Latvala soars, Ogier out early in Finland

Friday, 28 July 2017


FIA
Finns have reigned supreme during the morning loop of Rally Finland stages and Jari-Matti Latvala heads a one-two for Toyota after a total of seven stages and 85 competitive kilometers. The local hero is however in the thick of a fight with his young teammate Esapekka Lappi after a dramatic string of stages that has seen championship leader Sebastien Ogier retire, as well as Hyundai's Hayden Paddon.
Rally Finland got underway last night with the opening Harju street stage, where Ott Tanak set the early pace. Out in the forests today, however, Finns have claimed victory on each of the six stages to stake their claim on their home event.
Latvala – who is chasing a fourth home win to equal the tally set by his Toyota team boss Tommi Makinen – had a great morning although only set one fastest time on his way to a 1.6-second advantage at the mid-leg service. Teammate Lappi has once again been a sensation in only his fourth event in the Yaris WRC (below, McKlein/LAT photo). After being too cautious in today's opener, the youngster immediately upped the pace and four consecutive stage wins, despite a couple of small errors, now put him firmly in contention.
The closeness of competition at the head of the field earlier in the morning meant it was difficult for crews to make an impact, but as rain fell in the final stage of the loop Mads Ostberg was able to capitalize and overhauled both Craig Breen and Teemu Suninen for the provisional third position. The Norwegian has struggled to find a good rhythm at times but heads a tight fight ahead of five of his rivals.

Breen, who ran has high as third, dropped to fourth in the last stage. He had a heavy landing in SS4 that left him with a strange feeling at the front end of the C3 WRC but has nevertheless powered on and is just fourth tenths of a second behind Ostberg and a mere one-tenth ahead of rising star Teemu Suninen. In only his second event in the Fiesta WRC, Suninen is another sensation to have emerged from Finland and the WRC 2 Championship and with one stage win under his belt this morning is focused on continual improvement on the world stage.
Juho Hanninen is sixth for Toyota after a reasonably uneventful morning, but he too remains in contention just under 20 seconds adrift of team-mate Latvala. Citroen C3 WRC returnee Kris Meeke is struggling to find a good setup; the Northern Irish driver had a disrupted test due to bad weather and just cannot find the same groove that saw him claim a historic win on this event last year. Elfyn Evans never got a pre-event test after Ogier crashed the team's Fiesta, and the Welshman has battled understeer for most of the morning. He rounds off the top eight drivers who are split by 22.5 seconds.
Thierry Neuville, whose pre-event objective was to finish ahead of championship rival Ogier, is potentially on track to do that, but the Belgian has not enjoyed a great start. He was second in last night's street stage but dropped to 10th in this morning's first stage, the handling of the Hyundai proving difficult throughout the morning. However, with Ogier retiring after damaging the suspension, taking a wheel off and ending up in the trees, Neuville has been dealt a lucky strike and is now focused on climbing into the top five to slash the points deficit to the points leader.
Dani Sordo, in 10th, admitted to simply not being fast enough, and early leader Tanak has dropped down the order to 11th. The Estonian maintained his lead going into stage four but ran wide and broke a wheel, dropping him over 90 seconds. Paddon was another victim of the morning while running in an impressive third overall, the Kiwi driver out with broken suspension after hitting a rock.
The fight in the FIA WRC 2 class has seen three different drivers hold the advantage but after seven stages Jari Huttunen tops the category by 13.9 seconds. He heads Gus Greensmith and Pierre-Louis Loubet, the trio split by 15.1 seconds. The Junior WRC Championship is again proving to be a close battle between Nicolas Ciamin and Dennis Radstrom. The rivals have taken two and four stage wins, respectively, in their Fiesta R2 machinery.

