New England Forest Rally 2010

Recently arrived back from the New England Forest Rally (NEFR) in Maine. This was the final event for the 2010 Rally America series. Our sponsored 0-60 magazine Scion xD placed second in the FWD class losing to a high power Dodge SRT-4. Scion xD co-driver Catherine Woods clinched her first championship when the Scion crossed the finish line (driver, Chris Duplessis clinched his National title at the previous round).

The 0-60 rally xD has been a successful project finishing 2nd in two national events in two starts. An amazing accomplishment as the car is almost stock. Since the Oregon Trail Rally in May the car received a new Quaife differential, rear wing and slight weight reduction. The motor remains completely stock.

Car getting final prep work done before the rally inside driver, Chris Duplessis’s barn at his family’s farm, Pooh Corner Farm in Bethel, Maine.

NEFR is considered the harshest rally of the series. Of the 64 entries at Stage 1 only 41 started the final stage (Stage 12). The stages are littered with large rocks/ small boulders and even a few man made jumps.

Chris and Catherine blast through Stage 2.

One of five services throughout the two day event. Most service times are 30-minutes which gives the crew enough time to inspect the entire car, change wheels, clean brakes, adjust the suspension, make any needed repairs and of course keep the car shiny.

At the finish line. 2nd place in 2WD.

Video by Rally America recapping NEFR 2010 and the 2010 season.

Special thanks to Forest Duplessis and the entire Duplessis family.

Photos courtesy of 0-60 magazine, Gordon Ting, Benson Ting and Gary Castillo of Design Craft Fabrication.