New England based drivers showed up big this weekend, and put their stamp of approval on Snodrift Rally (Round One of the Rally America National Championship Series).

Taking third place in the overall in the event was Bill Bacon of Nashua, New Hampshire who took to the podium alongside Travis Pastrana (first overall) and Antoine LeStage (second overall). Bacon, a privateer, is known for placing well in nearly every event that he runs, and Snodrift proved to be no exception despite ridiculously icey conditions. Bacon described the stages as being “so icey you could literally skate down some of the straight aways.”

Bacon Motorsports

Another impressive performance this weekend was turned in by Chris Duplessis, of Mason Township, Maine, who took first place in the 2WD Class, and 11th place overall (finishing ahead of many superior class cars.)

Hopefully Duplessis can carry some of this positive momentum with him down to Florida this month; already known for his skills as a driving instructor at Team O’Neil Rally School, Chris has recently been hired by Disney to become a professional stunt driver. We’ll keep you posted as to what action packed events he may have in store.

Chris Duplessis at Snodrift

NEFR’s own Co-Chairman, and owner of the Team O’Neil Rally School, Tim O’Neil, has taken on a new role. Starting today at SnoDrift Rally in Atlanta, MI, Tim is joining Will Mattox as co-announcer of the Rally America National Championship Series.

Tim will be using his expert knowledge to help break down the action on the stages throughout the coming season. If you’re heading out to any of this year’s rallys, don’t be afraid to stop by the announcer’s booth to say hello (this is also a great chance to find out more about rally school and/or how you can take steps towards becoming more involved in the sport).

Tim O'Neil at Snodrift

Additional in-depth video coverage from NEFR 2009 is now available. All competitors on nearly all stages are included. These shots are mainly from the restricted areas of the rally and therefore give you a different look at the action. (Special thanks to Meegan Rally Videos for providing the footage.)
You can always check out the most recently uploaded videos by clicking the “Media” tab above, or go directly to the official NEFR youtube page at www.youtube.com/nefr1

Rumour has it the annual Team O’Neil Rally will be taking place this year in the Spring. The dates are tentatively scheduled for early May – but check back here soon for the official announcement!

In a move announced last month by Rally America, the New England Forest Rally is set to become the sixth and final event of the 2010 National Championship Series.

RA stated that “the 2010 championship will be compressed to allow more spectator and media interest during the season. It ensures that every event will have greater import in the chase for the Rally America Championship.”

Here in New England we’re hoping the NEFR will now have a bigger influence in determining the overall champion (and at the very least we hope to have a bigger after party this year with the end-of-year awards banquet coming to Sunday River!)

The 2010 schedule is as follows:

Jan. Sno*Drift, Atlanta, MI

Feb. 100 Acre Wood, Salem, MO

Apr. Olympus, Olympia, WA

May. Oregan Trail, Hood River, OR

Jun. STPR, Wellsboro, PA

Jul. NEFR, Newry, ME