Voyagers Conquer Catchacoma: Thrills and Dust on the Ontario Rally Stage!
The air crackled with anticipation on May 10th in Catchacoma, Ontario, as the Kitchener Waterloo Rally Club (KWRC) presented "The Rally of the Voyagers," a performance car rally that delivered on its promise of high-speed action and challenging terrain.
The chosen battlefield for this thrilling competition was the Fire Access road south of Catchacoma, a serpentine stretch of gravel that winds its way from Highway 507 back towards a rock quarry. Competitors found the road in excellent condition: dry and smooth, perfect for pushing their machines to the limit. However, the dry conditions, coupled with the loose gravel lining the course, meant one thing: dust! Thankfully, a prevailing wind played its part, sweeping the dust clear and maintaining reasonable visibility for the fourteen teams that launched onto the stages at one-minute intervals.
Subaru's Reign and Resilience:
Of the fourteen cars initially entered, Subaru held a significant presence with seven entries. While a diverse field of vehicles took the challenge the podium ultimately belonged to Subaru, a marque synonymous with rally prowess. The top spot was claimed by a blistering Subaru Impreza WRX, with the formidable Impreza STi taking both second and third place. This clean sweep underscores the capability and tuning of these all-wheel-drive machines in the demanding rally environment.
However, the challenging nature of "The Rally of the Voyagers" spared no one. Two Subaru teams unfortunately suffered DNFs (Did Not Finish), a stark reminder of the mechanical stresses inherent in pushing vehicles to their absolute limit. The team of Sebastien Clark and Leah Brisset also faced mechanical woes during the event. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and the true spirit of rally competition, they managed to get their Subaru back in the running, ultimately finishing in 11th place after incurring time penalties – a testament to their determination to see the rally through to the end.
Car 777 Sebastien Clark and Leah Brisset
The 2WD Underdogs:
While all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles are often stereotyped as the go-to for rally events, "The Rally of the Voyagers" saw a strong showing from 2WD cars, making up half of the entries. These teams proved their mettle, finishing just shy of the podium. Mark Toufanov and David Bell, piloting their upgraded machine (a new turbo clearly making a difference!), topped the 2WD class and secured an impressive 5th overall. This demonstrates that driver skill and car setup can be just as crucial as drivetrain in conquering the challenging stages. The rescheduled date also allowed for a unique entry: Justin Zammit and Alyssa Voyzelle in their sole VW Scirocco, adding another interesting dynamic to the competition.
Precision and Pace: The Stages Unfold:
The rally consisted of eight stages, achieved by running the Fire Access road four times in each direction. True to rally format, cars were flagged off at one-minute intervals, with the fastest seeded competitors leading the charge. This staggered start adds an element of strategy and individual performance focus to the event, as teams battle against the clock rather than direct wheel-to-wheel competition.
A Link to Championship Glory:
"The Rally of the Voyagers" isn't just a standalone event; it holds significance as part of both the Ontario Performance Rally Championship (OPRC) and the Eastern Canadian Rally Championship (ECRC). Enthusiasts looking for the full details and standings of these championships can find comprehensive information on the RallySport Ontario (RSO) and ECRC-CREC websites.
http://www.ecrc-crec.ca/index.php/fr/
KWRC: The Driving Force:
Behind this exciting event is the Kitchener Waterloo Rally Club (KWRC), a dedicated car rally club sanctioned by both RallySport Ontario (RSO) and the Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS). Their tireless efforts in organizing and executing events like "The Rally of the Voyagers" are crucial to the vibrant rally scene in Ontario.
Catchacoma's Calling: A Rally Haven:
The selection of the Fire Access road near Catchacoma is no accident. This secluded location allows the KWRC to legally close the road, ensuring the safety of both competitors and spectators during the high-speed, high-action race. The terrain itself presents a significant technical challenge for the teams. The hills and tight corners demand precision and adaptability. Spectators were treated to the thrilling sight of top teams catching air over the larger crests – a visual testament to the speed and commitment involved.
New Blood and Familiar Faces:
"The Rally of the Voyagers" also saw the emergence of new talent. KWRC's own Justin Zammit and Simon Bauman, made their performance rally racing debut. Simon, along with co-driver Crawford New, achieved an impressive feat, securing 3rd place in the 2WD class – a fantastic start to their rally careers! Adding a touch of nostalgia to the event was the father-son team of Jeff and Ian Lantz, competing in a classic 1973 Ford Capri. While Ian typically teams up with Jonathan Drake, the rescheduling meant Ian took the navigator seat alongside his father for this event.
Car 575 Simon Bauman & Crawford New
Car 660 Justin Zammit & Alyssa Voyzelle
The raw speed and skillful driving on display were truly captivating, but at the heart of every rally are the dedicated teams and their incredible machines. From seasoned veterans to eager newcomers, each duo brought their unique blend of talent and finely-tuned vehicles to tackle the challenging stages of "The Rally of the Voyagers." Lets shine a spotlight on each of the teams that battled it out in Catchacoma, showcasing their final standings, total time, and the trusty steeds that carried them through the dust and the glory.
1st Overall: Trevor Pougnet & Ryan Rouleau.
2nd Overall: Michael Dimkovski & Sam Roxon
4th Overall: Marc-Andre Drouin & Nancy Frigon
Thank you both Murray and Vitalii for braving the dust and the bugs to bring us these images. Excellent report! Jeff Lantz
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