The 1995 Maine Forest Rally will be a Friday night-Saturday event counting toward the SCCA/Michelin Championship; it will be the final event, and the year-end awards will take place on Saturday night following the finish.
Two divisional rallies, counting towards the 1996 Divisional Championship, will run. Friday night's will be called the SEVEN ISLANDS Rally and will be a Co-efficient 2; Saturday's, the BOISE CASCADE Rally, will be a Co-efficient 3. Friday's will consist of 4 stages totaling 50 stage miles; Saturday's will consist of 4 stages totaling 70 stage miles.
The National course will consist of 8 special stages, ranging in length from 6 to 25 miles, with a total stage length of 120 miles. All the stages are on gravel, logging roads owned by BOISE CASCADE PAPER CO. and SEVEN ISLANDS LAND CO. The roads range from medium fast two lane to narrower and twistier 1 1/2 lane; most are of the latter variety. THE LONGEST STAGE RUN IN THE UNITED STATES (25 MILES) WILL AGAIN BE RUN ON FRIDAY NIGHT!
The weather is the only unknown with which the competitors will have to deal. At this time of year some snow can be expected. According to Tony Lyons, Boise Cascade's road superintendent, 70% of the course will be covered with "light" snowfall - 1" to 3"; some areas may have more, others less to none. Exact information on the conditions will be provided just before the start each day.
We have set a pleasant schedule so that enjoyment can be had by all. The rally will incorporate several innovations which worked well last year; we think you'll appreciate them. Also this year we will be starting the Friday section earlier so that everybody will return to the hotel earlier. This year we have have made the 'Clambake' an official Thursday night happening. Please indicate on your entry form the number of people attending. All those who enter by the seeded draw (Nov. 24) will be accomodated. The year-end awards ceremony will again be 'back east'; come compete in the rally and cheer the winners.
Due to the small amount of hotel space in the Rumford area, competitors are urged to make their reservations early! The Madison Hotel is headquarters - First come-first served. Each entry will be responsible for making its own reservations.
The prize fund for the National will range from $1000 to $3000, depending on size of entry, and will be paid at the event. Trophies will be awarded separately in both the National and Divisional rallies.
The entry fee is $375, if received before 11/24/95. For entries received after 11/24/95, it's $425. Two awards dinner tickets are included with the National entry fee. Entry for each Divisional Rally is $150, anytime; for both Divisionals it's $250, anytime; for National and Divisional(s), add $50 to National fee. Canadian funds will be accepted at par from legitimate Canadian competitors. Limit 50 cars.
SPECIAL CLASS FOR SOLO I AND ROAD RACERS
On Saturday's Boise Cascade Divisional rally, there will be a special class for IT, Showroom Stock and American Sedans.
A. Vehicles must meet requirements of the above classes and should
have at least 4" of ground clearance.
B. Drivers and co-drivers must hold either SCCA Solo I or Road Racing
licenses; or Divisional Pro Rally licenses may be bought at the event.
C. Safety equipment for co-drivers must be the same as the driver's.
D. Vehicles do not have to be registered for the road as they can be
trailered to and from the Special Stage locations.
E. Competitors must attend the Divisional seminar on Friday; more
information may be obtained from the chairman.
Schedule:
Thursday, Nov 30: 7 PM Third Annual Clambake Madison Hotel
9 PM - ? Happy Hour Madison Hotel
Friday, Dec 1: 11 - 3 PM Registration/Scrutineering TBA
3 PM Divisional Seminar Madison
4 PM Start of Nat'l/Div. Madison
10 PM Finish Friday Section + Downtown
Parc Ferme Rumford
Saturday, Dec 2: 7 - 8 AM Registration/Scrutineering Madison
Boise Divisional
8 AM Parc Ferme opens
9 AM Restart of National/Div. Downtown
3 PM Finish National/Divisional Oquossoc
7 PM Posting Provisional Scores TBA
Cocktails
7:30 PM Buffet dinner
9 PM Rally and Year-End Awards
Organizers:
Chairman John Buffum (802) 655-5768 (w)
Blue Mt. Controls Diane Houseal (609) 890-9068 (h)
New England Controls Mike Collier (603) 485-8709 (h)
Chief of Communications Ian MacLennan (617) 449-1227 (h)
Registrar Ted Goddard (603) 783-4744 (w)
(802) 263-5678 (h)
Lodging
|
Andover Arms 28 Newton Street P.O. Box 387 Andover, ME 04216 (207) 392-4251 |
Blue Iris Motor Inn U.S. Route 2 Rumford Center, ME 04278 (207) 364-4495 |
