Rally of the Tall Pines 2008 Results and videos: Pat Richard wins in his Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Posted by Scott Coursey 23 November, 2008

Pat Richard and Alan Oakwell won the Tall Pines Rally in Bancroft Ontario, by pretty much dominating the event in their 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Richard's main rivals at the start were Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block and Hyundai pilot Antoine L'Estage, but their challenge would soon evaporate. With temperatures dipping as low as -19 degrees celsius the Tall Pines is always a tough event to close the Canadia championship with.

First to go out was Block retiring on SS2 after sliding off the road following suspension damage he sustained earlier in the stage. Then L'Estage sheared the wheel studs on one wheel and was also forced to retire. L'Estage took the North American Rally Cup though, as Block needed to finish ahead of him to claim it.

Canadian champion Richard was able to cruise home after taking over a five minute lead into the final day. Craig Henderson finished second despite feeling very ill during the last day of the event in his Subaru STi. Seamus Burke took third driving his regular Mitsubishi Evo 9, stating that he enjoys the tricky and demanding nature of the Pines.

Another high profile casualty was BMX superstar Dave Mirra (who made his rally debut on this event last year) and co-driver Lance Smith, as they retired their Subaru after sustaining damage on a particularly rough stage.

Andrew Comrie-Picard was debuting the new Mitsubishi Evo X but he suffered an off on the final day and finished well down the field.

Pat Richard comments on his win to flatovercrest.com: