Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block Wins Rally in the 100 Acre Wood event for Fourth Consecutive Year

For the fourth year in-a-row, Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block has won the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood event, hosting round two of the 2009 Rally America National Championship, in dominating fashion. Block was uncatchable behind the wheel of his 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI on the fast and flowing Missouri roads, cruising to victory by over forty seconds. Subaru teammate Travis Pastrana was Block’s only competition early on, but his challenge was cut short when he went off the road while pushing hard to match Block’s pace, leading to car damage forcing him to retire from the rally. Subaru Rally Team USA’s new third driver, BMX legend Dave Mirra, was the biggest surprise of the event with his debut in the new Super Production class, finishing second in class and leading the class for nearly the entire rally.

The Salem-based Rally in the 100 Acre Wood event in Missouri is a high-speed gravel rally featuring fast and flowing roads that are a favorite of many rally drivers. Ken Block especially favors this event and it clearly shows with four straight dominating wins. The rally, set in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, is known for highly variable weather conditions. Most of this year’s rally was dry and fast but a sudden flash snowstorm affected the final stages of the event.
As expected, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino got off to a flying start winning three of the five stages on Day 1 to achieve a comfortable lead of over one minute. They maintained that lead throughout Day 2 with mistake-free driving, cruising to victory by over forty seconds. “I love the flow of the stages of this event, I love the high speeds,” exclaimed Block at the finish. “My Subaru was really setup perfectly and that gave me the confidence to go flat-out on the real high-speed sections.”
With four wins in a row at the 100 Acre Wood Rally Ken Block now shares a record with his mentor, American rally legend John Buffum, who won this event four times in a row from 1977 to 1980. “To share a record of any sort with [John] Buffum is incredible,” mentioned Block. “I don’t think I’ll come close to any of his other records though!”

Dave Mirra, with Dave Ringer on the attack>Photo SRTUSA

Block’s new Subaru teammate, BMX legend Dave Mirra raised eyebrows with his debut in the recently introduced Super Production (SP) class, a new category for 2009 that features minimally modified, production-based cars. Mirra showed impressive speed at the start of the rally in his Subaru WRX STI, finishing Day 1 in third Overall and leading the SP class comfortably. Mirra was the fastest in-class on eight of the event’s fourteen competition stages. Unfortunately, Mirra narrowly missed out on a class win when he slowed on Stage 14 to ensure he stayed on the road due to a flash snowstorm in that area. Fellow SP class challenger and veteran Subaru privateer Matt Johnson capitalized on the treacherous road condition and beat Mirra for the SP class win by just three seconds. “I felt really comfortable in the SP-spec Subaru, and it was really encouraging to see our stage times were right up there with the Open Class cars,” explained Mirra “I’ve got a lot of confidence now and I know I can fight for the SP class championship this year and maybe even mix it up at the top of the standings for some Overall points too.”
Three-time defending Rally America Champion Travis Pastrana vowed to challenge Block this weekend, and it looked as if the two drivers would be locked in a tight battle. After taking the early lead from Block on stage three, Pastrana made an error on Stage 4 that sent his Subaru off the road. Although Pastrana and his co-driver Christian Edstrom walked away unharmed, their Subaru was too damaged to continue.
The next rally scheduled for Ken Block is the all tarmac Rally New York USA, April 3-4 2009 where he will defend his 2008 victory. All three Subaru Rally Team USA drivers will be back in action at the Olympus Rally, round 3 of the 2009 Rally America National Championship, April 18-19 2009. Please visit www.subaru.com/rally for event details, photos and more team information.
Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by Subaru of America, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT), DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, RECARO, Alpinestars, Motul,

Team McShea Will Fly The Flag For Multiple Sclerosis Awareness At X-GAMES 14

Niall Mc Shea [r] and co-driver Marshall Clark will represent, Team MS RACING at X-GAMES 14 this weekend in LA. Picture Subaru Rally Team USA.

By Neil McDaid
By taking the overall victory at the Maine Forest Rally on July 12, Ireland's Niall McShea and navigator Marshall Clark grabbed the last qualifying spot at the X-GAMES 14 Rally, which will take place in Los Angeles July 30-August 3.
The dust had barely settled on the Maine stages before negotiations were underway to secure a car and funds to make sure that McShea would be able to take his place at the Games. Subaru USA was the first to step up with a car and some sponsorship for McShea.

Even at 107mph, on his beloved 1967 Triumph TR6, this Irish American with ties to Co. Kerry has trouble staying ahead of Multiple Sclerosis. Nonetheless, Jim Haraughty vows to continue his race for awareness and a cure (Thomas Graf)