Honey Run Beach and Campground Worthley Pond RR#1, Box 1230 Peru, ME 04290 (207) 562-4913 |
|
The Last Resort Box 12 Rumford Point, ME 04279 (207) 364-4986 |
Linnell Motel & RestInn Conference Center U.S. Route 2 Rumford, ME 04276 (800) 446-9038 (207) 369-0800 (FAX) |
The Madison Route 2, P.O. Box 398 Rumford, ME 04276 1-800-258-6234 (207) 364-7973 |
|
Mystic Valley Route 2, RFD#1, Box 770 East Dixfield, ME 04224 (207) 645-4372 |
The River View Motel 357 Magville Route 2 & 26 Bethel, ME 04217 (207) 824-2808 |
Stony Brook Recreation Route 2, Box 130 Hanover, ME 04237 (207) 824-2836 |
|
Von Simm's Victorian Inn Route 2 11 Main Street P.O. Box 645 Dixfield, ME 04224 (207) 562-4911 |
1995 Maine Forest Rally - Entry List
Round #11 - SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally series
Final Start Order/Entry List
December 1, 1995
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class
4 Henry Joy IV Jimmy Brandt Mitsubishi Lancer E-2 Open
Atlanta, MI Lake Odessa, MI Michelin
3 Carl Merrill John Bellefleur Ford Escort Cosworth Open
Ogunquit, ME Thornhill, ONT Michelin
1 Paul Choiniere Jeff Becker Hyundai Elantra Open
Shelburne, VT Grat Neck, NY Michelin
8 Frank Sprongl Dan Sprongl Audi Quattro Open
Toronto, ONT Toronto, ONT Michelin
11 Bruno Kreibich Rod Hendricksen Audi Quattro Open
Ridgewood, NJ Clinton, NJ Michelin
14 Cal Landau Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT
Coraopolis, PA Dayton, OH Michelin
5 Selchuk Karamanoglu Yorgi Bittner Eagle Talon PGT
Bath, ME Plain City, OH Michelin
10 Sam Bryan Robinson Walden Saab 900 Group 2
Kent, WA Seattle, WA Michelin
13 Jon Nichols Mike Koch VW GTI Group 2
Baie d'Urfe, PQ Nepern, PQ Michelin
14 Pat Ayer Raymond Cadieux Audi Quattro Open
Burlington, VT St. Lazare, PQ Nokia
15 Sylvain Erickson Gilles Nault Eagle Talon Open
Gatineau, PQ Gatineau, PQ Michelin
16 Sylvain Vincent Dominique Cyr Chevy S-10 Open
La Plaine, PQ LaPlaine, PQ Nokia
17 Rick Davis Ben Greisler BMW M-3 Group A
W. Chester, PA Philadelphia, PA Michelin
20 Tibor von Denes Henry Noga Audi Quattro Open
Butler, PA Glen Head, NY Nokia
71 Janice Damitio Amity Trowbridge Toyota All-Trac PGT
Montesano, WA Seattle, WA Michelin
19 Mike Hurst Rob Bohn Mitsubishi Eclipse PGT
Pendleton, IN Noblesville, IN Michelin
66 Tad Ohtake Bob Martin Ford Escort GT Prod.
Dearborn, MI Goodrich, MI Michelin
21 Bob Elliott John Hart VW GTI Prod
Rutland, VT Hydeville, VT Bridgestone
22 Carl Fisher Ted Mendham Dodge Omni Open
Pittboro, NC Lyndeboro, NH Bridgestone
23 Ivan Orisek Olga Orisek Audi Quattro Open
White Plains, NY White Plains, NY Michelin
24 John Vanlandingham Deborah Sweet SAAB 96 Group 2
Stoneham, MA Oak Ridge, NJ Michelin
25 Kurt Thiel George Thompson VW GTI Group 2
Rochester, NY Rochester, NY Bridgestone
26 Jerry Sweet Stuart Spark SAAB 99E Group 2
Oakridge, NJ Woodcliff Lk, NJ Michelin
27 Damon Mayers Matt Chester Toyota Corolla Group 2
Taunton, MA Atlanta, GA Bridgestone
28 Peter Watt Dick Casey Suzuki Swift Prod
Peterborough, ONT Fairfax Sta., VA Nokia
29 Dean Fry Donnald Kennedy Subaru Legacy Open
Mohnton, PA Shillington, PA Nokia
33 Lesley Suddard Anne Thomas Dodge Charger Open
Wilmington, DE Nashua, NH Bridgestone
30 Chris Havas John Springer VW GTI Group 2
Richmond, VT Burlington, VT Michelin
31 Keith Kreisler Greg Usavage Mazda 323 Open
W. Chester, PA Perdasie, PA Michelin
34 C. Mantopoulos Barry Berg Audi Quattro Group A
Staten Island, NY Apple Valley, MN Nokia
32 Mark Cox Jim Gill VW GTI Prod
Steamboat Spr, CO Steamboat Spr, CO Bridgestone
# # #
Seven Islands Divisional PRO Rally
Friday, December 1, 1995
22 Carl Fisher Ted Mendham Dodge Omni Open
Pittboro, NC Lyndeboro, NH Bridgestone
33 Lesley Suddard Anne Thomas Dodge Charger O2
Wilmington, DE Nashua, NH Bridgestone
34 C. Mantopoulos Barry Berg Audi Quattro 4WD
Staten Island, NY Apple Valley, MN Nokia
21 Bob Elliott John Hart VW GTI U2
Rutland, VT Hydeville, VT Bridgestone
23 Ivan Orisek Olga Orisek Audi Quattro 4WD
White Plains, NY White Plains, NY Michelin
29 Dean Fry Donnald Kennedy Subaru 4WD
Mohnton, PA Shillington, PA Nokia
30 Chris Havas John Springer VW GTI U2
Richmond, VT Burlington, VT Michelin
48 Miroslaw Madej Dariusz Szerejko Suzuki Swift U2
Hicksville, NY Ryebrook, NY
41 Gerry Brinkman Bob Burnall VW U2
Freehold, NJ Bethlehem, PA
42 Arthur Wojcik Marzena Wojcik Ford U2
Maspeth, NY Maspeth, NY
89 Serguei Belousson Jose Vincente Mazda 626 4WD
Philadelphia, PA Newark, NJ
46 Paul Lelbel Janusz Manterya VW U2
New York, NY Brooklyn, NY
54 Chris Sanborn Heath Lachman Audi Quattro 4WD
??? ???
