Over the past few seasons, the Canadian Rally Championship (CRC) has seen a steady and undeniable resurgence in two-wheel-drive (2WD) entries. While four-wheel drive still often rules the overall podiums, more and more teams are proving that two driven wheels are not just budget-friendly,  they’re fast, fun, especially with the new Rally4 cars!

The Budget Advantage

For many teams, the move to 2WD starts with one simple factor: cost. Compared to the added complexity, parts wear, and maintenance demands of a full-blown 4WD setup, a 2WD rally car is simpler, lighter, and significantly cheaper to operate. In a sport where every dollar matters, that efficiency goes a long way.

“Running 2WD gives you way more seat time for the same budget, you can literally do twice the number of events.” says Crazy Leo, one of Canada’s most experienced rally drivers.

But it’s not just about saving money. Leo also highlights how valuable the 2WD learning curve is for driver development.

“Every WRC champion started in 2WD. You learn to manage weight transfer, momentum, and grip with less power, and some corners you can actually take flat out in a 2WD. It’s just more fun!”

Factory Builds at a Fraction of the Cost

Beyond lower running costs, some competitors are discovering that 2WD opens the door to FIA-homologated, factory-built rally cars. These purpose-built machines come race-ready, engineered by manufacturers like M-Sport or Peugeot Sport. And while a used AWD rally car might fall in the same price range, these factory 2WDs offer unmatched reliability and finesse.

That’s the path taken by the Leblanc³ Rallye Team. After years in a Subaru, André, René & Adam Leblanc were ready for something different. While R5 cars were out of reach, they found the sweet spot in the M-Sport-built Ford Fiesta R2T, the forerunner of today’s Rally4 category.

And the results speak volumes. Despite running in the 2WD class, the Leblancs consistently break into the top five overall, often outpacing AWD cars on the same stages.

From 4WD to 2WD: Mikael Arsenault’s Shift

“It was my first time competing in two-wheel drive in rallying, but I adapted quickly. Right from my first test with Team FJ at Team O’Neil’s facility, the car really surprised me! I had a decision to make, I was planning to part ways with my Subaru. I met Jérôme from FJ Team at Rallye de Charlevoix in 2024, and we immediately clicked. He invited me to test with them, just as I was in talks with M-Sport about a Fiesta Rally3 program. In the end, the opportunity with FJ Team was too good to pass up, and I chose the Peugeot 208 Rally4.”
— Mikael Arsenault

For 2025, Mikael’s goal is as ambitious as it is clear: win the Canadian 2WD Championship in his first season in the category.

A New Chapter for Nicolas Laverdière

After several years competing in an Open Class Mitsubishi EVO, Nicolas Laverdière and his team made a bold move in 2021: they built a 2WD Ford Fiesta ST from the ground up in their own shop. Since then, they’ve logged serious miles, continually refining the setup while staying within the constraints of the Production class.

With 13 years of CRC experience, Nicolas brings not only speed but also deep insight into the sport. Alongside co-driver Nicolas Fouteret, the pair consistently dominated the production 2WD field  and started aiming for the next level.

Following the 2025 Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs — where Calle Carlberg took the overall win — Laverdière had the chance to test the very car that topped the timesheets. It was love at first drive. Weeks later, he picked up a freshly rebuilt Peugeot 208 Rally4 from CAS Compétition, and the team is now back, stronger than ever, and ready to mix it up at the front of the 2WD pack.

“When we heard about the Stellantis Rally Cup, we immediately knew we had to be part of it. The Peugeot 208 Rally4 is an exceptional car, and having real head-to-head competition between drivers in identical machinery promises some incredible racing. On top of that, continuing our partnership with CAS Compétition is a huge plus. We’ve trusted them to service our race cars for years, so it’s both reassuring and motivating to carry that relationship into this new challenge.”
— Nicolas Laverdière

Stellantis Motorsport & Team FJ Cup: Raising the Stakes

Launching in 2026, the North American Rally Cup for Peugeot 208 Rally4 is set to become a game-changer. Developed by Stellantis Motorsport and managed by Team FJ, this single-make series is the first of its kind in North America.

Open to both Juniors and Experts, the Cup will feature six gravel and snow rounds across Canada and the U.S., with a unique points structure that includes double points for a U.S.-based semi-final and a Canadian finale at Rallye de Charlevoix. The format ensures close competition, equal machinery, and plenty of exposure for up-and-coming talent.

All competitors will drive the same Peugeot 208 Rally4, a proven, FIA-homologated platform known for its performance and reliability. With prize money, technical support, and a Stellantis-backed rally program awarded to the series champion, this Cup is poised to redefine the 2WD landscape in North American rallying.

What’s Next?

As of mid-2025, the 2WD field is more competitive than ever. All eyes now turn to the next CRC round: Rallye Défi Petite Nation, coming this September. Strong entries from the Leblanc³ team, Laverdière Rally Team, Mikael Arsenault, and maybe even Crazy Leo could shake up the standings and continue to prove that 2WD rallying in Canada is far from a second-tier show, it’s a championship fight.

–

Article : Frédéric Senterre

Photos : Frédéric Senterre & Jonathan Dufour (Don’t go wide)