A big thanks to all of you who came out and helped Friday and yesterday to
make the 2008 Planet Motorsport Black Bear Rally a resounding success.  The
competitors had a great day and were very happy - not one inquiry at the
Finish. The stage roads were in superb condition. Thanks also to our
supporting sponsor - Hotbits.

It was an extremely efficient run operation from the Clerk of the Course,
Ryan Huber, down to the Stage Commanders to the timing marshals, traffic
controls, course cars, sweeps and crowd control workers.  Every stage ran on
time and any issues were dealt with quickly and appropriately. And thanks to
Matt Barnes for stepping up as to be Coordinator of the event this year.

The Black Bear, sometimes nicknamed the "Black Fly Rally" always has some
bugs, but the intensity varies some from year to year.  I think this year
was one of the heaviest  - certainly was where I was in the woods at
position ZULU at the top of the North Ril stage.  I seldom use repellant,
but certainly did yesterday.  Speaking of repellant, we owe a big vote of
thanks to Dan Doron, a former Ontario rallyist and continuing rally fan.  It
was Dan whose company, Jordane Cosmetics, packaged up the repellant for all
the workers and donated it.  I also noticed that many of you wore the bug
hats that we provided.

Many of you received special gifts in the draw at the Awards Banquet and
Martha Dinsmore won the grand prize - the kayak donated by ClearWater
Design.  Ian Crerar, owner of that company, was the driver of Car 12.

It was a great competition.  Congratulations to Leo Urlichich (Crazy Leo)
and Dave Shindle in their Subaru STi - Car 12 for a resounding first overall
with a time of 48:57.  This is particularly noteworthy, as Leo is only 23
years old and has only been rallying about two years.  Second Overall went
to Peter Thomson and Brian Maxell in a Mitsubishi Evo - Car 1 with a time of
50:50.  Third was taken by Mark Williams and Alan Ockwell in a Subaru
Impreza - Car 8 with a time of 53:23.

Another excellent performance was put in by first timer Peter Kocandrle with
Dan Sprongl co-driving - Car 20.  They finished 8th Overall and 1st Group 2
in their little Suzuki Swift.

Thanks again for your contribution to a great event.

Hope to see you all at the Tall Pines in November.  Be sure to mark the
November 21st/22nd weekend off on your calendar.

Ross Wood, Chief Control Marshal
Kim Groenendyk, Assistant Chief Control Marshal