It was a fun day yesterday for everyone who participated in the Shannonville Stages Rally, whether as a competitor, volunteer, service crew or organizing committee member. The track conditions were interesting - ranging from dry (cold) tarmac to wet tarmac to gravel to major water splashes.

The competition was intense with many of the top runners facing serious challenges. In the end Martin Donnelly/Angela Cosner emerged victorious in their Subaru with a time of 1:28:46.5. They ran really hard and met up with a tree in the small gravel section, doing pretty significant front end damage just before the lunch break, but the CanJam team worked furiously and got them back on the road.

In second place with a clean and steady run, also in a Subaru, was Ryan Huber/Kelly Mathew with a time of 1:31:18.7. Ryan is the 2012 OPRC champion driver, so the second place points were needed in his bid for maintaining the top driver status.

Chris Martin/Jeff Lehmann claimed third in yet another Subaru with a time of 1:31:31.6. They had to be the most entertaining team of the day as they set fastest time on a number of stages looking like a drift car, as they proved that you can be very competitive on tarmac on gravel tires - just have to drive it like you stole it and drive like you are on gravel constantly drifting. They lost a bunch of time in one stage when they tried tarmac tires and had two flats.

Just 13 seconds behind with a really impressive, consistent drive Alan Ryall/Bruce Leonard claimed 4th O/A and 1st Production in their Subaru with a time of 1:32:31.6.

1st 2WD went to Jonathan Strack/Brian Sexsmith in their Ford Focus with a time of 1:38:54.6.

The event ran super smoothly under the capable leadership of the PMSC organizing committee, headed by Peter Watt. The low turnout was very disappointing and presented serious financial challenges. Huge thanks to Ian Crerar and Michelle Laframboise of Clearwater Design for stepping in with major assistance. They just keep on giving to rally in Ontario. It is very much appreciated.

I hope that PMSC can find a way to carry on with this event. It is unique in the championship and is very popular with those who attend.

For full results have a look at http://shannonville.pmsc.on.ca/results/