50 Steve Walkington Sandra Latreille Eagle Talon 4WD
??? ???
47 Thomas Brunn S. Olin-Dabrowski Subaru RS 4WD
Mahopac, NY Pleasant Valley, NY
44 Gail McGuire John Kemp Ford PU 4WD
Avon, NY Attica, NY
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally Series, Round #11
Press Notes #1
December 1, 1995, 12:45 PM
1. Good Morning from the Maine Forest Rally in Rumford, ME.
Snow is falling and the temperature is 24 degrees. A
slow moving storm is predicted to drop a minimum of 6
inches on the rally stages; more in the higher
elevations. The cold temperatures overnight caused some
consternation for the team of Henry Joy and Jimmy Brandt
as their gas lines froze. All is well at this writing.
The car is running well and has made its way to technical
inspection at AutoTech, an independent garage here in
Rumford.
2. Carl Merrill also had some trouble getting started this
morning. His truck, which will be driven this weekend by
Sylvain Vincent and Dominique Cyr, needed new spark plugs
and with the added strain of the cold weather overnight,
the engine was stubborn. He, too, is on his way.
3. Jimmy Brandt is enjoying a return engagement with the
Henry Joy team. Together last year, Joy and Brandt
finished fourth overall, third in the open class. Joy's
co-driver for the early part of this year, Chris Griffin,
is unable to compete due to illness. Griffin is here,
though, cheering the Mitsubishi Lancer on.
4. At 3:00 PM, with heavy snow falling, the field of 40
cars gathered in downtown Rumford. 31 cars are entered
in the National, 6 of whom are also entered in the Seven
Islands Division being run on tonight's stages. 9
additional cars are entered in the Divisional only.
5. The Fire Departments of Rumford and Orlando each sent
their hook and ladder truck and the two extended their
ladders to form an arch over the start line. A 6 foot
handmade wreath was hung between the ladders. The last
time such a ceremonial arch was formed was for the local
veterans of the Gulf War upon their return.
6. The team of Bob Elliott and John Hart plan a conservative
run tonight, testing the traction on their Bridgestone
Blizzak tires. Elliott won the Prod Class here last year.
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin Pro Rally Series, Round #11
Press Notes #2
December 1, 1995, 8:00 PM
7. Bruno Kreibich looked a little strange wandering around
Parc Expose, wearing heavy, weather appropriate gear from
the waist down and a light jacket above. When asked,
Bruno explained that while his defroster worked, no other
heat-distribution element in the car was functional. As
a result, above the waist the ambient temperature in the
car was 90 degrees and around the feet it was frigid.
This is probably an improvement over what happened to him
at two rallies earlier this season. In both cases, he
went through standing water and spray on the windshield
caused a fogging problem which his defroster would not
handle. With poor visibility, his finishes were hurt.
8. The team of Bruno Kreibich and Rod Hendricksen combined
undoubtedly have the most PRO Rally experience of any
team in the field. Kreibich is the only person who has
been competing continuously in SCCA PRO Rally since the
sport was first sanctioned in 1972. Hendricksen also
began running in SCCA PRO Rally in 1972, but like several
others, he has run off and on over the years.
9. Frank and Dan Sprongl drove all night to get to the rally
and driver, Frank, was showing the effects of little
sleep on the starting line. When they left home near
Toronto, Ontario, they met the leading edge of the storm
and followed it east, making for a very long trip.
Frank's goal for tonight was just to get through it and
get on to tomorrow's stages.
10. Selchuk Karamanoglu is running his first rally since Rim
of the World in May. He has a new Eagle Talon on which
he has been trying to mate parts from the Mitsubishi
Eclipse he wrecked at Tall Pines Rally in Canada last
year. After several false starts, he seems to have cured
his problem with the transmission and left town on
schedule. Last year, Selchuk won the Production GT
class.
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #3
December 2, 1995, 1:35 AM
10. Here are the points breakdown for the various classes
going into this final event:
--Overall: The Paul Choiniere/Jeff Becker Hyundai
Elantra has the inside track to clinch their
fourth straight national championship if they
can finish ninth or above, or if Henry Joy
doesn't win in his Mitsubishi Lancer. Carl
Merrill was in the hunt in his Ford Escort
Cosworth until he overheated and DNFed in the
Lake Superior event in October.
