RECORD ENTRY FOR RALLY OF THE TALL PINES

Organizers of the 39th Rally of the Tall Pines are thrilled with the competitor turnout. As of this moment we have 52 cars entered and are told that several more are still to come. A late entry last night said that he was having trouble arranging time off work, so he quit his job. This entry is 20% higher than any other event in the Canadian Championship this year. Almost every province is represented plus a heavy U.S. contingency. The Pines hasn't reached this number of cars for many years.

All the top Drivers are in. The Canadian Championship will be settled on November 21st between Antoine L'Estage/Nathalie Richard in a Mitsubishi Evo and Pat Richard/Alan Ockwell in a Subaru. For the Ontario Championship it is between Chris Martin/Phil Narini and Nick & Kelly Mathew, both teams in Subarus. There are numerous other titles to be settled, included the NARC (North American Rally Cup).  Have a look at the Entry List at http://www.tallpinesrally.com/compete/entrylist This list is being updated daily.  Frank & Dan Sprongl, eight time winners of the Tall Pines are back to mix it up with the current Championship leaders with the details of the car yet to be revealed. Frank & Dan are semi-retired from competition and only enter selected events these days. Frank came back last February to enter the Perce Neige Rally in Quebec and totally outpaced all the current leading teams.

The cars entered all feature special safety equipment including a full roll cage, competition harnesses and underbody protection. The teams must wear a fire-retardant suit, helmet and as of this year, a head and neck restraint device. Many of the cars are highly modified to provide sensational performance.
 
This huge entry has resulted in many positive spinoffs. The volunteer response has been outstanding - over 200 so far and still growing. All of this means a huge impact on Bancroft Area businesses; it is becoming very difficult to find any accommodations anywhere in the area. The top quality competitive field is expected to bring a record turnout of spectators. On Rally weekend the town will will be hopping.

Activities start on Thursday, November 19 with Registration of the teams. A core team of workers will begin preparation of the course and Headquarter Area at the Dungannon Recreation Centre. Teams will set up their support rigs in the HQ Service Area on Thursday afternoon.

This year we have run the Odometer Check right through the town streets, so you will see lots of rally cars on Thursday and Friday. This is an opportunity for the teams to adjust their rally computers so that they will match the precise distances provided in the Routebook by the Organizers.

On Friday all the cars will pass through a rigorous Technical Inspection while the Drivers and Co-Drivers are  out on the stage roads (not in their rally cars) doing 'reconnaissance'. This means making their own notes about road conditions, challenging corners etc. During 'recce' they must follow all rules of the road, including on the stages. Rally officials and the O.P.P. will be monitoring closely. From 6:00 to 8:30 PM a section of Landon Rd will closed for the Shakedown/Media & Special Guest Rides program. This is an opportunity for the Drivers to test out their cars in a safe, supervised environment, as well as to give exciting demonstration rides to Media and Special Guests.

The competition begins on Saturday with a Parc Expose (public display) of the cars at Rally HQ from 8:15-9:00 AM.  Then they head off to the stage roads, returning frequently to the Service Park at Rally HQ for fuel and to work on the cars.  The first car is due at the Finish around 9:00 PM. The public is invited to visit at any time during the day.

There are two Official Spectator Areas. The cars will pass the Iron Bridge viewing point (access via Bronson Rd. off Hwy.28) three times - at approximately 10:45, 12:30 and 2:00.  Following a spectator break from approximately 3:00-5:00 PM, when the crowds are encouraged to go for a good meal at local restaurants, there are two further viewing opportunities at the Golton Stage (access from Hwy. 62 opposite M & M ESSO). Viewing times there are at approximately 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

For more details about the Pines, go to the website at http://www.tallpinesrally.com/ and navigate your way from there

Spectator Guides will be available at many locations around town, including the Chamber of Commerce office during the week leading up to the rally.