"Breaking Winter's Grip: Rally of the Voyageurs' Pre-Race Buzz"
Just as the spring thaw begins, the 2025 Ontario Performance Rally Championship (OPRC) prepares for its second chapter: the Rally of the Voyageurs. Set to ignite the gravel roads on April 5, 2025, this event will be critical in determining the early championship leaders.
A Return to Familiar Territory
This year's Rally of the Voyageurs returns to the legendary Fire Access Road south of Catchacoma, a familiar battleground for rally enthusiasts. This is the very same road that has echoed the roar of engines during the days of the GCFR and Black Bear rallies. Accommodating the early spring conditions, the race focuses on the challenging Quarry Road section avoiding the potentially soft Loom Lake road.
Fire Access Road Is A Fantastic Stage
Organized by the Kitchener Waterloo Rally Club (KWRC), the Rally of the Voyageurs promises a demanding yet exhilarating experience. Competitors will tackle four passes of the 8.5km stage in each direction yielding an intense 70 km of competitive action. The day's schedule includes reconnaissance (recce) in the morning, followed by the rally itself, running from noon to approximately 6 PM. An awards ceremony will conclude the event, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate the day's achievements.
For those new to performance rallying the event is a thrilling display of precision driving and navigation. Competitors face a series of challenging corners and varying road surfaces all while battling the clock. The Fire Access Road, while familiar, presents its own unique set of challenges.
To get a competitor's perspective, I contacted champion co-driver Ian Lantz, who shared his thoughts on the stage:
“The fire access road is a fantastic stage, It's wide, fast and smooth with a great flow. No rough sections or major jumps or tricky spots to catch you out. Everyone knows this road and it becomes a sprint from the first stage onwards”. He also pointed out the road's reliability, noting, "This road has such a firm base and sees consistent heavy traffic from the quarry truck so it is famous for standing up well. That's part of why we are using this road during spring break. It drains water very well also (as remembered by the 2023 edition which has pouring rain at the start of the first stage). This is a very friendly rally. As long as the weather is pleasant and you can steer clear of trouble it's an easy event."
Dust & Diagrams: A Deeper Dive
To enhance your understanding of the Rally of the Voyageurs, the following detailed diagrams provide some insight: Rally Headquarters and all rally functions will be held at the Cavendish Community Centre 18 Community Complex Drive, County Road 507, Catchacoma Ontario 44.72773,-78.33649
With the rally starting at noon, spectators who want to view the rally must arrive at least an hour before the event begins. After which, access to the stage is restricted.
Full details can be found on the KWRC site: https://rallyofthevoyageurs.ca/
Historical Roots: The Legacy of the Voyageurs
The Rally of the Voyageurs has a rich and storied history, tracing its roots back to the mid-1970s. What began as the Barum Rally Sprint in a small gravel pit near Kitchener Waterloo evolved into a national-level event, attracting top talent from across North America. The rally's journey took it from Owen Sound to Huntsville, Burks Falls, and North Bay, ultimately finding a home in Mattawa and Parry Sound. The name "Voyageurs" pays homage to the legendary coureur de bois, the "runners of the woods," and was inspired by the rally's title sponsor, Voyageurs Airline. Notable past winners include John Buffum, Frank Sprongl, Bernard Franke, Tom McGeer, and Patrick Richard, showcasing the event's enduring legacy of high-caliber competition. (https://www.kwrc.on.ca/rally-of-the-voyageurs/rov2017-history/)
Team Spotlight: The Cards are on the Table
Next up: Team Spotlights! Introducing each team with a unique playing card design, showcasing their driver, navigator, and car. It's time to learn more about the competitors who will be pushing their limits during the Rally of the Voyageurs! Teams are shown from the fastest to slowest speed factor ranking.
Be sure to read up with more competitor insight from Ian Lantz & images of Jim Morton's new rally car following these images:
Competitor Insight
Ian Lantz's connection to the Rally of the Voyageurs runs deep, his experience with this event is uniquely personal. His candid reflection on the 2024 performance, hampered by outdated tires, reveals a competitor driven by both passion and precision. Now, armed with fresh rubber and a hunger for redemption, Lantz & Drake have set their sights on a sub-5 minute run – an ambition within striking distance. Yet, he remains grounded, acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Trevor Pougnet. His blend of technical insight and unwavering ambition paints a vivid picture of a seasoned co-driver ready to push the limits on a road he knows intimately.
Adding to the competitor insights, I recently caught up with driver Jim Morton at his garage, near Embro, where he proudly unveiled his new steed for the 2025 season: a 2004 Subaru WRX. This marks a significant change for Jim, who is transitioning from a front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of his teammate, Mark Gonsalves, they were about to finalize the seat adjustments – the last touches before Voyageurs.
Echoing Ian's thoughts, Jim expressed his enjoyment of the Rally of the Voyageurs' gravel stages and appeared keen to unleash the potential of his newly acquired WRX. Like the other teams, he's anticipating favorable weather to clear any lingering snow, allowing them to compete fiercely against the fifteen other teams all aiming for the podium, while also prioritizing a safe drive and ensuring the WRX returns in one piece.
A Call to Action: Join the Rally!
Don't miss the excitement of the Rally of the Voyageurs! Whether you're a seasoned rally enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
To register as a competitor or worker, please visit the KWRC website: https://rallyofthevoyageurs.ca/
For more information about the event and the OPRC championship, visit https://rallysport.on.ca/
The Voyageurs Await! "Get ready for a wild ride at the Rally of the Voyageurs! Watch the best rally teams in Ontario tear up the Fire Access Road in a thrilling display of skill and speed. I'll be there capturing all the action. Follow me for post-event photos and a full race report."
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