 

Visions of Victory all 8 parts:

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/b...ml#post9393980

 

[h=2]Lappi in control in Rally Finland[/h] Saturday, 29 July 2017


FIA


Esapekka Lappi regained the lead of Rally Finland this afternoon, but at the expense of teammate Jari-Matti Latvala who was forced into a crushing retirement when his Yaris WRC ground to a halt on the second run through the Ouninpohja stage. After a string of five fastest times Latvala looked firmly in control and on course for a fourth home victory, but an unconfirmed technical problem not only robbed him but also saw Toyota lose a potential one-two-three on its home event.
"I've never felt so disappointed when I'm leading the rally, I didn't want to lead like this and am still disappointed for Jari-Matti," said Lappi, last year's FIA WRC 2 Champion who is now 49.1 seconds clear. "But it wasn't my fault the car broke down so I need to enjoy this moment; it's something amazing. I need to concentrate and keep my head cool."
The young Finn now has just four stages and 33.84 kilometers between himself and a maiden WRC victory in only his fourth event in a world rally car.
Having dropped behind Juho Hanninen this morning, Teemu Suninen moved into third following Latvala's retirement and then powered ahead of him in SS20 when his rival had a problem with the front anti roll bar. He is however just 4.3 seconds ahead of Hanninen who is also being chased down by Elfyn Evans. The Welshman is only 1.3 seconds adrift of the final podium position, setting up a titanic battle over Sunday's closing stages.
Evans has enjoyed a great run this afternoon, finding better grip in places and taking the final stage win this evening. Behind him, Craig Breen continues to head the assault for Citroen and is fifth overnight. The Irish driver, who finished on the podium last year, has had a better day but is being hunted down by Thierry Neuville, who is pushing hard to gain as many points as possible following Ogier's accident on Friday morning. Ott Tanak had a half spin early this afternoon and is seventh, comfortably ahead of Kris Meeke who continues to have a difficult event and rounded the day off with a puncture. Dani Sordo is ninth and Mads Ostberg 10th, the Norwegian nearly going off in the final stage.
The FIA WRC 2 Championship category is convincingly led by Jari Huttunen, the Finn winning three more stages this afternoon. He is over two minutes ahead of Quentin Gilbert. Nicolas Ciamin continues his fine run in the Junior WRC Championship and the Frenchman is more than a minute and a half ahead of Emil Lindholm.

 

[h=2]Latvala out in Finland; Lappi back in front[/h] Saturday, 29 July 2017


By RACER staff / Image by McKlein/LAT


Esapekka Lappi has regained the lead of Rally Finland after Toyota teammate Jari-Matti Latvala was forced to retire from the event.
Latvala had won all five speed tests on Saturday in his Toyota Yaris to overhaul overnight leader Lappi and build a 8.5sec advantage over his fellow Finn. But Latvala's came to a stop midway through the Ouninpohja special stage to spoil his chances of a fourth win on his home rally. Initial reports suggested the car had encountered an elecrical problem.
Toyota is still poised for a 1-2 in Finland, with Juho Hanninen taking over second second in another Yaris, 54.1sec behind Lappi after SS18/19, while Teemu Suninen was a further 4.3sec behind in a Ford Fiesta, as Finns continued to fill the top three places. Elfyn Evans was just 6.2sec adrift in a similar car in fourth.

 

Track Attack August 5
The FIRM

Saturday, August 5, 2017
Florida Int'l Rally & Msport Park, Starke, FL

Registration ends in 3 days on August 4, 2017 11:59 PM EDT

The road course is a 1.6 mile professional race track with elevation changes and many challenging corners. The track has many fast straights and some tight corners that will test your braking points and racing lines. The road course will not be run as a race, passing is allowed on designated areas. Divers are set up into class groups of driving experience: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. Each group runs for 20 minutes, and no more than 6 cars on track at a time.
Entry Fee
$214.00 per Driver when purchased online
$125.00 per Half Day Driver
$25.00 per Ride-along
$10.00 per entry
Entry rate increases if you pay at the gate on day of the event
Open Track Day Schedule

• 7:30AM Gates Open*
• 8:00AM – 8:30AM Vehicle tech
• 8:45AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting
• 9:00AM – 12:00PM Track Open
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM Track Closed for Lunch
• 1:00PM – 4:00PM Track Open
• 5:00PM Gates Closed*

*The schedule is subject to change. The FIRM may suspend or cancel operations if severe weather is in the area.
SA-2010 OR NEWER HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS. We do not allow SNELL, DOT or M-rated helmets. If you do not have a proper SA-2010 or later helmet you will not be allowed on track.
Track Layout