The same group of Irish businessmen from Pearl River, New York who brought McShea to Maine, would come through again with additional sponsorship to make up the balance. McShea will pilot the latest open class 2008 Subaru STI, prepared by Vermont Sports Car at the Games.
With the X-GAMES being televised to millions around the world and just as many again when it hits the very popular website YouTube, Team McShea felt it would be a great opportunity to donate space on the car to a worthy cause. Team McShea will display the Team MS Racing decals on the car, giving much needed exposure to the fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Team MS Racing and Team MS Foundation were founded by Jim Haraughty of Monana, Wisconsin. Jim and his wife Kathleen [nee, Gallagher] have ties to both Kerry and Donegal. In 2003, at the age of 45, Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, November 12, to be exact, "It's a date that is etched in my mind," says Jim.
Jim had been very active all his life, started out as a tennis instructor who turned semi-pro and then was an avid motorcycle racer and cyclist. After being so active, he struggled with the early stages of the disease. "There were days when I just wanted to stop and not get out of bed. It's on these bad days when you need to dig deep and stay active, and not become a lump. If you don't, MS wins."
MS can affect your emotions as well as important cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
People with MS often experience devastating losses-for example of the ability to work, to walk, or even to engage in simple leisure activities.
With a lack of knowledge about the disease Jim's passion for life and family pushed him to explore every possible piece of information on MS. He quickly found out that that information on drugs and treatment was not so readily available.
As Jim began his many different treatments he came up with the idea for Team MS Racing. It was the start of his race against MS, a race to gain awareness, and more so a race to research and a cure.
Jim also started Team MS Foundation which works to assist people living with Multiple Sclerosis in their quest to remain active. It's important for people with Multiple Sclerosis to participate in life by remaining active; it's an essential element in living with the disease. But, Multiple Sclerosis can be a financial hardship that limits this necessary activity.
Team MS Foundation grants are awarded to individuals and members of families who live with, and deal with, Multiple Sclerosis in their lives to help keep them active.
Among his many goals for the team, Jim wanted to set an example that an active lifestyle is not something that needs to be given up while with living with MS. Over the past few years Team MS Racing's efforts on the American Historic Motorcycling circuit have attracted the attention of many in the motorsports community to the struggles of those with MS.
Despite dealing with the everyday challenges of MS, in 2007 Jim tackled a world record attempt at the infamous Bonneville Salt Flats on a production class 1967 Triumph TR6 motorcycle. With the bike stuck in third gear, Jim broke the record for the class reaching 107mph. Unfortunately, with the gearbox toast he could not make a second pass so the record did not hold.
Despite his disappointment at not getting the record, Jim's effort caught the attention of one of the USA'Sslargest motorcycle magazines, Motorcyclist. The magazine ran a story on the racer with MS, bringing MS awareness to their large reader base. For Jim it was "mission accomplished."
All going well Jim hopes to be able to have another crack at a record this year.
I spoke with Jim this week and asked him about getting some exposure for Multiple Sclerosis at the X-GAMES. "It's beyond excitement! I can't thank Niall and his supporters enough for giving Team MS Racing some space on the car. It's a dream come true."
Jim continues to battle new issues with MS with every passing day, but he also continues to add to his list of to-do's - "to keep the race alive, grabbing this life by the horns. And, I need to get a ride in one of these rally cars - I think I could navigate. " I am sure that could be arranged!

Somewhere among the glitz and commercial hype of the X-GAMES, Niall McShea will do his thing as a driver. He'll battle it out with defending X-GAMES Rally champion
Tanner Foust, the crazy car jumping Ken Block and Mr. X-GAMES himself, Travis Pastrana.
Regardless of the final result, Team McShea is already winners to those battling and living with Multiple Sclerosis around the world.
All going well he will also have brought just a little more awareness to the race against this disease.
The X-GAMES Rally will be shown live on ABC television between 3-6pm Eastern. Check your local listings for times in your area.

For More info: www.teamms.org, www.rally-america.com , http://rally.subaru.com/index.html

Niall McShea is locked in for XGAMES 14

“Mission accomplished” we heading to the XGAMES, Niall McShea [r] along with co-driver Marshall Clarke celebrate their first American rally victory and their place at the games. Picture Neil McDaid.

McShea Takes Victory at New England Forest Rally USA

By Neil McDaid

Newry, Maine, July 13, 2008. In what can only be described as a fantastic display of skill behind the wheel of a rally car, Ireland’s Niall McShea drove a very calculated rally and claimed the overall victory at the 2008 New England Forest Rally. By winning the event McShea also lands one of the much sought after spots at the 2008 X-Games 14 in Los Angeles, California.
Niall, who hails from Co. Fermanagh but now makes his home in Donegal, was the 2004 PWRC Champion [Production World Rally Championship]. He has competed all over the globe but until this point had not tackled the vast gravel stages in the USA.

“The men behind McShea” Far left, Sponsors Gerry Coffey and Enda McCormack, co-driver Marshall Clarke, the man himself, Niall McShea with car owner and sponsor Martin Donnelly. Picture Neil McDaid

The deal to have McShea come to the America came together rather quickly over the past few months when several Irish New York businessmen got together and hatched a plan to supply the car and sponsorship. Tyrone man Martin Donnelly supplied Niall with his fully rebuilt open class Mitsubishi EVO 8, while Enda McCormack and Gerry Coffey would offer additional financial sponsorship.
A slight change to the rules meant that Niall was not able to take advantage of any pace notes that were available from prior years but would basically have to write his own notes on a one pass recce.. As McShea’s regular co-driver Gordon Noble was not available, Marshall Clarke was called upon to call the notes for McShea on this event. It was not the first time that this duo had charged to victory; Clarke and McShea took top honors in GPN at WRC Rally Ireland last year.
Although the entries were greatly down from the prior years in Maine, the top 10 cars were all of top caliber. All had raced many times in Maine before, no doubt giving them an edge over McShea.

Subaru USA driver Ken Block had McShea in his sights throughout out the rally, but unfortunately Block would make a costly mistake on SS8 that ended his run. Picture Neil McDaid

Team Subaru USA was there in full force with their new 2008 Subaru STI’s. Travis Pastrana, the defending Rally America and New England Forest Rally Champion, was teamed up with Subaru’s second driver Ken Block who has been on fire throughout the 08 season for Team Subaru. You could be sure that they both had McShea locked in their crosshairs.
Rock Star Energy Drink’s Andrew Pinker would definitely be looking to claim the final spot at the X-Games 14 by finishing well in Maine. US based Irish driver Seamus Burke would be looking to be in the hunt if he could manage to shake the monkey off his back. Burke has had unbelievably bad engine management problems in 2008.
As Maine can be a tough rally for spectators to gain access to the stages, rally organizer John Buffum put on two spectator stages to open the rally. The first was at the Sunday River resort [the rally headquarters] and the second in the town of Mexico.
Andrew Pinker would claim the first short stage at Sunday River and Ken Block would take the run around the part in Mexico to claim victory on SS2. Seamus Burke will have to continue to feed the monkey as once again he would retire after one stage with engine failure.

Aussie, Andrew Pinker turned on the heat Saturday, but it was not enough to catch McShea. Picture Neil McDaid.

SS3 “South Arm S” would be the first true test on the event. Pinker would set the pace by 2 seconds over McShea with Ken Block rounding out the top three.
SS4 “South Arm N” would be a reverse of SS3. McShea must have liked what he saw on the way in as he set a tire warping pace on the way out taking the stage win by 15 seconds over Ken Block, and 34 second over Andrew Pinker. From there the cars would head back to Mexico for service before tackling the stage that has been dubbed “the co-drivers nightmare,” SS5 “Blind Pond”. Although Blind Pond is a short stage at only 5.6 miles it is very fast with a several hair-raising jumps - not for the faint of heart.
Ken Block laid claim to this stage in 2007 by setting the fastest time ever recorded for this test, this after having a disastrous off in 2006. Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino would again set the mark on Blind Pond, but only by 1.6 seconds over McShea. At the close of business on Friday McShea had taken full advantage of his fourth place seeding on the road in day-one, pushing hard where needed to make time. He managed to eke out a 9 second advantage over Ken Block to put himself in first place heading into Saturday.