--Production GT: Janice Damitio/Amity Trowbridge hold a
slim lead in the class going into the
event in their Toyota All-trac, but the
Cal Landau/Eric Marcus Mitsubishi
Eclipse are favored to win the season
title based on their greater number of
victories. If Cal finishes, he wins
the title. If Cal DNFs, Janice wins.
If both DNF, Janice wins.
--Production: Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin in their Ford Escort
GT have already clinched the title.
--Group A: Bruce Newey, who wins the title with several
co-driver, clinched the Group A championship
in his Toyota All-trac with a win at Lake
Superior in October.
--Group 2: Sam Bryan/Rob Walden clinched the title in
their Saab 900 with a win (and second-place
overall finish) at the Lake Superior rally.
11. The SCCA Board of Directors has passed a resolution
which should ensure the orderly start ofthe 1996
SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally season. See CompuServe
message #702212 in section #9 for details.
# # #
Maine Forest Rally
Preliminary Results (after four stages)
December 2, 1995, 12:30 AM
Out of the Rally: 27 Mayers/Chester Toyota Corolla
15 Erickson/Nault Eagle Talon
33 Suddard/Thomas Dodge Charger
# Driver/Co-driver SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 Total
4 Joy/Brandt 854 834 1458 2420 5566
1 Choiniere/Becker 881 847 1463 2420 5611
3 Merrill/Bellefleur 844 830 1492 2500 5666
8 Sprongl/Sprongl 848 871 1502 2455 5676
21 Elliott/Hart 900 887 1555 2597 5939
11 Kreibich/Hendricksen 883 869 1523 2691 5966
14 Ayer/Cadieux 854 853 1720 2575 6002
16 Vincent/Cyr 913 898 1626 2650 6087
13 Nichols/Koch 951 918 1635 2593 6097
19 Hurst/Bohn 867 908 1592 2738 6105
5 Karamaoglu/Bittner 971 930 1570 2690 6161
66 Ohtake/Martin 939 921 1647 2722 6229
22 Fisher/Mendham 943 940 1740 2760 6383
12 Landau/Marcus 1010 912 1655 2830 6407
23 Orisek/Orisek 974 933 1658 2858 6423
20 von Denes/Nogas 980 966 1667 2960 6573
34 Mantopolos/Berg 1062 958 1678 2919 6617
24 Vanlandingham/Sweet 1022 972 1757 2873 6624
25 Thiel/Thompson 983 962 1708 2999 6652
26 Sweet/Spark 982 970 1792 2943 6687
32 Cox/Gill 977 1005 1792 3059 6833
30 Havas/Springer 980 972 1757 3156 6865
31 Kreisler/Usavage 1072 1010 1770 3035 6887
29 Fry/Kennedy 1000 1044 1897 3244 7185
10 Bryan/Walden 1957 875 1575 2824 7231
28 Watt/Casey 1053 1051 1945 3346 7395
71 Damatio/Trowbridge 1065 1040 1745 4352 8202
17 Davis/Greisler 1034 1015 1880 4670 8600
# # #
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #4
December 2, 1995, 10:35 AM
13. Mike Hurst and Rob Bohn are debuting a new car this
weekend: a Production GT Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX which
will be campaigned in the 1996 Divisional series with Rob
Bohn driving. The team is also preparing a Group 5
Porsche 911 Carrera which they anticipate will be ready
for the Sand Hills PRO Rally. The team of Sam Bryan and
Rob Walden are also planning an assault on the new Group
5 title in 1996.
14. All 40 cars took the start on schedule beginning at 4:01
PM EDT, and the rally is underway.
15. After the first two stages, reports are that nearly
everyone is still running although several cars went off
in the deep snow and needed help to get back on. The Sam
Bryan/Rob Walden Saab 900 launched into a snowdrift, but
Janice Damitio and Amity Trowbridge forsook their title
chase to help out their fellow competitor. Gerry
Brinkman and Bob Burnall's VW GTI slid on the ice and got
stuck just off the course and the Audi Quattro team of
Chris Sanborn and Heath Lachman lent them a hand.
16. The first stage seems to have had an unmarked chasm dead
center of the typical line. The hole did not directly
claim any victims, but seems to have contributed to some
teams' later problems.
17. Tibor von Denes and his co-driver, Henry Noga got plenty
of practice changing tires on their Sakis Hadjiminas
prepared Audi Quattro as they, more than anyone else,
kept getting flats - three in the four evening stages.
Tibor admitted to having gone off "a couple of times".
18. Sylvain Vincent and Dominique Cyr are having an hot and
cold evening. Carl Merrill's Chevy S-10 Pickup Truck
which the pair are running would provide heat to the cab
only when idling. At speed, the pair would freeze!
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #5
December 2, 1995, 12:20 PM
19. By the end of four stages, all of the national
competitors (except the team of Sylvain Erickson and
Gilles Nault) were still running, but the transit stage
back to Rally Headquarters at the Madison Hotel finished
off a couple of the teams. Damon Mayers and Matt Chester
suffered a fire inside the passenger compartment along
the way, probably caused by a wiring problem. Luckily,
their small fire extinguisher was able to handle the
blaze, preventing a disaster. Lacking the time to trace
the original problem as well as replace the melted wiring
components, the team withdrew.
