Yesterday I sent out an email directly to all Can-Jam Motorsports Black Bear Rally volunteers thanking them for the excellent job they did to produce a good competition that ran flawlessly for the competitors.

A behind-the-scenes note for everyone - the severe storm that went through the area last Wednesday wreaked havoc on our stages, leaving about 50 trees either blocking or partially blocking the roads. In addition there was a huge washout at one point on the Mayo Lake Rd just N of Qwirk Rd. where a beaver dam burst and the entire pond rushed madly down the hill, washing away most of the road. A group of about 15 dedicated volunteers worked very hard on Friday to get all of that fixed up just barely in time for Recce on Friday evening.

All stages were scored successfully with the new RSO electronic timing system with times to the 1/10th of a second. We are still learning the equipment and there are some bugs to work out, but the basics are in place. Once again it is clear that having the much increased accuracy of timing is critical, as the difference between 2nd and 3rd place was less than one second.

If you wish to assist with paying for this equipment (RSO's largest purchase ever by a considerable margin), please consider 'purchasing' a clock. For a $100 donation, you can have your name or your company name on one of the clocks. We would also be thrilled to discuss larger donations. Thanks to Rallye Perce Neige, Kitchener Waterloo Rally Club and Maple Leaf Rally Club for large donations to date. To discuss making a donation, contact Peter Gulliver at treasurer@rallysport.on.ca

The competitors also deserve a nod of appreciation for putting on a great show in a truly sportsmanlike manner and with respect for the rally organizers and the general public. Special mention is deserved of Crazy Leo and Martin Brady, for setting the bar, but graciously leaving the Regional event awards to the Regional competitors.

Finally a huge vote of thanks to Donna Huber, the event Coordinator. Donna put in countless hours of work to make the event what it was. She also once again put her special personal touch on things, such as the special appreciation gift to Sloan Haywood, her young 'assistant'. Really neat touch, Donna, and so considerate.

To all involved with the rally in any way, we welcome your comments.

Thank you to all the workers, organizers and sponsors for making This event run so smoothly.
This was the first CARS event for the driver/crew and the event made a high quality mark with all the team.

Jeffy
Codriver car 244

I personally want to thank all the workers that came out on the Black Bear work day, the day of the rally, our green crew Jaak and Jane Laan as well - without your help, the rally would not take place.
Donna