Comments from Skyline Finish

Posted on 24. May, 2008 by Dean in Rocky Mountain Rally

Heavy fog and rain have set in over the top of the Porcupine Hills today. We caught up with competitors at the end of the day’s second stage to see how they were fairing in the foul conditions.

Pat Richard arrived at service with a loose front bumper but reported “it’s all good,” apparently unaware of the damage to the front end of the car. Second place driver Gord Olsen explained the only safe strategy, “stay on the road, it’s very slick.”

The conditions had many teams reassessing their tire choice. Those lucky enough to be on mud tires were delighted with how the tires were working, but many crews were on gravel tires and were hoping to cut some tires at service to help with the muddy conditions. Mark Jennings-Bates was enjoying in the conditions, and reported making time on Simon Losier over the first two stages.

Warren Currie was also enjoying his tires and the conditions. “They’re Falken awesome!” crowed Currie, adding that the open tread pattern of the gravel spec Azenis were really shedding the mud well.

We caught up with Colin Armstrong who was able to continue after the mechanical problems yesterday. “We had a front brake fall off, and it jammed and broke an axle, but we got it fixed.”

The Zedril crew reported that they were having a much better day today. Leading P3, the pair enjoy a six minute lead over John Breen and Josh Keatley in their Ford Focus.

RJ Carroll suffered severe problems after a water splash on the last stage yesterday, and the wet conditions have continued to plague the car today, forcing the crew to retire after the first two stages.

Teams have six more stages to complete the event, and conditions show no signs of improving.

Tags: Canadian Rally Championship, Mitsubishi, Pat Richard, Rocky Mountain Rally, Subaru