RE: Charlevoix results-Leg One
October 25th, 2002
For Immediate Release:
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Boundless Determination Overcomes Insurmountable Difficulty
With a remarkable display of perseverance the 'Dynamic Duo' of Havas and Eric "T" have successfully completed leg one of the 2002 edition FIA Rally International Charlevoix, and as we go to print the Havspeed.com team is unofficially classified 12th overall.
The day began with great promise as marshalls clad in orange wigs (supporting the teams' wish to turn Charlevoix their color) saw the Orange Mazda, in difficult snow and ice conditions, set a time 14 s quicker than the european team of Warmbold's WRC car!
On SS2 a flat and mid-stage change lost the team over four minutes, and then whilst on transit to SS3, the car stopped. In a few short minutes, Havas had diagnosed a poor fuel pump, and figured out rapidly switching the circuit breaker on and off would operate the pump enough to continue.
To many observers, it was the certain end of the rally the team. But for Havas and the "T", it is merely another test of resolve. For the next four stages, the pair would alternate "pumping" duties, and despite a few 'moments', completed the final stages, SS5 and SS6 9th and 10th OA respectively!
Some quick work at the days' final 40 minute service enabled the installation of an additional in-line fuel pump, so the Havspeed.com car is safely in Parc Ferme and ready to attack the stages once again when the rally resumes at 6am Saturday morning.
"Both Eric and I are very tired, it was crazy. At first we both thought it was hopeless, but we refuse to lose. We will never give up, ever! Tonight we are feeling like we have survived a war, and this is war. Tomorrow is a new battle, and we are looking forward to the fight," said Havas.
"We start our rally tomorrow," said Eric "T". "We have dropped some places but I'm sure that a lot of four-wheel drive teams will be checking the time sheets tomorrow."
"It's fantastic the support we are feeling... Do you know that half of the organisers, including Rally Finland's Simo Lampinen are wearing orange ribbons? We have no choice but to keep going!" Said Havas.
Be sure to check out the teams' progress on the official RIC website:
http://www.rallye-charlevoix.com and
http://www.havspeed.com
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Andrew Havas
http://www.andrewhavas.com