2008 North American Rally Champions Crowned
North America - Rally of the Tall Pines, in Bancroft, Ontario Canada was the last chance for the remaining two eligible teams from North America to do battle for the top North American Rally Championship (NARC) honors.
Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard the defending NARC winners came to the 2008 Rally of the Tall Pines tasting victory. A win this year would be their 3rd consecutive win at the Bancroft, Ontario event.
The challengers for the 2008 NARC honors were Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino from Subaru Team USA, who made the trip north of the border to attempt to de-crown the reigning champions.
Both teams had their battles, and the result of the 2008 NARC was decided early. Block needed a strong finish at Tall Pines and needed a solid gap between himself and Antoine. However this was not to be as, Ken Block found himself off before the first spectator stage, clearly a disappointing result for both himself and Team Subaru USA after such an impressive win at the Canadian Rally Baie-des-Chaleurs in New Richmond Quebec early this season.
Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard claimed victory to the 2008 NARC, however not without incident. In the middle of the rally they severely damaged a wheel on their Hyundia Tiberon, putting an end to their rally.
The 2008 NARC was a battle only to be out-done by the 2008 Canadian Rally Champions, Patrick Richard and Alan Ockwell. They had a near picture perfect rally; burning 5 sets of tires throughout the Tall Pines event Patrick Richard came through to the finish line in true spirit as he peeled out a celebratory set of donuts for the brave spectators enjoying the near -20 degrees Celsius weather.
L'Estage was available for comment and emphasized, "it was a good season... we had the pace to win." He clearly did and can be pleased with two wins in the Rally America championship, leading to his and Nathalie's 2008 North American Rally Championship victory.
It was a season of ups and downs from a mechanical perspective; "The car is getting old," Antoine commented. When asked what his plans for next season would be all he could disclose was that, "he will be back again in force, but at what capactity and in what car he was unable to comment.
I know I speak for all North American rally fans we are looking forward to seeing this top duo back in action in 2009.
Image - Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard, 2008 NARC winners
Photo Copyright - World Rally Sport Media, Inc.
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