Orillia, Ontario -- Ontario's regional rally competitors take over the spotlight here October 2 when the fifth round of the six-event provincial championship moves to the Orillia area and the Swift Rapids Rally for Big Brothers.

Several class championships as well as the overall Ontario title are up for grabs after the series staged two events in the Parry Sound region September 11. Defending Swift Rapids champions Sandra and Barry Latreille will not defend their title in Orillia, the result of damage suffered in Parry Sound, which will also leave the overall event victory up for grabs.

In addition to the regular regional competitors in the popular Volkswagen Golfs, Honda Civics, Suzuki Swifts and Dodge Neons, at least two vintage cars will start Swift. American Walt Kammer's finely restored Datsun 510, a car from the golden age of rallying in the 1970s, will return to the event with a recent class victory and a lot of nostalgia. Toronto's David Wells will roll out the former national championship-winning Toyota from nearly two decades ago for a rare appearance.

Since 1994, the Swift Rapids Rally for Big Brothers has gained a reputation as Ontario's shortest, toughest performance rally. The event has been associated with the Big Brothers of Orillia since its inception, and this weekend's rally is part of a community program to help recruit badly-needed new Big Brothers for young boys from the area. One lucky new Big Brother will ride in the course-opening car for the event while a fireproof driving suit will be awarded to another new recruit. A local Big and Little Brother will be official starters for the event.

Big and Little Brothers and fans can meet the teams and see the cars at pre-event scrutineering at Davenport Subaru of Orillia on West Street from 9:00 am. Teams will take the start at noon from the Travel Lodge Hotel at Hwy. 11 and Sundial Drive in Orillia.

Performance rallying features teams of drivers and co-drivers in specially prepared cars competing for fastest times over gravel forestry roads closed to the public. A very compact event, Swift Rapids uses some of the most challenging rally route in Canada. The rally is organized by RallySport Ontario and sanctioned by the Canadian Association of RallySport.

Information:

Ray Felice (519)763-5366
Marilyn Watson (705)325-3151
Doug Mepham (416)975-1572