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Bancroft, Ontario Canada - Rally of the Tall Pines, the last installment of the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship, was ice cold in its grasp, claiming several competitors throughout the event with Patrick Richard and Alan Ockwell claiming victory, ending their championship season with their first Tall Pines win ever.

The entry list was vast, the competition was fierce, and the strategy was clear. "We will do our thing, and let the others go at it," Richard said before the rally. Co-Driver Alan Ockwell and Richard did just that as they set out for stage one, they were calm cool and collected.

It turned out the hurry up and wait strategy held strong, as their competition fell from contention one-by-one. Richard was setting the pace and was not afraid to continue to push. Later in the day they found themselves flying along the Lower and Middle Hastings Stages. "You have to watch the in-car video", Pat said referring to the massive air-time they were getting along these stages.

The car held strong and the rally went smooth from start to finish for Subaru Rally Team Canada. "We went through 20 tires this rally," Pat noted. The road conditions made tire choice an ultimate nightmare. You were faced with around 60% frozen gravel and 40% sheer ice making tire choice perhaps the single most difficult strategic decision.

It was a good way to end an already successful season; the team had already claimed the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship at the Pacific Forest Rally in Merritt, British Columbia Canada back in October.

What will be in the cards for Subaru Rally Team Canada in 2009? "The expectations will be high," Richard said, clearly hinting that it will be yet another adrenaline packed 2009 calendar for rally fans across North America.

We wouldn't want it any other way. Congratulations to Patrick Richard, Alan Ockwell and the entire Subaru Rally Team Canada for their championship season, we eagerly look forward to continue covering this excellent Canadian championship calendar.

Photo - Patrick Richard/Alan Ockwell - Tall Pines Rally 2008 - SS1
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