All CRC Articles
Simon Vincent and co-driver Hubert Gaudreau took an important win at Rallye de Charlevoix, moving into the lead of the Canadian Rally Championship after a demanding mix of stages and conditions.
Jean-Sébastien Besner & Yvan Joyal capture a third victory at Rallye Défi, finishing with a margin of over three minutes! Mexico’s Cordero salvages second despite major electrical trouble. Vincent/Gaudreau show consistent speed on the podium, while Pougnet/Rouleau shine in production.
In 2WD, Lalande/Brisset take a dramatic class win after a fierce battle between Peugeot and Fiesta entries. Charles and Juliette L’Estage claim second in 2WD. Next up: Rallye de Charlevoix at the end of October — this championship fight is far from over!
Two-wheel drive is making a serious comeback in Canadian rally. As the cost of running 4WD continues to rise, more teams are discovering that 2WD offers a smarter, more engaging path to competition, especially with the rise of FIA-homologated Rally4 cars. From budget-conscious grassroots builds to factory-prepped machines like the Peugeot 208 Rally4 and Ford Fiesta R2T, the 2WD class is becoming a proving ground for speed, skill, and strategy. With drivers like Mikael Arsenault and Nicolas Laverdière shifting from AWD to 2WD and finding success, and with Stellantis launching a brand-new North American Rally Cup, the landscape is shifting fast. This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a movement.
For the first time in decades, the overall podium at Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs was dominated by 2WD machines. Swedish duo Calle and Torbjörn Carlberg stunned the field with a debut win in the Peugeot 208 Rally4, followed closely by Canadian teams Arsenault/Zigby and the Leblanc brothers. The 2025 edition wasn’t just a celebration of speed—it was a turning point in Canadian rallying, proving that lightweight, front-wheel-drive cars can still lead the charge in the right hands.
The 2025 Pacific Forest Rally delivered everything you expect from a Canadian classic—tight battles, big comebacks, mechanical challenges, and unforgettable moments. From Ricardo Cordero’s international win to grassroots grit from teams like Rose Oakhill, the Leblanc brothers, and Rempel/Nguyen, this year’s PFR was a true showcase of rally spirit across all levels.
Besner & Joyal dominate Rallye Perce-Neige 2025
Jean-Sébastien Besner & Yvan Joyal delivered a flawless performance at Rallye Perce-Neige 2025, leading from the first to the final stage to claim victory with a margin of over two minutes.
Behind them, Ricardo Cordero & Marco Hernandez battled through mechanical issues to secure second place, while Simon Vincent & Hubert Gaudreau took on the R5 cars in their historic Subaru.
In 2WD, Mikael Arsenault & Layla Zigby took the top spot with their Peugeot 208 Rally4, while Nicolas Laverdière & Nicolas Fouteret engaged in a fierce battle right down to the final stage.
A rally filled with incredible performances and spectacular twists!
The 2024 Canadian Rally Championship concluded with a thrilling finale at the Big White Winter Rally. The event lived up to its reputation as a challenging and exciting test of skill and endurance.
The 2024 Rally of the Tall Pines delivered unforgettable moments with over 170 km of competitive stages pushing teams to their limits. Despite a dry rally day, mechanical issues sidelined top contenders like Mailloux/Poirier and L’Estage/Ockwell. Jean-Sébastien Besner and Yvan Joyal capitalized, taking the overall win in their Ford Fiesta R5. Meanwhile, Max McRae and Cameron Fair stunned with a 2WD Peugeot 208 Rally4, finishing 2nd overall with multiple stage wins. Local heroes Jonathan Drake and Ian Lantz rounded out the podium, while strong performances from the Leblanc Brothers and Karianne Hubert added to the event’s excitement.