Planning Information

• Entry is PER DRIVER, not per car. Each driver must register and pay individually. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
• If you are unable to attend, give us a call and we will gladly credit your payment towards a future event. We do not offer refunds.
• Open Track Days/Track Attack Weekends run RAIN or SHINE!
• All drivers *MUST* attend the mandatory drivers meeting. If you fail to attend the drivers meeting, you may not be allowed on track. If you know you won’t make it on time, please contact us as soon as possible and we will make arrangements.
• Drivers must wear helmet and seat belts at all times when on the track.
• A SA-2010 or newer helmet is REQUIRED for all car drivers!!
• Natural fiber long-sleeve shirt is recommended. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required!
• CONVERTIBLES ARE NOT ALLOWED unless they have proper roll over protection (roll bars or cage).
• Tech Inspection required by FIRM staff.
• The FIRM’s Track Policies must be adhered to at all times.
• Participants who do not attend the mandatory tech inspection and mandatory drivers/rider meeting may not be permitted on the track until they see the FIRM’s Event Manager.
• All drivers must be over 18 and have valid driver’s license.
• Drivers under 18 *may* be allowed on track if they hold a recognized competition license AND have a parent sign The FIRM’s parental liability and release waiver form.
• Good condition working seat belts or full safety harnesses are required.
• Fire suits are recommended for all race prepared cars.
• The paddock speed limit at The FIRM is 10 MPH.
• Both the driver and passenger windows must be down.
• Passing is allowed when the wheels are straight and then only with a “point by” from the driver being passed.
• Return to pit-out for tire inspection if you have put two or more wheels off course.
• If you drop two or more wheels off the course, go to the paddock for consultation. Repeated off course driving may end your day.
• Track Days run rain or shine with no refunds*
• Track Days are for drivers of all experience levels. However, you will be required to purchase a minimum of one instruction session with a FIRM instructor if you have no prior track experience.
• The FIRM reserves the right to refuse access to the track to anyone at anytime.

 

[h=2]Track Attack August 26th[/h]
[h=4]The FIRM[/h] Saturday, August 26, 2017
Florida Int'l Rally & Msport Park, Starke, FL



Registration ends in 24 days on August 25, 2017 11:59 PM EDT

The road course is a 1.6 mile professional race track with elevation changes and many challenging corners. The track has many fast straights and some tight corners that will test your braking points and racing lines. The road course will not be run as a race, passing is allowed on designated areas. Divers are set up into class groups of driving experience: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. Each group runs for 20 minutes, and no more than 6 cars on track at a time.
Entry Fee
$214.00 per Driver when purchased online
$125.00 per Half Day Driver
$25.00 per Ride-along
$10.00 per entry
Entry rate increases if you pay at the gate on day of the event
Open Track Day Schedule

• 7:30AM Gates Open*
• 8:00AM – 8:30AM Vehicle tech
• 8:45AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting
• 9:00AM – 12:00PM Track Open
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM Track Closed for Lunch
• 1:00PM – 4:00PM Track Open
• 5:00PM Gates Closed*

*The schedule is subject to change. The FIRM may suspend or cancel operations if severe weather is in the area.
SA-2010 OR NEWER HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS. We do not allow SNELL, DOT or M-rated helmets. If you do not have a proper SA-2010 or later helmet you will not be allowed on track.
Track Layout

