Pre Rally News

Posted on 27. Jun, 2008 by Dean in Baie-des-Chaleurs 2008, Uncategorized

With such a leisurely start to the Rallye Baie-Des-Chaleurs, we’ve been rounding up some news for all you fans watching at home. So which do you want first, the good or the bad?

Ontario based driver Jaak Laan is awaiting a replacement motor today. This morning, the P4 Subaru developed a knocking noise, and the crew were able to source a new engine in New Brunswick. It’s on the way, but when we last spoke to Laan’s crew, they were unsure when it will arrive.

Crazy Leo Urlichich is awaiting his car and service truck after the truck had a breakdown in New Brunswick. Last work was that the team were trying to rent a truck to continue the trip and retrieve the stricken cube later.

Mathieu L’Estage is all smiles after repairing his EVO after the motor blew at a regional rally earlier this month. At the Planet Motorsport Black Bear rally, the timing belt failed and the heads exploded, sending shards of valves back into the turbo. Now the car seems to be running well, and Mathieu is eager to get to the competition.

Simon Losier has a new car, something he promised us at Rocky Mountain Rally in Calgary last month. An EVO VIII, the car is fully built, including a dogbox, stroker motor and lots of other goodies. While out testing a few days ago, Simon made the car a “little less pretty” in an off-road excursion, but the EVO is still ready to go, if a little more experienced.

This afternoon, fans were able to meet Pat Richard and Ken Block at an autograph session at the Subaru dealer here in New Richmond. It was a chance to ask questions of these two top drivers and get a good look at the cars they drive. If you weren’t able to make it, you can still get an autographed T shirt. Just check out our new caption contest here on Flatovercrest.com.

So far the weather has been good, and light winds and sunshine should be helping the roads dry out. Stages start today at about 6:30pm, and will include two passes through the famous Camp Brule spectator area.

Tags: Canadian Rally Championship, DC Shoes, Ken Block, Pat Richard, Rallye Baie-Des-Chaleurs, Simon Losier, Subaru Rally Team Canada