“O mother” Eamonn Sweeney who was calling the notes for Joseph Burke, was praying for a soft landing on one of the infamous jumps on Concord pond. Picture Neil McDaid

Day-Two

Now running first on the road, McShea would have to deal with sweeping off the loose surface gravel on the stages, but he would not have to contend with the linger dust.
SS6 “Dillon Success” was the first of five stages on the slate for day two. After having to run first on the road on Friday, the Canadian duo of Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard, now running third on the road, found their pace and stopped the clocks 6 second ahead of Block and McShea who almost had the same time for the stage. The advantage went to Block who claimed second.
SS7 “Success Dillon” was a turnaround of SS6, and as he did on day one McShea would take full advantage of the line and take the stage win by 5 seconds over L’Estage. The rally caravan would then head northwest for the final three stages of the rally, and the final showdown.
With hundreds of rally fans, many with the tri-color flying lining the stage, McShea would tackle SS8 “South Mountain.” But, all was not well under the hood of the Mitsubishi. McShea’s car started to overhead and he was experiencing brake fade. For the first time in the event Travis Pastrana finally showed up and tied stage times with Andrew Pinker for the stage victory. In all honesty it was a massive feat for Pastrana to be even in the car, as he had just had knee surgery a few weeks back. L’Estage would take third and McShea would be a massive 13 seconds off the pace of Pastrana and Pinker.

Unfortunately, SS8 would claim Block and Gelsomino who had been running neck and neck with McShea. Block slide off the road and damaged a control arm, ending his rally.
Back at the final service of the day the concern in the McShea camp was obvious. It appeared that the water spray unit for the intercooler had failed, the exhaust had been damaged and the brake pads were steel on steel. It was all hands on deck as McShea rushed out to make the time control, more drama ensued! The exhaust had not been clipped in place correctly! In an instant Niall was under the car, made the repair and just about made the time control.
With only two stages remaining in the rally, even the Moose were holding their breath. With the uncertainty surrounding the condition of McShea’s car it was still all up for grabs. Anton L’Estage was a mere 15 seconds off McShea for the victory. Would we see the tri-color or the maple leaf fly on the final podium?

By the end of SS9 McShea had managed to hold the Canadian off by just one second, and Andrew Pinker in third by 6.9. Feeling more confident with the car McShea would throw caution to the wind and charge hard on the final stage, SS10 “Middle Dam Out.”
Niall would again roast the field, taking the stage win by almost 26 seconds over Andre Pinker, and whopping 50 seconds over Pastrana. Unfortunately, the only thing that Anton L’Estage would roast was his engine; he would not make it out of the final stage on his own power. McShea had claimed victory in his first US rally, and also claimed a place in the X-Games 14. Andrew Pinker would slot into second and the wounded Pastrana would claim the final spot on the podium.

Congrats all round, Joseph Burke congratulated Travis Pastrana on his podium finish, and likewise Travis gives Joseph the thumbs up on taking second in his class. Picture Neil McDaid

Early word is that McShea is going to pilot a partially backed Vermont Sports Car Subaru at the X-Games 14. Let’s hope he will find the additional sponsorship to make up the difference as he would surely be in mix for a medal.

Picture from Maine can be found here

http://AbhusAnseo.smugmug.com/gallery/5441329_wBWZR/1/332681364_CxXpW

Round six Rally America Championship

Pastrana Takes Top Spot in Maine
By Neil McDaid
New England Forest Rally - Newry Maine, July 13, 2007. Defending Rally America Champion Travis Pastrana gets back to his winning ways as he takes top honors in round six of the ‘07 Rally America Championship. It would be no easy victory for Pastrana as he was pressured all the way to the last stage by the defending Canadian Rally Champion, Antoine L’Estage.

Just two days before the rally a massive rain storm hit the Newry area, resulting in scattered flash flooding which took out some sections of road around the rally headquarters. Despite the damage to the main roads there was little or no damage to the forest stages.
The rally would get underway on Friday afternoon with a super special format run twice around the ball park in the town of Mexico. For the second year the rally organizers built a massive clay jump along the back straight of the ball field. It would give spectators and locals a great opportunity to get a ring-side seat to all the high flying action.

Amy shows the boys how it's done [photo Neil McDaid]

After some big air antics last year, most drivers were somewhat cautious over the jump with the exception, that is, of the only lady driver in the event. Amy BeberVanzo would charge the jump hard and launch her Mitsubishi high in the air. Speaking with Amy later in service she commented, “I gave it a little too much power.”
With the super special being only a half a mile long there was very little difference in times between the cars. Nonetheless, Travis would set the fastest time the first run through while his Subaru team mate Ken Block would claim the fast time on SS2.

SS 3-4, “South Arm,” was run as a turnaround stage. At 9.9 miles it would be first true test of the rally. With intermittent rain falling, Pastrana would push his #199 Subaru hard over slippery conditions. He was rewarded with fastest times on both SS3 & 4. L’Estage, in the aging Libra Racing Tiburon, would edge Ken Block out for second on both stages. Multiple time SCCA National Pro Rally Champion Paul Choiniere, in the second of the Libra Racing Hyundai Tiburon’s, would suffer a small fire on SS3, which resulted in his early departure from the rally.

The last stage on day-one, SS5 “Concord Pond,” was a redemption of sorts for Team Subaru driver Ken Block. On this same stage last year, Block had a big moment on this short 5.6 mile technical test that almost ended his rally. Obviously, the memory of last year’s off had little affect on Block as he and co-driver Alex Gelsomino charged the stage setting the fastest time. Just one second separated L’Estage and Pastrana for second and third.
At the end of day one it was Pastrana, L’Estage, Block and Matt Iorio in fourth. Seamus Burke, the top seeded Irish driver was just about holding onto fifth. Once again mechanical problems plagued the Donegal man. This time the gremlins had worked their way into the gearbox; the car was not staying in gear. Burke had to hold the car in fifth through the last two stages on Friday.
In a massive effort by Burke’s service crew, and a few helping hands, they managed to swap out the gearbox and get the car back to Parc Ferme. Unfortunately, the car was checked in a little later than the allotted time, for which Burke was given a two minute penalty.

