National search for former rally drivers

NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RALLYSPORT (CARS)

************************* Search for former champions stretches across Canada TORONTO, Dec. 19 - The final phase of a nation-wide search for the heroes of 50 years of competition was kicked off today by the Canadian Association of Rallysport (CARS), a keystone element in the organization's celebration of 50 years of the sport of auto rallying in Canada. "Our objective is to find and invite every one of the living Canadian Rally Championship drivers and navigators from the 50 glorious years of the sport in this country," says Terry Epp, organizer of a two-day conference and reunion to mark the sport's anniversary. The Canadian Rally Championship is the longest continuously run national amateur motorsport series in the country.

The first national title was won in 1957 by the Montreal team of driver Les Chelminski and navigator Les Stanley. The two first-time champions are at the top of the invitation list.

There are very few sports of any kind that can say they have 50 years of history in this country, much less a single national championship that has endured that long, says Epp. "There have been good times and bad times, years of plenty and years when it was thin, but the championship has survived and earned a place in sport in Canada," Epp says. "It's time to recognize these people." The search, started earlier this year, has located previous champions in locations all across the country, in the U.S. and Europe.

Epp's objective is to have every living former champion reunite on the stage at a special gathering of CARS members and officials on January 13 and 14, 2007, in Toronto. The champions come from a host of diverse backgrounds: accountant, chef, engineer, entrepreneur, lawyer, pilot, professor, salesman, teacher and more. Former champions, as well as other former competitors, rally organizers and officials are urged to contact the CARS office in Stouffville, Ontario, by phone or e-mail.

Artifacts, photos or other event memorabilia is welcomed. "This is an opportunity to gather the people from across five decades of life in Canada, from the founders to the future champions, in a celebration," adds Epp. "I can't wait to see them all on stage."

CARS is the governing body of the sport in Canada, and provides the administration, rules, safety protocols, calendar and organizational structure for local, regional and national rally competition across the country.

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