20. Leslie Suddard and Anne Thomas were apparent victims of
the hole on stage one. In the later stages of the
evening Suddard noticed the transmission becoming noisy,
so the crew checked the transmission fluid, and when it
was found to be down a little, added some. That helped
for a while, but by the end of the fourth stage, the
system would no longer hold fluid. A split in the
housing was allowing the fluid to run out as fast as it
was poured in.
21. The Landau-Damitio battle is heating up. Landau has had
transmission troubles at other rallies this season,
finishing twice in two-wheel drive. Again last night,
the tranny started "clunking", possibly heralding a new
failure. But Damitio, too, is having transmission woes.
She admits that the Toyota All-Trac keeps getting stuck
in gear. Again, if both drop out, Damitio wins.
22. Rick Davis and Ben Greisler were also bitten by stage
one's big hole. Davis said they had "performed last
rites" on their 5th spoiler this season. After driving
through the hole (and losing some time), Davis moved over
for Vanlandingham who was catching up, and ended up
getting stuck in the snow. They were able to extricate
themselves though, but are running well down.
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #6
December 2, 1995, 1:20 PM
23. The team of John Vanlandingham and Deborah Sweet were
forced to withdraw this morning when they were unable to
repair some damage done to their Saab 96 on last night's
rough stage roads. During the final stage of last
night's activities, one of the shock towers poked through
the bodywork and on the transit back to the Madison, the
other popped through as well. Although it appeared that
they could make the necessary parts and weld them in
place, time ran out.
24. Vanlandingham and Sweet were hoping to win their class in
both the summer and winter Maine Forest Rallies. Other
competitors who could potentially sweep the Maine tours
are: Carl Merrill/John Bellefleur and Cal Landau/Eric
Marcus.
24. Ivan and Olga Orisek seem to have finally sorted out
their early problems with the new (this year) car, and
for the first time in recent memory, they had a good
first day. Last year at this time, Olga had come down
with the flu, and could only whisper at Ivan.
25. The weather this morning at the start in downtown Rumford
was 24 degrees with strong winds blowing yielding wind
chills in the subzero category. Scattered snow flurries
were nearly indistinguishable from the blowing of the
snow which fell last night, but the forecast is for
generally clear weather through the day. 38 cars left
the start, 27 National or National/Divisional and 11
Divisional only.
26. Unofficial results from last night's Seven Islands
Divisional PRO Rally are:
U2 - Elliott/Hart 5939
4WD - Walkington/Latreille 6361
Open - Fisher/Mendham 6410
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #7
December 2, 1995, 3:00 PM
27. The temperature in Oquossoc as the rally passed through
at 10:00 AM was 3 degrees; it was colder at the higher
elevations of the rally stages and the wind was just as
strong as it had been in Rumford. Spectators huddled in
their cars waiting for the rally special stages to start,
but a delay in getting the ambulance in began a day of
delays.
28. Rally organizer John Buffum was forced to cancel two
stages due to the deep snow. Rather than shorten the
rally to only six stages, today's stages 5 and 6 were
scheduled to be rerun after the service in Oquossoc.
29. On stage 5, the Jon Nichols/Mike Koch VW GTI and the
Jerry Sweet/Stuart Spark Saab 99E both went off into the
snow requiring a tow truck to extricate them. Since
stage 6 is the reverse of stage 5, the rally added up
additional delays to clear the course. Henry Joy
continues to hold a slim lead.
30. When the first cars finally made it to service, they
brought tales of treacherous driving: snow covering ice,
a deep ridge of snow down the center of the roadway. Ice
seems to be the defining factor in today's stages. Henry
Joy has dropped back after 6 stages are complete. Ice
clogged his turbo intake filter and the engine became air
starved. Thick ice on the rear deck changed the balance
of the car due to the change in weight distribution, so
all of the handling characteristics were different. Paul
Choiniere is having trouble with a water pump belt. Ice
is sucking up into the engine and coating the belt
causing it to slip. All of the cars are having
visibility problems due to icing of their windshields and
windshield wipers. Service crews are using their time
chipping away at the shell encasing each of the cars.
The fire department in Oquossoc has opened their door and
put out an industrial type heater, and each of the cars
in turn are pulling up to the doors and starting the
meltdown.
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #8
December 2, 1995, 4:00 PM
31. The rally continues to get further behind schedule.
Besides the delays to clear rally cars from the course
between stages, the organizers have been having to chase
snowmobiles from the course. After service, the rally
was nearly 1 1/2 hours behind schedule.
32. Multiple reports of cars off course came in after stage
6. Janice Damitio/Amity Trowbridge alone pulled out 3
cars before completing the stage. The rally truck of
Gail McGuire and Jon Kemp are out after being unable to
recover from an off course.
33. Several of the service crews were scrambling to hook up
lights as the teams got ready to return to the special
stages. With the major delays, it appears likely that
the rally will finish in darkness. The Elliott/Hart
entry left service without lights, but radioed back to
have another car on the team bring the lightbar to the
start.