Day one proved very challenging for Pinker [Photo Neil McDaid]

No joy either for Aussie Andrew Pinker. Pinker, who had just claimed a fine victory in round five of the championship in Pennsylvania in June, was definitely not having the same luck in Maine. 2 punctures along with some damage sustained from clipping a hidden rock slowed the charge of the very quick Jack Daniels sponsored car. At the end of the first day, Andrew found himself back in eighth place.

The River Valley Regional Rally, which was run in conjunction with the national event, would be contested over the first 5 stages on Friday. Mainer Christopher Duplessis would drive the door handles off his GTI Golf to take the overall victory besting out the more powerful all wheel drive cars along the way. John Cassidy and Dave Getchell would take second in their open class Subaru with the O’Leary brothers, Michael and John, taking third overall in their Mitsubishi.

On day two the rally would move west to Berlin, New Hampshire. SS6-7, “Dillon Success,” was again another turnaround stage.
Antoine L’Estage would attack hard on the opening stage on Saturday. His time on SS6 would be good enough for the stage win posting a time 5 seconds faster than Pastrana over the 15 mile test. Block managed third while maintaining his third overall position. Day two was proving to be no better for Andrew Pinker as he was some 29 seconds slower than L’Estage on SS6.
Despite the change of gear box Seamus Burke and co-driver Eddie Fries would park the Mitsubishi on SS6. Things were just not working correctly; sadly it was ‘game over’.
Otis Dimiters and Alan Ockwell, who had moved up from GPN to open class in a hope to be more competitive in their bid for an X-Games spot, also gave up the ghost on SS6 as they lost all gears in their Subaru STI.

A Roll on SS6 would also be the end of the rally for the up and coming team of Kyle Sarasin and Mikael Johansson in the G5 Focus. Fortunately, they both walked away unharmed.
Drama ensued on SS7. Pastrana, running first on the road, would meet a course worker’s car as they tried to remove a lost sump guard not knowing that the stage had started. Pastrana and Edstrom followed protocol and stopped at the first radio point and stopped the stage. After some back and forth the stage was eventually cancelled. With mere seconds between the top three cars the rally would now be decided over “Middle Dam,” one stage road that would be run four times in slightly different configurations to make up SS,8,9,10 and 11.
Pastrana would show massive commitment to the notes as he carved a fine line through SS-8 in an effort to hold off the hard charging L’Estage. Most thought that L’Estage was in Maine to grab the last X-Games spot, but it was obvious by Antoine’s pace that he was gunning for the overall victory as a priority.
Block would struggle through SS-8 & 9 with his Subaru clearly down on power. Rolling in to the final service all three top cars were showing the strain of a tough Maine Rally. Pastrana’s car was spewing fluids, L’Estage was concerned about overheating, and Block would just like to get back on four cylinders.

Pressure all the way from L'Estage [Photo Neil McDaid]

In one final attack L’Estage would push the Tiburon to the max, taking fastest times on SS10 & 11. Despite his great effort it would not be enough to unseat Pastrana who took the overall rally victory by just 7.2 seconds. L’Estage’s podium finish in Maine unofficially secures him the wildcard spot at the second X-Games rally competition.
Despite Block’s problems on the final stages he had done enough early in the rally to secure third. Matt Iorio almost did not make it to the final control as his motor let go on the transit back to the finish. In a fine show of sportsmanship Andrew Pinker and Patrick Moro took turns pulling Iorio home to claim his forth place.
I am sure that Andrew Pinker would rather forget Maine but, nonetheless finishing in 5th keeps him in the championship running. Pinker stays just nine points ahead of Pastrana in the race to the championship. Ken Block’s third place finish leaves him just 12 championship points behind Pinker. With only three rounds left, it looks like this year’s championship is going to be contested right down to the wire.

The Bethel Rally, the second of the regional events, was run over the Saturday stages. It was won by Allen Downs and Bernhard Obry, a great result for them considering that they broke an axle on the practice stage forcing them to miss the Friday stages. Duplessis slid the wee Golf into second with John Cassidy claiming third.
Further down the overall leader board, Michael and John O’Leary would claim the top finish for the Irish in 21st overall. The O’Leary’s would also claim 4th overall in the Bethel Regional Rally which, in all was a great weekend for the Cork men.

In only his first outing, seventeen year old Joseph Burke, the son of Seamus Burke, managed to put his G2 Acura on the podium with a well earned 3rd in his class. Joseph pictured here with his co-driver for Maine Chrissy Beavis. [Photo Neil McDaid]

From here it’s off the X-Games in early August for Rally America’s top drivers. They will be joined by WRC Champ Colin McRae and a few mystery drivers yet to be named. For more details check out http://www.rally-america.com/

Additional pictures from the event will be posted to gallery soon!

STPR 2007

Pinker puts Jack Daniels Back on the
Top Shelf
By Neil McDaid
Wellsboro, PA. June 2, 2007. Australian Andrew Pinker, along with his English co-driver Robbie Durant, powered their Jack Daniels sponsored Subaru STI to victory in round five of the 2007 Rally America Championship. This victory pushes Pinker to the top of the championship points standings and also qualifies him for a place in the second running of the rally at the ESPN X-Games in L.A. this August.
The Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally or, as it’s known to most, STPR is now in its 31st year. It is definitely one of the fastest gravel rallies run in the USA. With its many long straights, speeds can get up in access of 100mph. Throw in multiple tricky hairpin turns along the tree lined stages and the occasional thunder shower, it generally makes for a challenging, and at times, a treacherous rally. The surface varies between hard packed clay surfaces that can become very slick when wet to sections of small to medium stones that roll like marbles under the tires.

Although the rally did not officially start until Saturday, standing on the practice stage on Friday evening one would be hard pressed to tell it from an actual competitive stage. The pace was ballistic.
There is a slight crest at the end of the practice stage where there have been some hairy moments in the past. Ken Block, with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, had a narrow escape there in 2005, when they landed in the middle of a swamp after taking the jump at full tilt. They were lucky to land on their wheels not their roof.

