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7th
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Canadian ‘Crazy Leo' Ulrichich took part this past weekend in his maiden FIA World Rally Championship event, the Rally de Portugal, in a Ford Fiesta R2.
The Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy delivered on its promise to provide close competition when this weekend's opening event saw five different drivers lead the series before Estonia's Sander Pärn blasted home to steal victory on the final loop of stages at Rally de Portugal.
Toronto's 'Crazy Leo' had mixed events but benefitted from the WRC experience. He and his co-driver Andrew Roughead finished eighth in the Trophy, having complete the event in 4h 33m 42.2s
“People keep asking me about our expectations. I have to explain, that the field here is amazing, the guys are professionals, have tons of experience in the R2 car, and on these stages, so with me being completely new, our only expectation is to learn and have fun!” Leo said prior to the start.
After a cautious start, everything was going well. “We were going well when we hit a I rough rut in the middle of the road. I first though we got a flat, but the DMACK tire held up, while the suspension arm bent. We assessed, and kept going through the stages slowly hoping to finish,” recalled Leo.
“It was fine, until on the last road section the driveshaft came out of the joint, and despite all the efforts we were forced to stop. Luckily, the Super Rally allowed us to go again the following day
"This was an unbelievable experience and fantastic to come and start a WRC rally. It was very tough, difficult and a real challenge. We had some problems but it was great to cover all of the stages and really learn more about the car and stages. We have successfully finished our first WRC event and got the ‘Spirit of the Rally Award' from DMACK and M-Sport!” Leo explained.
The Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy delivered on its promise to provide close competition when this weekend's opening event saw five different drivers lead the series before Estonia's Sander Pärn blasted home to steal victory on the final loop of stages at Rally de Portugal.
Toronto's 'Crazy Leo' had mixed events but benefitted from the WRC experience. He and his co-driver Andrew Roughead finished eighth in the Trophy, having complete the event in 4h 33m 42.2s
“People keep asking me about our expectations. I have to explain, that the field here is amazing, the guys are professionals, have tons of experience in the R2 car, and on these stages, so with me being completely new, our only expectation is to learn and have fun!” Leo said prior to the start.
After a cautious start, everything was going well. “We were going well when we hit a I rough rut in the middle of the road. I first though we got a flat, but the DMACK tire held up, while the suspension arm bent. We assessed, and kept going through the stages slowly hoping to finish,” recalled Leo.
“It was fine, until on the last road section the driveshaft came out of the joint, and despite all the efforts we were forced to stop. Luckily, the Super Rally allowed us to go again the following day
"This was an unbelievable experience and fantastic to come and start a WRC rally. It was very tough, difficult and a real challenge. We had some problems but it was great to cover all of the stages and really learn more about the car and stages. We have successfully finished our first WRC event and got the ‘Spirit of the Rally Award' from DMACK and M-Sport!” Leo explained.