Block Wins Canadian Rally
(July 2, 2008) Subaru Rally Team USA driver Ken Block earned his maiden Canadian rally victory this past weekend at Rallye Baie-des Chaleurs in Quebec, round three of the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship. The win was the first for Subaru Rally Team USA's new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI on only its second event. Block and his co-driver Alex Gelsomino dominated the rally on their way to a victory with over a two-minute margin against a very strong contingent of Canadian rally veterans.
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"It's great to get my first Canadian win here, especially on such a difficult and competitive rally," explained Block. "I am getting better with the 2008 Subaru STI. There is a bigger transition than I expected from the 2007 STI, but this new car has more potential for speed than I'm ready for right now! We just need more time in the car, and we'll get even more out of it."
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Although Block finished in the top two on 15 of 17 stages his path to victory wasn't entirely trouble free. Early on stage three Block smacked a bridge with the rear corner of his Subaru, nearly tearing off the rear wheel. Block limped through the stage and luckily made it to the following service stop, where Subaru Rally Team USA technicians repaired the damage. "The transit back to service was tense, I had Alex (Gelsomino) hang out the door to counter balance the car as the left rear wheel was nearly off the car, that bridge impact could have ended our rally." said Block. Later in the rally Block experienced a tire puncture that cost him more time, however by that point Block had amassed a sizable lead of well over two minutes while his top rivals experienced their own share of problems.
Next up for Block is the New England Forest Rally, round six of the 2008 Rally America National Championship, July 11-12.
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Subaru Rally Team USA is proudly supported by Subaru of America, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT), DC Shoes, BFGoodrich Tires, Boost Mobile, Recaro, Alpinestars, Motul, Exedy, GReddy, PIAA and Vermont SportsCar. For team news and information please visit www.subaru.com/rally