Close call for Block and Gelsomino on the shake down stage, as they have a Monster of a wreck. [Photo/ Neil McDaid].

This year the crew of Car #43 would not make it as far as the jump. A little over a mile into the practice stage they would slid wide and connect hard with a large tree, resulting in heavy damage to their open class Factory team Subaru. Alex would suffer a mild concussion; Ken was shaken but unharmed. Making every effort to preserve his slight lead in the Rally America Championship, Subaru USA Rally team opted to send to Vermont for the back up car . Because of Alex’s concussion, Block would also have to locate another co-driver to get back into the rally.
Step up veteran US Rally Champion Driver, and sometimes co-driver, and also multiple winner of STPR, John Buffum. With a great effort by the Subaru service crew that ran into the wee hours, Block and Buffum were ready to roll from the green in Wellsboro on Saturday morning.

Down from previous years, some 52 teams were scheduled to start the rally. Despite the lower entry the quality of equipment had improved greatly over prior years, STPR would also enjoy one of the largest number of spectators ever.
The action got going on SS1, “Asaph Run.” Andrew Pinker, behind the wheel of his black Subaru STI, would throw down the early marker. Running first on the road, he set the fastest time for the stage with Canadians Antoine L'Estage, in the Hyundai, in second and Andrew Comrie-Picard flying the Mitsubishi colors, at full of rack through the spactator area in third.

Seamus Burke, with Eddie Fries on the notes, would lead the attack for the Irish in their Evo 8, starting seventh on the road. Unfortunately for Burke, about half way through the first stage he would catch Otis Dimiters who had lost time due to a slight off. Battling the dust and stones from Dimiters, Seamus could only manage tenth quickest over the 9.8 mile stage. He would also suffer a severely cracked windscreen from the rocks.

Charlie Donnelly and Noel Gallagher would set fastest time for the Irish on SS1, posting a time good enough for ninth overall. Despite the great effort by the Subaru service team throughout the night, fuel problems would force the retirement of Ken Block and John Buffum on SS2.
Without question the most popular stage for spectators at STPR is the “Subaru Water Splash.” In the past this stage had been run as the first stage, but this year the organizers would change it to SS4. It gets its name from the dramatic flying finish in the middle of a small river which has been notorious over the years for ending the event early for some.
The large number of spectators in attendance at the Subaru Water Splash were not disappointed with the nonstop action. Antoine L'Estage would set the fastest time by some four seconds over Andrew Pinker. Seamus Burke would set the sixth fastest time but would have a few tense moments after crossing the water as he struggled to keep his partially drown Mitsubishi running.
With 4 of the 10 scheduled stages complete, teams would return to Wellsboro for the lunch

break and the longest service of the day.

Donnelly takes the victory in the Sherwood Forest rally, before it would all come to a suddent stop on SS9.[Photo/ NeilMcDaid]

In conjunction with the main Rally America national event, two regional rallies are also run on the same stages. Competitors can opt to enter one or all three events. Stages 1-4 would make up the Sherwood Forest Rally. Charlie Donnelly and Noel Gallagher would take the top honors. Taking second overall would be fellow Irish driver Paddy Brennan with Barry McCann. It would be the highlight for the Irish at STPR as trouble loomed ahead.
Under heavy skies, the competitors would make the long transit to SS5 and the beginning of the evening section of the rally.
SS5 “Twelve to Lebo 1” would be the first stage victory by the defending Rally America Champion, Travis Pastrana, who had struggled to get on the pace all day. Pastrana had just returned from Ireland where he took first place in the motorcycle technical freestyle competition in the Red Bull X-Fighters Tour, which was held in front of 35,000 at Slane Castle.
Ramana Lagemann would take his second stage of the day setting the fastest time on SS6 “Francis Lee 1.” Andrew Pinker would take second and the Donegal duo of Burke and Fries would find their pace to take third. Pastrana would capture fourth, after a close encounter with a

ditch.

"Don't cut".Travis cuts a little to much on ss6,

Paddy Brennan and Shane McCann would approach our location about 8 miles into SS6, with smoke billowing from the car from a suspected blown turbo. To avoid further damage, Paddy pulled his Subaru aside and retired from the event.
SS7 would be canceled due to spectators problems. At the final service of the day, with three stages remaining, Andrew Pinker had a firm hold on the overall lead with a 17 second advantage over Ramana Lagemann. Pastrana would hold third and Seamus Burke was holding down fourth.
Defending STPR Champion Matt Iorio would not come out of the last service. A mishap in fuel filling earlier in the day left Iorio battling gasoline fumes in the cockpit and ultimately forced them to retire with a damaged transmission.

Lagemann, holds down second, to seal his spot in the X-GAMES [Photo/ NeilMcDaid]

SS8, “Twelve to Lebo 2” would see Lagemann putting pressure on Pinker setting the fastest time by a mere 2 seconds.

SS9 “ Francis Lee 1” would prove to be a disaster for the remaining Irish drivers in the hunt. Two miles into the 10 mile stage, Seamus Burke would clip something on the road and puncture a front wheel. Rather than loosing the three minutes it would take to change the wheel, Burke would drive the remain 8 miles on the rim. By the end of the stage the flapping tire shred and the disintegrating rim tore the front fender [wing] to pieces. Burke would be 2:38 off the pace of Andrew Pinker, who set the fastest time for the stage.

For Charlie Donnelly and Noel Gallagher their rally would come to a sudden and spectacular end on stage 9. “We slid wide just before we wrecked,” said Donnelly. “I think we must have damaged a rear control arm. The car just became uncontrollable and we went off. I think we rolled three times; we were lucky to walk away.”

Charlie had a bit of a stiff neck but apart from a bit of bruised pride, he and Noel were just glad to be walking around. For the car, that might be a different story as it sustained heavy damage.
There are two major rally championships in the USA; Rally America and the United States Rally Championship. Charlie set out in ‘07 to focus on the United States Rally Championship and, up until this point, things were going according to plan. He is still currently well ahead in the points. This was his first and only planned rally in the Rally America series. Hopefully the car is repairable and Charlie can get back on track for the championship.

The final stage of the rally was also canceled due to continued spectators issues. In the end it would be all Andrew Pinker, collecting his second outright victory of the year, which moved him to the top in the Rally America Championship. Ramana Lagemann was second and Travis Pastrana third overall. Seamus Burke and Eddie Fries would have to settle for fifth overall after the puncture on SS9. They were also the only surviving Irish team left in the event.

Seamus Burke and Eddie Fries approch the water crossing on SS4[Photo/ Neil McDaid ]

After STPR, the nine drivers expected to secure an X-Games invitation are: Travis Pastrana, Ken Block, Colin McRae -- the three medalists from last year's race -- and Tanner Foust, Andrew Pinker, Matt Iorio, Paul Choiniere, Ramana Lagemann and Andrew Comrie-Picard. All but Pinker competed at last summer's X-Games.Round six of the Rally America series moves to the northeast in July for the New England Forest Rally, formally known as The Maine Rally. One more top finishing driver is expected to earn a last-chance invitation which will be decided in Maine. Can Seamus Burke step up and grab a place in the X-Games to represent the Irish? Rally America also plans to extend two more special invitations but there are no indications yet as to who those final drivers might be.

Between now and Maine we are off to the Donegal International Rally. The organizers are expecting to see the largest turnout in the rally’s history. There’s not a bed or a shed available for miles. All this is due to the entry of WRC Champion Sebastian Loeb, who will come to Donegal to test for Ireland’s first WRC event. Look for a full report in the coming weeks.

Rally America Heads to Wellsboro, PA.

Defending STPR champion Matt Iorio returns to Wellsboro. Iorio is currently 5th in the Rally America Championship [Photo/Neil McDaid]

All Roads This Weekend Will Lead to the 2007 Running of STPR
Oldest Motorsports Event in Pennsylvania Serves as X-Games Qualifying Race

WELLSBORO, Pa., May 30, 2007 - The nation’s top rally drivers will compete in one of the sport’s most venerable events when the Rally America National Championship Series returns to the fast and twisty roads of the Pennsylvania State Forest for the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) on June 2.

The demanding STPR course, which begins at The Green in Wellsboro, Pa., covers a total of 310 miles, including 125 competitive miles in 10 stages. Rally teams race along dangerous woodland roads and through treacherous water crossings at speeds up to 100 mph.

Now in its 31st year, the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally has been the proving ground for countless national and international rally stars. Rally racing legends such as Rod Millen and American John Buffum have earned multiple victories at the venerable race, the longest consecutively held motorsports event in the state of Pennsylvania.

Entering STPR, the top three drivers in the 2007 Rally America standings are separated by just five points. After four of nine events, Ken Block and co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino lead the standings, followed by Tanner Foust and co-driver Christine Beavis. Oregon Trail Rally winner Andrew Pinker and co-driver Robbie Durant are third, while 2006 Rally America national champions Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom are fourth.

In addition to the 2007 Rally America National Championship title, drivers are competing for entry into X Games 13. For the second consecutive year, rally racing will be featured in the Summer X Games, with the first five races of the 2007 Rally America season serving as qualifying events for the popular action-sport competition.

More info

www.rally-america.com

www.stpr.org

SUSQUEHANNOCK TRAIL PERFORMANCE RALLY – SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 2, 2007
9 a.m. Parc Exposé (race cars on display), The Green, Wellsboro, Pa.
10:31 a.m. Start of STPR®, The Green, Wellsboro, Pa.
2:45 p.m. Parc Exposé, The Green, Wellsboro, Pa.
4:31 p.m. Start of evening portion of STPR®, The Green, Wellsboro, Pa.
10:45 p.m. First car finishes STPR®

Ramada Lagamann finds his pace!

Photo/Rally America

Olympia, Wash., May 20, 2007-Round four of the Rally America Championship. Ramana Lagemann earned his first win of the season this weekend after a fierce battle with Australian driver Andrew Pinker that saw the pair exchange the lead into the final seconds of the race."It's unbelievable," said Lagemann, as he and co-driver Mark Williams pulled up to the finish after tearing through the slick 26-mile final stage. "That last stage was absolutely diabolical."

The win is something of a redemption for Lagemann, who has battled mechanical trouble in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution this season and failed to finish either of the two previous races he started. For their part, Pinker and co-driver Robbie Durant were content to have brought their Syms Subaru home in second-place after an intense contest that pushed them to perform at their best."I'm happy it was such a good fight," Pinker said after the final sprint to the finish.

"That was the fastest I have ever driven -- no holds barred." In the end, just 4.6 seconds separated the first and second place finishers -- after nearly two and a-half hours of intense competition spanning two days and more than 125 miles through the forest roads of the Pacific Northwest.Third place overall went to Pinker's Syms teammate Tanner Foust and co-driver Christine Beavis. The crew was in the hunt for the lead from the start, but weren't able to overhaul the frontrunners."U.S. rally racing is really strong right now, it's really cool," Foust said.Notably absent from the top three were the two Subaru Rally Team USA cars, both of whom began to struggle from the very start of the contest.

Ken Block and co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino finished fourth, more than four minutes off the lead, while Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom -- already out of the game on Day 1 after they apparently ran out of fuel midway through the seventh stage -- crashed hard and had to retire from the contest.

They were unhurt, but their car is believed to have suffered significant damage.Also struggling were Matt Iorio and co-driver Ole Holter, but they managed to finish fifth overall at the end of the day. Likewise, seven-time U.S. champion Paul Choiniere battled engine trouble throughout the contest to finish seventh, while Andrew Comrie-Picard wound up eighth after suffering problems with his turbocharger.

