Subaru's Richard second in Rocky Mountain Rally

Subaru entries also claim 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions.

TORONTO, May 31 /CNW/ - Subaru Rally Team Canada driver Patrick Richard and co-driver Alan Ockwell claimed second place in the Rocky Mountain Rally held this past weekend near Calgary, Alberta. First place was taken by Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard of Mitsubishi. After two events Subaru and Mitsubishi are tied for first in the Canadian Manufacturer's Championship.

The event was unusually challenging thanks to heavy snow, which caused delays and forced event organizers to re-route stages due to unsafe and even impassable roads. As a result of the unpredictable conditions, tire selection became a crucial factor; unfortunately, Richard's choice of snow tires on the first day was not ideal and helped create a time deficit he could not make up over the remainder of the event.

"The engine and transmission modifications we made prior to this rally were tested at the Olympus Rally in Ocean Shores, Washington. They were very effective here at Rocky and provided us with the additional torque and horsepower that we were looking for," said Richard. "We are looking forward to the next event. Hopefully in more favourable conditions."

For the most part, however, Subaru entries triumphed over the inclement weather. Third place was claimed by Bruno Carre, who came out of nowhere to win the Rallye Perce Neige in February. Leo Urlichich and Chrissie Beavis finished in fourth place, and Craig Henderson and Lyne Murphy placed fifth.

The next round of the Canadian Rally Championship is the Rallye Baie des Chaleurs, in New Richmond, Québec July 2-3, 2010. Drawing some of the biggest crowds of the year, the Baie rally is known for fast speeds and big jumps.

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