34. One new entry who is still in the hunt is the team of
Mark Cox and Jim Gill. Both driver and co-driver are new
to rallying, but both have extensive experience with
driving on snow and ice. Cox owns and Gill instructs at
the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat
Springs, CO. The pair are renting a VW GTI from Bob
Elliott's stable and are running in their first National
PRO Rally.
35. Frank Sprongl must have awakened refreshed this morning.
From a fourth place, 1.10 minute deficit, Sprongl has
surged to a 2 minute lead over Carl Merrill after 6
stages. Sprongl alone seems unfazed by the ice and snow,
while others continue their troubles.
Maine Forest Rally
SCCA/Michelin PRO Series, Round #11
Press Notes #9
December 2, 1995, 5:30 PM
---------------------------------------------------
The Toronto, Ontario team of brothers Frank and Dan Sprongl
have won the Maine Forest Rally for the third time, bettering
the record of Shelburne, Vermont's Paul Choiniere and his co-
driver Jeff Becker of Great Neck, NY, who finished second.
Ice and cold were the major factors in the rally as
Choiniere's Hyundai Elantra threw a belt in Saturday's second
stage due to ice and snow in the engine compartment.
Maine native Carl Merrill of Ogonquit and his co-driver John
Bellefleur of Thornhill, Ontario, finished third, a scant few
seconds behind Choiniere and Becker. Henry Joy IV and Jimmy
Brandt of Atlanta,MI and Lake Odessa, MI respectively
finished fourth after leading for the first five stages of
the rally.
With their second place finish, Paul Choiniere clinches the
overall driver's championship for the 1995 SCCA Michelin PRO
Rally Series and Jeff Becker will take the overall title in
the Co-Driver category. Choiniere and Becker had already
locked up the driver and co-driver categories in the Open
Class.
---------------------------------------------------
36. The Production GT title is decided. Cal Landau and Eric
Marcus finished the rally which guarantees them the top
spot in the year-end standings.
37. In 1991, at the first Maine Forest Rally, Bob Elliott was
in a hot battle for the Production class lead with Mark
Molnar when Molnar went off in snow ahead of him. Always
a sportsman, Elliott stopped and pulled Molnar out, but
then was held up waiting to pass him. This year history
repeated itself when Tad Ohtake, who was leading by 4
minutes, spun, not 100 yards from where Molnar had, and
again, Elliott was the hero. When the rally was over,
Elliott still didn't know in what order they finished!
1995 Maine Forest Rally - Final Results
Round #11 - SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally series
December 2, 1995
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class/Time
8 Frank Sprongl Dan Sprongl Audi Quattro Open
Toronto, ONT Toronto, ONT Michelin 151.91
1 Paul Choiniere Jeff Becker Hyundai Elantra Open
Shelburne, VT Great Neck, NY Michelin 153.81
3 Carl Merrill John Bellefleur Ford Escort Cosworth Open
Ogunquit, ME Thornhill, ONT Michelin 154.00
4 Henry Joy IV Jimmy Brandt Mitsubishi Lancer E-2 Open
Atlanta, MI Lake Odessa, MI Michelin 154.96
11 Bruno Kreibich Rod Hendricksen Audi Quattro Open
Ridgewood, NJ Clinton, NJ Michelin 162.58
14 Pat Ayer Raymond Cadieux Audi Quattro Open
Burlington, VT St. Lazare, PQ Nokia 164.12
5 Selchuk Karamanoglu Yorgi Bittner Eagle Talon PGT
Bath, ME Plain City, OH Michelin 166.35
14 Cal Landau Eric Marcus Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX PGT
Coraopolis, PA Dayton, OH Michelin 171.95
21 Bob Elliott John Hart VW GTI Prod
Rutland, VT Hydeville, VT Bridgestone 177.63
34 C. Mantopoulos Barry Berg Audi Quattro Group A
Staten Island, NY Apple Valley, MN Nokia 178.20
25 Kurt Thiel George Thompson VW GTI Group 2
Rochester, NY Rochester, NY Bridgestone 179.13
66 Tad Ohtake Bob Martin Ford Escort GT Prod
Dearborn, MI Goodrich, MI Michelin 183.30
19 Mike Hurst Rob Bohn Mitsubishi Eclipse PGT
Pendleton, IN Noblesville, IN Michelin 184.21
26 Jerry Sweet Stuart Spark Saab 99E Group 2
Oakridge, NJ Woodcliff Lk, NJ Michelin 186.96
29 Dean Fry Donnald Kennedy Subaru Legacy Open
Mohnton, PA Shillington, PA Nokia 191.17
32 Mark Cox Jim Gill VW GTI Prod
Steamboat Spr, CO Steamboat Spr, CO Bridgestone 194.85
30 Chris Havas John Springer VW GTI Group 2
Richmond, VT Burlington, VT Michelin 201.74
28 Peter Watt Dick Casey Suzuki Swift Prod
Peterborough, ONT Fairfax Sta., VA Nokia 205.20