Otis Dimiters, takes Group N victory [Photo/Rally.Subaru]

Otis Dimiters and co-driver Alan Ockwell took the Group N win, finishing sixth overall in their Subaru. The PGT win went to Matthew Johnson and co-driver Jeremy Wimpey in their Hankook Tires Subaru.In two-wheel-drive, Cary Kendall and co-driver Scott Friberg took the G5 win in a Dodge SRT-4, and Group 2 went to Michel Hoche-Mong and co-driver Sameer Parekh in their Volkswagen GTI.In addition to the 2007 Rally America National Championship title, drivers are competing for entry into X Games 13.

www.rally-america.com

http://www.rlagemann.com/

Olympus Rally, Wash. USA

Andrew Pinker will be looking for a repeat of his performance in Oregon [Photo/ Neil McDaid]

OLYMPIA, Wash., May 15, 2007 - The top rally drivers in the country will battle each other and the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest when the Rally America National Championship Series moves to Washington State for the Olympus Rally on May 19 and 20.
A demanding and technical course that winds through dense forest and over 125 miles of dirt and gravel roads in and around Olympia, Wash., the Olympus Rally is also known for the unpredictable -- and often inclement -- weather characteristic of the region. The constantly changing surface conditions produce hours of exciting racing action for competitors and spectators alike.
"The opportunity to race in the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful experience for our drivers and our fans," said J.B Niday, managing director of Rally America. "The Olympus Rally is an exciting and historic event for our national and regional racers to compete in. With a deep field of competitors, racers will compete on a variety of road conditions as they challenge one another for valuable points."
Although a new addition to the Rally America schedule for 2007, the Olympus Rally was part of the first SCCA PRO Rally Championship in 1973 and was a World Rally Championship race from 1986-1988. Rally racing legends such as Rod Millen, Juha Kankkunen and American John Buffum have claimed victories at the famed event.
Rally America drivers compete in street-legal vehicles that are modified for safety. Six vehicle classes, ranging from stock to highly modified, compete under the Rally America banner. Eleven different automobile manufacturers are represented in Rally America events, led by Subaru, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ford and Volkswagen.

Entering the Olympus Rally, the top four drivers in the 2007 Rally America standings are separated by just 10 points. After three of nine events, Ken Block and co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino lead the standings, followed by Tanner Foust and co-driver Christine Beavis. The 2006 Rally America national champions, Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom, are third, while Oregon Trail Rally winner Andrew Pinker is fourth.

In addition to the 2007 Rally America National Championship title, drivers are competing for entry into X Games 13. For the second consecutive year, rally racing will be featured in the Summer X Games, with the first five races of the 2007 Rally America season serving as qualifying events for the popular action-sport competition.
-credit: olympusrally.com

A salute to his service crew from Andrew Pinker after winning the 2007 Oregon Trail Rally.

Photo/Neil McDaid
Conquering the Northwest Passage
By Neil McDaid
Hillsboro, Oregon, April 20, 2007. Round three of the Rally America Championship would head to the great northwest, where crews would tackle the challenging technical stages of the 2007 Oregon Trail Rally.
Trouble, for some, would set in early. Championship contender Andrew Comrie-Picard, who had been sitting fifth in the points standing heading into Oregon, would suffer engine failure on the shake down stage. Despite a great effort by his crew, the car would not officially start under its own power. Andrew and co-driver Marc Goldfarb would push the car through the start line to at least grab a starting point.
The first six stages on Day One were all run around Portland International Raceway (PIR), utilizing the asphalt race track and a few sections of gravel.
For a change, the slower cars would start first on day one. Cars were started on the front straight, where most would get to the limiter in top gear. Problem was that, for some, stopping in enough time to take the chicane on gravel tires or used tarmac tires made for some interesting moments. The fastest time on SS1, “Armco Trail“, was set by Travis Pastrana, with Tanner Foust in second a mere half a second behind. A quick change of rubber and it was on to the first gravel test - well, mostly gravel.

John Sundelin finds himself in the fence on SS2

Photo/ Neil McDaid

It wasn’t a great start for the G2 Ford Focus of John Sundelin. John would spin out on the second turn on SS1, then go through the fence on SS2, stranding the car on a fence post. He got a tug from the sweep and got moving again. Unfortunately, John would roll the car on the last of the Sunday stages, just a few miles from the finish. Reports are that John and co-driver Kathryn Hansen are “OK“.

SS2 was the beginning of the end for Laughlin O Sullivan in the K&N sponsored Mitsubishi Evo [car#90]. Engine smoke would lead to his early retirement after only two stages.

Travis Pastrana would complete only one stage in the Oregon Trail Rally

Photo/Neil McDaid

The biggest shock to all, on SS2, was when car #199 did not show. Travis Pastrana had retired after only one stage. Developing engine problems forced the Subaru Rally Team driver to retire from the event. Speaking with Bjorn Edstrom afterwards he told me that the car did not die completely and might have gone another stage if they had pushed it.

I was somewhat surprised that Travis and Team Subaru, did not show the “never give up” spirit that Ken Block showed in Maine last year, and continue to transit through the remaining stages on day one. With the option to swap the motor that night, I expect that Travis could have easily worked his way back to the top seven or higher.
Also forced to retire after only one stage was a very disappointed George Plsek with Jeff Burmister in their Mitsubishi.
The last few stages on Day One were run under the lights of PIR. There seemed to be some confusing on SS6 “PIR Land Rush” with several crews getting turned around and heading back the stage for a short distance. The stage was under a mile so no two cars were on the stage at the same time; just as well!

Day 2

DayTwo would take us some 30 miles northwest of Hillsboro to SS7 Ho Dow-wn. This was the first true test of the 2007 rally. The stage would climb the wooded hillside with numerous cautions along the way. The surface constantly changed from loose stone to hard pack. The roads are clay-based with a well defined crown that one needs to be on the correct side of at all times.

Pat Richard the 2005 Rally America National Champion took on the daunting task of running first on the road. Despite having no line to follow, Richard attacked the stage fully committed to the notes, cutting the corners deep where possible.
There are few that would question the driving ability of the hard charging Canadian. His ability is only stifled by the lack of a solid budget. Keeping up the pace with both the Subaru and the Syms Rally teams is quickly proving to be a massive challenge for many.
As Richard approached our location, about three miles from the end of SS7, his brakes were glowing hot. Pat would continue to SS9 where the brakes finally gave to the heat, retiring him from the event.

Cowboy Kenny's service crew makes some repairs to the car so it could be pulled up on to the road again.

Photo/Neil McDaid
Before the first stage was through on Saturday morning it would also claim car #91, Jonathan Bottoms and Carolyn Bosley. Their car would overheat due to a slight off.
“Cowboy” Kenny Bartram would overshoot and plunge deep into the woods, eventually bringing his PGT Subaru to rest on its roof between a few big trees.

