Edson, Alberta -- Reigning Champion, Patrick Richard reunited on the weekend with co-driver Ian McCurdy for the Bighorn Rally, round 3 of the Canadian Rally Championship at Edson, Alberta. Driving his brand new STi WRX, Pat was the first of 28 competitors taking the start on the opening stage under cloudy skies, some snow flurries, and temperatures around zero.

The STi WRX ran flawlessly on day one and Patrick and Ian claimed first with a narrow lead over teammate McGeer. " It is great to have Ian back in the car with me for the western events", said Richard. "We were having fun out there and the new Sti is great to drive, but we really had to push hard because the competition is very tough. We've only got a 2 second lead over Tom so we can't let up".

On day two, bad luck again hit Patrick. With a win likely and only 200 metres from the end of the stage, Pat's left front tire suddenly and completely de-laminated at 170kph, tearing the wiring harness in the upper wheel well and shutting down the car. The Bighorn Rally was over just like that. "I couldn't believe it", said Richard. "We were that close to winning and a tire de-laminates. It's really hard way to end the rally and very disappointing to everyone on the Team. It seems we've had more than our share of bad luck since winning at Quebec, but we've got to put that behind us and move forward. It can only get better over the second half".

The rally was by won by Pat's teammate Tom McGeer and co-driver Howard Davies.

The Subaru Rally Team Canada are now en-route to Calgary for the Rocky Mountain Rally this weekend but both Patrick and Tom are doing a side trip to Quebec on Wednesday for the official launch of the STi WRX at the Subaru dealers get together in Mount Tremblant. They will be back and ready for the Friday rally start. Two weeks later is the Pacific Forest Rally at Merritt BC, June 13-15.

For Bighorn Rally pictures by Keith Morison, go to www.subarurallyteam.com and click on Race Day, Bighorn Rally, Photos.

For more information:
Mike Hurst
Rocket Rally Racing
(604) 619 1583
mhurst@rocketrally.com