71 Janice Damitio Amity Trowbridge Toyota All-trac PGT
Montesano, WA Seattle, WA Michelin 214.56
22 Carl Fisher Ted Mendham Dodge Omni Open
Pittboro, NC Lyndeboro, NH Bridgestone 221.00
13 Jon Nichols Mike Koch VW GTI Group 2
Baie d'Urfe, PQ Nepern, PQ Michelin 230.15
31 Keith Kreisler Greg Usavage Mazda 323 Open
W. Chester, PA Perdasie, PA Michelin 247.14
10 Sam Bryan Robinson Walden Saab 900 Group 2
Kent, WA Seattle, WA Michelin DNF
15 Sylvain Erickson Gilles Nault Eagle Talon Open
Gatineau, PQ Gatineau, PQ Michelin DNF
16 Sylvain Vincent Dominique Cyr Chevy S-10 Open
La Plaine, PQ LaPlaine, PQ Nokia DNF
17 Rick Davis Ben Greisler BMW M-3 Group A
W. Chester, PA Philadelphia, PA Michelin DNF
20 Tibor von Denes Henry Noga Audi Quattro Open
Butler, PA Glen Head, NY Nokia DNF
23 Ivan Orisek Olga Orisek Audi Quattro Open
White Plains, NY White Plains, NY Michelin DNF
24 John Vanlandingham Deborah Sweet SAAB 96 Group 2
Stoneham, MA Oak Ridge, NJ Michelin DNF
27 Damon Mayers Matt Chester Toyota Corolla Group 2
Taunton, MA Atlanta, GA Bridgestone DNF
33 Lesley Suddard Anne Thomas Dodge Charger Open
Wilmington, DE Nashua, NH Bridgestone DNF
# # #
Boise Cascade Divisional PRO Rally
Saturday, December 2, 1995
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class/Time
34 C. Mantopoulos Barry Berg Audi Quattro 4WD
Staten Island, NY Apple Valley, MN Nokia 112.03
50 Steve Walkington Sandra Latreille Eagle Talon 4WD
Williamstown, QUE Williamstown, QUE 115.25
47 Thomas Brunn S. Olin-Dabrowski Subaru RS 4WD
Mahopac, NY Pleasant Valley, NY 115.60
21 Bob Elliott John Hart VW GTI U2
Rutland, VT Hydeville, VT Bridgestone 118.24
29 Dean Fry Donnald Kennedy Subaru 4WD
Mohnton, PA Shillington, PA Nokia 119.32
30 Chris Havas John Springer VW GTI U2
Richmond, VT Burlington, VT Michelin 133.09
41 Gerry Brinkman Bob Barrell VW U2
Freehold, NJ Bethlehem, PA 133.71
51 Josh Wortzel Joel Richards Dodge Neon U-2
Waltham, MA Newton, MA 142.71
22 Carl Fisher Ted Mendham Dodge Omni Open
Pittboro, NC Lyndeboro, NH Bridgestone 156.90
23 Ivan Orisek Olga Orisek Audi Quattro 4WD
White Plains, NY White Plains, NY Michelin DNF
48 Miroslaw Madej Dariusz Szerejko Suzuki Swift U2
Hicksville, NY Ryebrook, NY DNF
42 Arthur Wojcik Marzena Wojcik Ford U2
Maspeth, NY Maspeth, NY DNF
89 Serguei Belousson Jose Vincente Mazda 626 4WD
Philadelphia, PA Newark, NJ DNF
46 Paul Kelbel Janusz Manterya VW U2
New York, NY Brooklyn, NY DNF
44 Gail McGuire John Kemp Ford F-150 Pick-up 4WD
Avon, NY Attica, NY DNF
54 Chris Sanborn Heath Lachman Audi Quattro 4WD
Norwalk, CT Burlington, VT DNS
# # #
Seven Islands Divisional PRO Rally
Friday, December 1, 1995
Car
Num. Driver/Home Town Navigator/Home Town Vehicle/Tires Class/Time
21 Bob Elliott John Hart VW GTI U2
Rutland, VT Hydeville, VT Bridgestone 59.39
50 Steve Walkington Sandra Latreille Eagle Talon 4WD
Williamstown, ONT Williamstown, ONT 63.61
22 Carl Fisher Ted Mendham Dodge Omni Open
Pittboro, NC Lyndeboro, NH Bridgestone 64.10
23 Ivan Orisek Olga Orisek Audi Quattro 4WD
White Plains, NY White Plains, NY Michelin 64.23
34 C. Mantopoulos Barry Berg Audi Quattro 4WD
Staten Island, NY Apple Valley, MN Nokia 66.17
47 Thomas Brunn S. Olin-Dabrowski Subaru RS 4WD
Mahopac, NY Pleasant Valley, NY 66.98
30 Chris Havas John Springer VW GTI U2
Richmond, VT Burlington, VT Michelin 68.65
29 Dean Fry Donnald Kennedy Subaru 4WD
Mohnton, PA Shillington, PA Nokia 71.85
41 Gerry Brinkman Bob Barrell VW U2
Freehold, NJ Bethlehem, PA 80.19
46 Paul Kelbel Janusz Manterya VW U2
New York, NY Brooklyn, NY 81.19
42 Arthur Wojcik Marzena Wojcik Ford U2
Maspeth, NY Maspeth, NY 95.53
48 Miroslaw Madej Dariusz Szerejko Suzuki Swift U2
Hicksville, NY Ryebrook, NY 99.81
33 Lesley Suddard Anne Thomas Dodge Charger O2
Wilmington, DE Nashua, NH Bridgestone DNF
89 Serguei Belousson Jose Vincente Mazda 626 4WD
Philadelphia, PA Newark, NJ DNF
54 Chris Sanborn Heath Lachman Audi Quattro 4WD
Norwalk, CT Burlington, VT DNF
# # #
SPRONGLS PLOWS TO SECOND STRAIGHT MAINE FOREST VICTORY; CHOINIERE
SNAGS FIFTH SCCA/MICHELIN NATIONAL TITLE IN SIX YEARS
RUMFORD, Maine -- December 3 -- Showing their Canadian winter rally
heritage, Toronto's Frank Sprongl with brother and co-driver Dan Sprongl
swept the SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally field for a two-minute victory in their
Audi Quattro S-2 at the Maine Forest Rally.
