View Full Version : PR-Last Ditch Racing Completes STPR!


Last Ditch Raci
06-10-2003, 10:39 AM
For Immediate Release

Bangor, Maine USA

Last Ditch Racing drove their normally aspirated Subaru Impreza across the finish line at the Susquehannock Trail Pro Rally in Pennsylvania to earn a second place finish among Seed 5 drivers, a ninth place finish in the hotly contested Open Class and 26th position overall. The team started the event in 54th position.

Last Ditch Racing campaigned the only normally aspirated cars in the top ranked Open Class at the event. Driver/owner Cassidy is pleased with the effort. "The weekend was a very strong showing for the team, demonstrating once again that we're improving with each race." The event saw high attrition due to the wet and slippery conditions. Said Cassidy, "There were sections of some stages where I thought the steering wheel wasn't connected to the wheels anymore!"

The team had their clutch fail on Friday's practice stage, but with the help of Cole & Burd Automotive in Mansfield, PA, they had the car back in fighting shape for the start of the race. "We can't say enough good things about the folks at Cole & Burd," said Cassidy. "They stayed late and really made our weekend possible." In addition to the clutch, Cassidy put the car nearly on its' side at the finish of Special Stage 2. "I thought we were going over and live up to our team name! All of Dave Getchell's(co-driver) pencils came out of the passenger door pocket and across the cockpit."

Cassidy and Getchell are gelling as a team, STPR being their third event together. "STPR is very fast and Dave's notes were spot on. With every event, we're getting better with the stage notes and learning how to pace them with my driving. At the end of the long day, we had fatigue and fog to contend with, but we pulled it off."

The team's is looking forward to their next event, the Maine Forest Rally on August 1.

Last Ditch Racing would like to thank their sponsors: www.mainehost.com, www.phantomgrip.com, www.primmracing.com, www.i-speedusa.com, www.mrtrally.com.au/performance/ , www.amsoil.com and www.teamoneil.com. A special thanks to Cole & Burd atwww.coleburd.subaru.com/

For more information about Last Ditch Racing, please visit www.lastditchracing.net or e-mail John@lastditchracing.net.
For more information about the Maine Forest Rally, please visit www.maineforestrally.com

Weasel 555
06-10-2003, 02:28 PM
I was there and yep the weather on Saturday was Bad!!!

i was marshalling on Stage 3 at a hairpin bend (saweet) and the amount of water n mud was crazy!!!

congrats on finishing/surviving ;)


what # were you and i'll see if i have any pics :)

Andy

Last Ditch Raci
06-10-2003, 04:04 PM
Andy,
We were car #912 and Chris was car #903.

Thanks for being out in that weather!

Cheers! John

rWRXg
06-10-2003, 07:52 PM
John and Andy,
This was my first rally in person. It took forever to get to the stage points but seeing all the WRX's was worth it. I tried to get pics around the turn at Stage 2. When i get them back I'll see how they turned out. What color cars were yours...it was tough to catch the numbers on the turn.
Rich

Last Ditch Raci
06-10-2003, 09:27 PM
I drive a silver Impreza with red reflective decals over it. Chris' Ford Escort Costworth is dark blue I think.

Cheers! John

Weasel 555
06-11-2003, 08:39 AM
If you can't see the #'s on the door the Cozzie
has a New Hampshire plate "EVLCZZY" (cool!!)

of to find a Silver rex ;)
hey do you have a front plate on if so what state Maine or New Hampshire ??

Andy.

Weasel 555
06-11-2003, 08:52 AM
Cozzie...teaser pic ;)

Weasel 555
06-11-2003, 09:09 AM
My Rex after a day out a STPR !!

X1_SRT
06-11-2003, 03:19 PM
wish i could have been there! great finish John! sounds like you guys had a time with the clutch. at least there was someone around to help you guys out. beware of flying pencils!!
hey did you happen to see Tim O'neil around? i heard from someone that hes driving a factory backed Focus, and something about cosworth running gear. do you know if this is all true?
can't wait for MFR!

-PJ

X1_SRT
06-11-2003, 03:24 PM
just answered my question by checking out his website. nice looking ride!
whats up with the 400hp engine??!?!? is that what it would be unrestricted? or is that what they race with? man, thats nuts...

Last Ditch Raci
06-11-2003, 05:06 PM
Tim's car is not a WRC Focus. It's a Focus with a Cosworth drivetrain. Yes, he does drive it with 400 horsepower! It's a crazy car. The factory boys are all putting down some serious horsepower this year!

Cheers! John