They looked relief to cross the line in first place after all they had experience during the week-end. The fact Norm LeBlanc retired from second place late in the race certainly made them happy since they were worried he would come back on them. "We're very happy. Pat has the championship, but this is very good for us for the North American Rally Cup. Also now it will be great to have a full on fight with Pat at Tall Pines." said Antoine. Simon Losier, fifth in the championship standing after the last Rallye Défi, had serious problems with his car. He was finally unable to take the start of the second day in Merritt since he did not have sufficient time to repair his failing clutch. It was obviously a deception for him but he enjoyed the show as a civilian Saturday. The next event of the Canadian Rally Championship will be the last of 2008. The Rally of the Tall Pines in Bancroft, Ontario, will take place from the 20th to the 22nd of November. |
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