The event, run on the Boise Cascade Forest roads in Southern Maine,
featured snow-covered and icy conditions as well as sub-zero
temperatures - just what the Canadians like.
"We didn't do very well on Friday night as we had been up all night driving
to the event, but a good night's sleep and experience in the snow really
helped our cause. Our Audi Quattro S-2 was the perfect Arctic racer,"
said Frank Sprongl, who had clinched his second straight Canadian rally
title last month.
Finishing second, but clinching his fifth SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally national
championship in the last six years was Shelburne, Vermont's Paul Choiniere,
with co-driver Jeff Becker, who Hyundai Elantra overcame a water pump belt
problem in the early stages to stay in contention.
Third overall was the Ogunquit, Maine-based team of Carl Merrill and John
Bellefleur in a Ford Escort Cosworth, followed by the right-hand drive
Mitsubishi Lancer of Henry Joy and Jimmy Brandt.
Other class winners included Selcuk Karamanoglu/Yorgi Bittner, from Bath,
Maine, in an Eagle Talon (Production GT); Bob Elliott/John Hart, from
Rutland, VT, in a VW GTI (Production); Constantine Mantopoulos/Barry Berg,
from Staten Island, NY, in an Audi Quattro (Group A); and Kurt Thiel/George
Thompson, from Rochester, NY, in a VW GTI (Group 2).
In a PRO Rally, each team consists of a driver and a co-driver (or
navigator), and the exact course is kept secret until just before the
event - different from World Rally, where practice is allowed. The cars
start at one-minute intervals and race against the clock over 6 - 24
stages which range in length from four to 25 miles. Most of the rallies
include night stages, making it necessary for competitors to adjust their
driving style. Speeds of more than 120 miles-per-hour could be reached on
long straight-aways, with the team achieving the fastest combined times
winning the event.
As this was the last event of the SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally season, national
champions were also crown. Besides Choiniere's overall national title, the
class champions included Cal Landau/Eric Marcus, from Coraopolis, PA, in a
Mitsubishi Eclipse (Production GT); Bruce Newey/Charles Bradley, from
Atlanta, GA, in a Toyota All-Trac (Group A); Tad Ohtake/Bob Martin, from
Dearborn, MI, in a Ford Escort GT (Production); Sam Bryan/Rob Walden, from
Kent, WA, in Saab 900 (Group 2); and Dave Turner/Ben Bradley, from Hemet,
Calif., in a Mitsubishi Pick-up (Rally Truck).
In other year-end news, the Sports Car Club of America announced the
tentative 1996 SCCA/Michelin PRO Rally schedule, which includes 11 events.
SCCA/MICHELIN PRO RALLY SERIES
PROPOSED 1996 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EVENT DATE LOCATION STATUS
SAND HILLS/SAND BLAST March 16 - 17 Cheraw, SC* Coefficient 3
DOO WOP III & V March 23 - 24 Olympia, WA* Coefficient 3
WILD WEST PRO RALLY April 12-14 Olympia, WA National
RIM OF THE WORLD May 3 - 5 Palmdale, CA National
SUSQUEHANNOCK TRAIL June 1 - 2 Wellsboro, PA National
PRESCOTT FOREST RALLY June 22-23 Prescott, AZ Coefficient 3
(or October 5-6)
MAINE FOREST SUMMER RALLY July 26 - 28 Rumford, ME National
OJIBWE FORESTS PRO RALLY August 23 - 25 Bemidji, MN National
SUNRISER 400 September 27-29 Chillicothe, OH National
LAKE SUPERIOR PRO RALLY October 18 - 20 Houghton, MI National
PACIFIC FOREST RALLY November 8 - 10 Olympia, WA National
(plus year-end awards)
*Competitors may start EITHER Sand Hills/Sand Blast or Doo Wop III/IV.
Manufacturers may count EITHER Sand Hills/Sand Blast or Doo Wop III/IV.
The Maine Forest Rally was presented by the New England Region of the
Sports Car Club of America, with assistance from the Blue Mountain Region
of the SCCA. The National PRO Rally series is sponsored by Michelin Tire
Corporation, sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America, and
administered by the American Rally Association.
# # #