Sprongls to drive for Subaru Rally Team Canada at Tall Pines

Posted on 16. Nov, 2009 by Warwick in Tall Pines 2009

We can finally confirm the rumours that have been floating around this past week – Frank and
Dan Sprongl will reunite to compete in a second factory-backed Subaru
Rally Team Canada Impreza STI for the Rally of the Tall Pines in
Bancroft, this coming weekend.

Subaru Canada has enlisted the six time Canadian and four time
North American rally champions to help secure the manufacturers title
for the 2009 Canadian Rally Championship. One Subaru needs to finish in the top three to secure the title for the brand.

“The
manufacturers title is our number one priority,” said Pat Richard. “We have to
approach this just like any other rally, and win again. Having Frank and Dan in the second car will force everyone to drive flat out."

A second Subaru factory car will also put added pressure on Antoine
L'Estage and Nathalie Richard in their battle for the 2009 Canadian
Rally Championship battle. 

The team presently has a lead over Pat Richard
and Alan Ockwell of
Subaru Rally Team Canada, and L'Estage can secure the title with a
second place finish at Tall Pines, even if Pat Richard wins the event.
However, should the Sprongls finish second behind Pat Richard, with
L'Estage finishing third, Richard and Ockwell will win the driver's
title.

"Yes, this could make things tougher for me," said L'Estage. "But I
know we can win and I really like that rally, we've won it three times,
so we will go flat out and beat them."

The Sprongls will be driving the Subaru Canada Targa Newfoundland Impreza STI, rebuilt in full gravel spec over the last week at Rocket Rally in Squamish, B.C.

Frank
and Dan flew to B.C. this weekend to test the car. It was the first
time for the pair to drive together since their crash at Susquehannock
Trail Performance Rally in 2006. Dan has co-driven one event last
season, for Peter Kocandrle. This will be his first time back in an
open class car.

"Dan is jumping in with both feet," said Frank Sprongl. "We haven't been in a car together since the crash."

The deal between SRTC and the Sprongls is currently only for the Rally of the Tall Pines.