Andrew cuts the perfect line to take the fastest time on ss7

Photo/NeilMcDaid

Running fourth on the road, Andrew Pinker, the winner of this event in 2006, would take full advantage of the line left by those who proceeded him. Pinker’s line through the stage would reward him the fastest time. Ken Block would keep Andrew in check, just four second off the pace, which was also enough to take the overall lead. Paul Choiniere would squeeze third out of the now dated Hyundai.
David Anton and Dominik Jozwiak would have a close call when they left the road and ended up perched perilously against some trees, saving them from further disaster. Both driver and co-driver walked away from their big off.

Tanner Foust and Chrissy Beavis, who had come out of day one with a narrow overall lead, were finding the going difficult on the high crowned forest stages. Nonetheless, Tanner would manage to set fastest time on SS8.
Stage conditions would deteriorate some as the day progressed. A constant rain fell with a bit of snow/ sleet thrown in for good measure at the higher elevations.
By mid afternoon, Andrew Pinker, in his jet black open class Subaru STI, who was also debuting his new sponsor Jack Daniels, had taken a commanding grip on the rally. Andrew was without his regular co-driver, replaced for this event with the very experience navigator Patrick Walsh.

SS10 the second run over “Ho Dow-wn“, would see the departure of Ramana Lagemann and Mark Williams in their Mitsubishi. The car had stopped on the stage due to lack of fuel. Ramama’s return to rallying is proving difficult. This is only his second rally in ‘07, with a DNF in both due to equipment failure. Ramana had been running comfortably in the top five before his departure.

At the end of day two it was all Pinker; the Oregon stages were very well suited to the driving style of the Australian. Ken Block, who had held the overall lead early in the day, had fallen some 30+ seconds off the pace to second. Tanner Foust was finding his form and was holding down third.

Day 3

Oregon Trail is run over three days. Sunday, the final day, would utilize two stages run twice. With the lead he had built on day two it was going to be hard for Block to make a dent in Pinker’s lead. Nonetheless, The Team Subaru driver would set the fast time on SS13, the first run on “Sterling Loop” with Pinker just 2 seconds off his pace.
Paul Choiniere may have pushed the Hyundai a little to hard on the first two days. He was caught and passed three miles into SS14 by Matt Iorio. We would learn later that Paul had encountered gearbox problems on the first stage on Sunday and was nursing the car back to service.

Tanner finds his mark on Sunday setting fastest times on 3 of the 4 stages

Photo/Neil McDaid

Tanner Foust would set fastest times on SS14,15,16.
In the end, it was an elated Andrew Pinker who claimed his second victory in the Oregon Trail Rally. Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino would take second overall for team Subaru USA, with Pinker’s team mate Tanner Foust rounding out the top three. Despite a gearbox rattle from hell, Paul Choiniere somehow managed fourth ahead of Matt Iorio.

The current Rally America points leader, Ken Block, with his daughter Lia

Photo/Neil McDaid

With the departure of Travis Pastrana from this event (he would only earn one point) Ken Block now moves to the top of the points standings. Tanner moves into second and Travis is pushed back to third. The series will now move to Olympus, Washington for round four. Questions are: can Andrew Pinker continue the blistering pace he showed on this weekend; will the rougher surface in Washington slow his pace; will Pastrana make a blistering comeback? Better still, will it be someone else’s time to shine in May?!
http://www.olympusrally.com/

PASTRANA TAKES FIRST-EVER RALLY CAR RACING GOLD AT
X GAMES 12
MCRAE ROLLS IT, RIGHTS IT, MISSES GOLD BY 0.52 SECONDS
Los Angeles – August 5, 2006 Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom won the first-ever X Games Rally Car Racing gold medal, but Colin McCrae may have stolen away the
signature moment from the debut final at The Home Depot Center.
McCrae, who entered Saturday’s “Super Special” ahead of Pastrana by 0.5 second
overall, appeared to be headed for the gold as he re-entered the stadium for the final
push to the finish line.

That’s when the car got loose on McCrae and co-driver Nicky
Grist and rolled over. True to his reputation as a rally car racing legend, McCrae didn’t
miss a beat, kept his foot on the pedal, and when the car landed back on its tires gunned
to a silver medal finish – missing gold by just 0.52 seconds.

Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino drove away with the bronze medal.
Even Pastrana, who also took home X Games gold on Friday night in the Moto X Best
Trick, had praise for McCrae following the competition.
“It’s an honor to be next to Colin McCrae,” said Pastrana. “I’m very surprised to have
won the first X Games rally car event. No words can describe it.
It’s been the best week of my life.

I’m so happy that rally racing has a presence in the X Games.”
McCrae, disappointed the gold got away from him, was still excited about Rally Car
Racing’s debut at X Games 12.

“It’s not the way I wanted to finish,” said McCrae, “But it was the best show we could
possibly put on here at X Games. I’m so happy to get the first X Games rally racing silver
medal.”

Block added, “It’s exciting to take the first X Games bronze and to be racing in the
presence of Travis Pastrana and Colin McCrae.”

Maine Forest Rally 2006

Newry Maine, Saturday July 22nd, Early results had awarded Italian driver Alfredo DeDominicis the overall win – and an X Games slot. But in an unusual turn of events, he was dropped out of first place in a series of post-rally protests. Race officials handed him a 24-second penalty for a rule infraction, costing him the win. Late Saturday, there was still a possibility of a final appeal that could return him to the top slot

Pictured Ramana Lagemann and co-driver after the last stage on Saturday

The overall victory was awarded to Ramana Lagemann and co-driver Michael Fennel who eked out a tight victory at the Maine Forest Rally which will also know qualify them for a starting position at the first-ever X Games Rally.“I can’t even put it into words,” said Lagemann, accepting hugs of congratulations from his beaming crew after pulling his Ford Escort Cosworth across the finish line. “It was meant to be.”

Team Subaru USA driver Travis Pastrana would take second overall pending the outcome of the appeal, while Matt Iorio would continue his run claiming the last spot on the podium with a fine third place finish. More to follow..

Round four Rally America..

2006 STPR RALLY VIDEO