Planning Information

• Entry is PER DRIVER, not per car. Each driver must register and pay individually. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
• If you are unable to attend, give us a call and we will gladly credit your payment towards a future event. We do not offer refunds.
• Open Track Days/Track Attack Weekends run RAIN or SHINE!
• All drivers *MUST* attend the mandatory drivers meeting. If you fail to attend the drivers meeting, you may not be allowed on track. If you know you won’t make it on time, please contact us as soon as possible and we will make arrangements.
• Drivers must wear helmet and seat belts at all times when on the track.
• A SA-2010 or newer helmet is REQUIRED for all car drivers!!
• Natural fiber long-sleeve shirt is recommended. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required!
• CONVERTIBLES ARE NOT ALLOWED unless they have proper roll over protection (roll bars or cage).
• Tech Inspection required by FIRM staff.
• The FIRM’s Track Policies must be adhered to at all times.
• Participants who do not attend the mandatory tech inspection and mandatory drivers/rider meeting may not be permitted on the track until they see the FIRM’s Event Manager.
• All drivers must be over 18 and have valid driver’s license.
• Drivers under 18 *may* be allowed on track if they hold a recognized competition license AND have a parent sign The FIRM’s parental liability and release waiver form.
• Good condition working seat belts or full safety harnesses are required.
• Fire suits are recommended for all race prepared cars.
• The paddock speed limit at The FIRM is 10 MPH.
• Both the driver and passenger windows must be down.
• Passing is allowed when the wheels are straight and then only with a “point by” from the driver being passed.
• Return to pit-out for tire inspection if you have put two or more wheels off course.
• If you drop two or more wheels off the course, go to the paddock for consultation. Repeated off course driving may end your day.
• Track Days run rain or shine with no refunds*
• Track Days are for drivers of all experience levels. However, you will be required to purchase a minimum of one instruction session with a FIRM instructor if you have no prior track experience.
• The FIRM reserves the right to refuse access to the track to anyone at anytime.

 

[h=2]Track Attack September 9th[/h]The FIRM Saturday, September 9, 2017
Florida Int'l Rally & Msport Park, Starke, FL



Registration ends in a month on September 8, 2017 11:59 PM EDT

The road course is a 1.6 mile professional race track with elevation changes and many challenging corners. The track has many fast straights and some tight corners that will test your braking points and racing lines. The road course will not be run as a race, passing is allowed on designated areas. Divers are set up into class groups of driving experience: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. Each group runs for 20 minutes, and no more than 6 cars on track at a time.
Entry Fee
$214.00 per Driver when purchased online
$125.00 per Half Day Driver
$25.00 per Ride-along
$10.00 per entry
Entry rate increases if you pay at the gate on day of the event
Open Track Day Schedule

• 7:30AM Gates Open*
• 8:00AM – 8:30AM Vehicle tech
• 8:45AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting
• 9:00AM – 12:00PM Track Open
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM Track Closed for Lunch
• 1:00PM – 4:00PM Track Open
• 5:00PM Gates Closed*

*The schedule is subject to change. The FIRM may suspend or cancel operations if severe weather is in the area.
SA-2010 OR NEWER HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS. We do not allow SNELL, DOT or M-rated helmets. If you do not have a proper SA-2010 or later helmet you will not be allowed on track.
Track Layout

Planning Information

• Entry is PER DRIVER, not per car. Each driver must register and pay individually. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
• If you are unable to attend, give us a call and we will gladly credit your payment towards a future event. We do not offer refunds.
• Open Track Days/Track Attack Weekends run RAIN or SHINE!
• All drivers *MUST* attend the mandatory drivers meeting. If you fail to attend the drivers meeting, you may not be allowed on track. If you know you won’t make it on time, please contact us as soon as possible and we will make arrangements.
• Drivers must wear helmet and seat belts at all times when on the track.
• A SA-2010 or newer helmet is REQUIRED for all car drivers!!
• Natural fiber long-sleeve shirt is recommended. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required!
• CONVERTIBLES ARE NOT ALLOWED unless they have proper roll over protection (roll bars or cage).
• Tech Inspection required by FIRM staff.
• The FIRM’s Track Policies must be adhered to at all times.
• Participants who do not attend the mandatory tech inspection and mandatory drivers/rider meeting may not be permitted on the track until they see the FIRM’s Event Manager.
• All drivers must be over 18 and have valid driver’s license.
• Drivers under 18 *may* be allowed on track if they hold a recognized competition license AND have a parent sign The FIRM’s parental liability and release waiver form.
• Good condition working seat belts or full safety harnesses are required.
• Fire suits are recommended for all race prepared cars.
• The paddock speed limit at The FIRM is 10 MPH.
• Both the driver and passenger windows must be down.
• Passing is allowed when the wheels are straight and then only with a “point by” from the driver being passed.
• Return to pit-out for tire inspection if you have put two or more wheels off course.
• If you drop two or more wheels off the course, go to the paddock for consultation. Repeated off course driving may end your day.
• Track Days run rain or shine with no refunds*
• Track Days are for drivers of all experience levels. However, you will be required to purchase a minimum of one instruction session with a FIRM instructor if you have no prior track experience.
• The FIRM reserves the right to refuse access to the track to anyone at anytime.

