Another great Rally of the Tall Pines – thanks to all of you, the volunteers. There were numerous comments of praise from competitors after the event, including one who said that he attends many events in Canada and the U.S. and declares the Pines to be the best organized and smoothest operation. Over the entire day, we never ran a stage more than three minutes behind schedule! That accomplishment speaks for itself.
On Friday 96 of you helped with event preparation, competitor recce and Shakedown. Saturday saw 206 and today 18 assisted with cleanup.
Great teamwork! Several of you stepped up unexpectedly into new roles and handled the challenges beautifully. One Stage start team received its training over the radio as they rushed to their new assignment. Another received no training at all – just winged it! Hope you all had fun in the process.
The battle for the win was epic and full of drama. Pat Richard/Alan Ockwell had to beat Antoine L’Estage/Nathalie Richard if they were to win the Canadian Championship. They traded seconds all day until Pat and Alan lost a full minute with an ailing gearbox. It looked as if Antoine and Nathalie could cruise to the win, however at the Start of the last stage their clutch seized up and they lost ten minutes at the Start Line, costing them the event win, the Canadian Championship and North American Rally Cup. Check out full event Results at
http://www.rallyscoring.com/results/2009/TallPines/index.htm Although 206 workers sounds like a lot, we need even more to do everything we want to do, so please try to recruit a new worker to come with you next year.
BTW RallySport Ontario is looking to buy new lights and sirens for the Course Cars. If you have any contacts or leads, please let me know.
Your comments and construction criticism of ways to improve the event are always welcome.
See you on November 19-20, 2010. Please mark it on your calendar now.
Thanks again.
Ross Wood, Clerk of the Course