🌲 Dust and Diagrams: Tall Pines' Treachery – A 2025 Deep Dive
The Challenge of the Pines: Structure and Strategy The Novus Automotive Rally of the Tall Pines 2025 held in Bancroft, Ontario, on November 21st and 22nd, was a masterclass in challenging Canadian performance rally. Known for its notoriously unpredictable late-fall conditions—a cruel mix of gravel, frozen rutted ice, and soft snow—the event demands absolute precision, strategic tire choices, and an unwavering commitment from over 200 dedicated volunteers. The rally officially runs across two days, though the competitive action is a grueling marathon on Saturday. Friday: Recce & Shake Down: Teams and their massive support crews (often family, friends, and even some volunteers gaining academic credit) used Friday for technical inspection, reconnaissance ( recce ), and a night-time shakedown stage. Saturday: Race Day: A massive 170 km across 16 competitive stages, spanning from the 9:00 AM start well into the night. The regional rally concluded by 5:00 PM, but the national event pu...