 

Track Attack September 23-24

The FIRM Saturday, September 23-24, 2017
Florida Int'l Rally & Msport Park, Starke, FL

Registration ends in 2 months on September 22, 2017 11:59 PM EDT

The road course is a 1.6 mile professional race track with elevation changes and many challenging corners. The track has many fast straights and some tight corners that will test your braking points and racing lines. The road course will not be run as a race, passing is allowed on designated areas. Divers are set up into class groups of driving experience: Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. Each group runs for 20 minutes, and no more than 6 cars on track at a time.
Entry Fee
$214.00 per Driver when purchased online
$125.00 per Half Day Driver
$25.00 per Ride-along
$10.00 per entry
Entry rate increases if you pay at the gate on day of the event
Open Track Day Schedule

• 7:30AM Gates Open*
• 8:00AM – 8:30AM Vehicle tech
• 8:45AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting
• 9:00AM – 12:00PM Track Open
• 12:00PM – 1:00PM Track Closed for Lunch
• 1:00PM – 4:00PM Track Open
• 5:00PM Gates Closed*

*The schedule is subject to change. The FIRM may suspend or cancel operations if severe weather is in the area.
SA-2010 OR NEWER HELMET IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DRIVERS. We do not allow SNELL, DOT or M-rated helmets. If you do not have a proper SA-2010 or later helmet you will not be allowed on track.
Track Layout

Planning Information

• Entry is PER DRIVER, not per car. Each driver must register and pay individually. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
• If you are unable to attend, give us a call and we will gladly credit your payment towards a future event. We do not offer refunds.
• Open Track Days/Track Attack Weekends run RAIN or SHINE!
• All drivers *MUST* attend the mandatory drivers meeting. If you fail to attend the drivers meeting, you may not be allowed on track. If you know you won’t make it on time, please contact us as soon as possible and we will make arrangements.
• Drivers must wear helmet and seat belts at all times when on the track.
• A SA-2010 or newer helmet is REQUIRED for all car drivers!!
• Natural fiber long-sleeve shirt is recommended. Long pants and closed toed shoes are required!
• CONVERTIBLES ARE NOT ALLOWED unless they have proper roll over protection (roll bars or cage).
• Tech Inspection required by FIRM staff.
• The FIRM’s Track Policies must be adhered to at all times.
• Participants who do not attend the mandatory tech inspection and mandatory drivers/rider meeting may not be permitted on the track until they see the FIRM’s Event Manager.
• All drivers must be over 18 and have valid driver’s license.
• Drivers under 18 *may* be allowed on track if they hold a recognized competition license AND have a parent sign The FIRM’s parental liability and release waiver form.
• Good condition working seat belts or full safety harnesses are required.
• Fire suits are recommended for all race prepared cars.
• The paddock speed limit at The FIRM is 10 MPH.
• Both the driver and passenger windows must be down.
• Passing is allowed when the wheels are straight and then only with a “point by” from the driver being passed.
• Return to pit-out for tire inspection if you have put two or more wheels off course.
• If you drop two or more wheels off the course, go to the paddock for consultation. Repeated off course driving may end your day.
• Track Days run rain or shine with no refunds*
• Track Days are for drivers of all experience levels. However, you will be required to purchase a minimum of one instruction session with a FIRM instructor if you have no prior track experience.
• The FIRM reserves the right to refuse access to the track to anyone at anytime.

 

On the limit and beyond: Historic car rallying
spectators toes on the track!

Why? When the cars crash, spectators get them back upright!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVy2aC8_aKQ

 

Don't ask who Harry Flatters is...... lol


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuhI4dB2G4g