MERRITT, BC - The Canadian Rally Championship makes its annual
Pacific Forest Rally (PFR) pit stop on Oct. 3 and 4, 2014 in
the City of Merritt as the fourth round of the 2014 series. PFR attracts rally teams from around Canada and the U.S. which
compete in production-based cars on the challenging back roads
of the Nicola Valley. The continuing battle between the Mitsubishi and Subaru vehicles
continue with Antoine L'estage sitting in a strong position for
Mitsubishi at 44 points, followed by Alexandre Beland in second
place for Subaru at 31 points. Quebec-born Antoine L'Estage of the Mitsubishi national team
has had a strong season so far finishing first in both Perce
Neige and Baie des Chaleurs. Joining Antoine in the right seat
this year is national champion Alan Ockwell, while this is a
change for Ockwell as he has been competing with local Pat Richard
the duo have been pushing limits and creating a great show for
everyone. Alexandre Beland, a relative newcomer on the scene of rally
in Canada has been pushing hard this year and the points reflect
his efforts. This Quebec born driver and his co-driver Lynn Murphy
are currently using "The Beast" which is the fan favorite orange
and black car driven by Crazy Leo Urlichich. Anything can happen in motorsports and all eyes will be focused
on the PFR Rally event in Merritt, where a change in the standings
will increase the excitement prior to the championship series
moving to Rocky Mountain Rally in Invermere BC Oct 31-Nov 1,
2014 and ending Nov. 28-29, 2014 at Rally of the Tall Pines,
Bancroft, Ontario. Meanwhile, PFR organizers are working hard to deliver a national
caliber event centered in downtown Merritt, consisting of eight
challenging stages on the closed roads of the surrounding mountainside
including one brand new road and one road that hasn't been run
in a decade. All the action will be broadcast in English on TSN, in French
RDS, as well as in more than 89 countries internationally. "Rally officials, volunteers and the City of Merritt, Chamber
of Commerce and local businesses have collaborated to produce
this extreme motorsports spectacle, and I want to thank everyone
for the past 11 years of dedication and support," said Paul Westwick
rally organizer. "PFR has earned its reputation as the premiere
rally event in Western Canada through the skilled volunteers,
superb organization and a rally course located in the picturesque
Nicola Valley, which is respected for its challenging terrain
by all drivers and crews." There will be plenty of opportunities for the public to catch
the rally teams in action, both on the mountain roads and in
downtown Merritt. The event begins with a display of rally cars Thursday October
3 from 6pm-9pm during technical inspection happening at Frank's
Mechanical. The rally cars will also be on display on Granite Ave on Friday,
October 3, followed by a 5pm ceremonial start after which the
cars head off on their first stage. The rally resumes on Saturday morning when teams depart and
return to the service paddock at the Wagon West Travel Plaza
after each race stage, and later in the early evening a winners'
Champaign Splash will be held outside of the Desert Inn. A special Rally for the Prize draw for a VIP package, which
will include a ride in a fast rally car, will be held October
2 as part of the rally event promotion. Rally fans can get details
on how to enter online at www.pacificforestrally.com. PFR supports the work of the Abilitas Foundation www.abilitasfoundation.org
and encourages all drivers and rally fans to support its fundraising
drive for the sake of kids and adults with disabilities. For more information and the latest updates about the event
visit www.pacificforestrally.com or contact Nicki Beverley 1.250.574.4363
nicki@shaw.ca The Pacific Forest Rally is organized by the Westcoast Rally
Association and is sanctioned by ASN Canada FIA and the Canadian
Association of Rally Sports. The
2014 Pacific Forest Rally celebrates its 37th anniversary
in B.C. and 12th running at the City of Merritt venue. The
event has an economic impact of approximately
$250,000 to the Nicola Valley area and is considered the premiere
rally event in Western Canada, with more than 30 rally teams
competing, 100 volunteers, 50 VIP's, and numerous spectators. For media information, contact Patrick Stewart 604.644. 9067 pstewart@westerndriver.com
|