American Dillon Van Way to Compete in Junior World Rally Championship

2014 Rally America Super Production Champion Dillon Van Way released the news on Facebook that we’ve been holding on to for a little while.  Van Way is set to compete in the Junior World Rally Championship.     Van Way stated on Facebook: Better late than never… I planned on making a cool announcement post, but since I’m sitting in the airport on my way I guess this will have to do. It’s official, I will be competing in the 2017 JWRC! It’s an incredible opportunity and I am so…

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Wallingford & Junnila Take on WRC’s Toughest Challenge

Did you know that we have an American competing in WRC Rally Mexico this weekend? That’s right! Dave Wallingford and his Canadian Co-driver Leanne Junnila will be driving a M-Sport / Team O’Neil Fiesta R2 in one of the longest and toughest events on the entire WRC calendar!  WRC Mexico is known for taking it’s toll on both drivers and machinery with it’s high temperatures and nearly 9,000 foot altitudes. Be sure to give Dave, Leanne, and Team O’Neil a follow this weekend with the below social media links: Facebook…

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OpenPaddock RallyCast Episode 16

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadRallyCast Episode 16 from Monday February 20th.  In this episode Mike, Ian,and Matt review WRC Sweden and then at the 1:04 mark we turn our attention to the first event of the new American Rally Association, Rallye Perce-Neige which ran alongside the Canadian Rally Championship. We close with Ian describing how he ended up drinking large amounts of alcohol out of a boot.   WRC Sweden Event Results Driver Standings Manufacturer Standings   WRC Sweden on Red Bull TV: Recap Day 1 Live Stage…

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OpenPaddock RallyCast Episode 15

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadRallyCast Episode 15 from Tuesday January 31st.  In this episode Mike, Ian,and Doug start off with special guest Kito Brielmaier of SCCA RallyCross about the new sponsorship with DirtFish Rally School.  Then it’s on to a review of WRC Monte Carlo, Rally America Sno*Drift, and a quick look at the entries for this weekend’s first ARA / Canadian Rally Championship event Perce-Neige.  Ian finishes up with a story about the first woman to ever win a non-gender FIA Rally Championship trophy, Louise Cook.  Louise…

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RallyCast Episode 11 – Special Guest Phil Hall, WRC Australia, & Rally America 2017

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this week’s episode Mike, Ian, and Matt start off with an interview with international co-driver Phil Hall.  Phil not only competed in WRC Australia last weekend, but has also done events in the British Rally Championship, Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy, the Canadian Rally Championship, and Rally America. We also review last weekend’s release of the Rally America 2017 schedule and the changes to their championship structure.   Show Notes: Interview with Phil Hall The 28 year old co-driver has competed in BTRDA, BRC, The Finnish…

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RallyCast Episode 10 – Vexit and Subaru Helps ARA Solidify It’s Legitimacy

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode Mike, Matt, and Tom welcome new member Ian Holmes to the show.  Ian helps us debate VW’s exit from the World Rally Championship and where the drivers might go.  We also discuss the big announcements last week from Subaru and the American Rally Association which appears to cement the new series as a real championship.  We go over the 2016 Rally America Championship results, what the ARA announcement might mean for Rally America, and we finish things off with the Red Bull…

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Toyota Reveals 2017 WRC Entry at Paris Motor Show with Surprising Sponsor

Today at the Paris Motor Show Toyota Gazoo Racing along with team boss and 4 times World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen, showed off their new 2017 Yaris WRC car with a massive Microsoft logo on the side.  In addition to Microsoft, Toyota Gazoo Racing also added DMG Mori (a machining company similar to Haas), and electronics manufacturer Panasonic.   In the press release, Toyota President Akio Toyoda stated “I believe that, like Toyota, Microsoft aims to enrich society in meaningful ways. Based on the on-going partnership, we aim to further develop…

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Kris Meeke Flies to Fastest Ever Victory at WRC Finland

WRC Finland.  Known as the Spiritual Home of Rally or the Grand Prix of the WRC due to its high speeds and massive fan base.  Regardless of what they call it, Finland is a special place for ralliests.  It is like going to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Le Mans, or Monaco.  Steeped in history as the then Rally of 1000 Lakes, Finland has been on the World Championship calendar ever since the WRC was created.  The gravel roads here are as wide as a major thoroughfare, but are littered with crests, jumps,…

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Episode 291 RallyCast – OpenPaddock.net

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWe have a massive show this week starting off with two special guests, Tino Fortunato of the All Fours Rally Team and Nick Roberts of the Nick Roberts Global Rally Team!  Then we move on to a preview of the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, followed by a special review of the rejuvenated British Rally Championship from our good friend Tom Firth in the UK.  Then we finish it off with a bit of WRC Mexico. It’s a long show and I hope you…

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