I’m out of service…

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I am writing these words from a small dimly lit hospital bed in Russia.  It is with great regret and remorse that I will not be able to attend this year’s Rallye Defi.

I have been informed from my medical doctors that it will be at least 6-8 months before all my broken bones will be healed and for a full range of motion to return.

I am hoping to make a speedy recovery as my goal is to compete at Perce-Neige Maniwaki Rally in 2009.

Thanks to all my friends, family, fellow competitors, and fans for your vital support in this distressing time.

I wish to be back in competition as soon as possible doing a sport I love so much.

Please check the site for updates on my health, and to find out what really happened :)

Really Crazy Leo

 

P.S. Make sure to check the website for regular updates and despite an unlucky end, we still have many great stories to share (with pictures and videos) from the 2008 season! From the high’s of winning at the Black Bear Rally” and to the Low’s of retiring at the “Rocky Mountain Rally” and “Baie-de-Chaleurs Rallye.”

    One thing’s for certain, there is never a dull moment on the CRAZY LEO / Can-Jam team!

Pines ‘07

  

Huge thanks to our amazing team: Can-Jam Motorsports! It wouldn’t be
possible without their help, support and experience.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

At the start of the shakedown stage, Friday night… Holy, was it icy!

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Crazy Leo’s Blue Beast debut at the 2007 Rally of the Tall Pines.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

SS1 - Upper Old Hastings Rd - the famous !L5 > 3.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Crazy Leo’s Blue Beast is ready for action. The Beast was built by Can-Jam Motorsports for Subaru Canada.

It is an absolutely amazing machine. Despite the common opinion that powerful rally cars are a handful to drive, the Beast will reward anyone who treats it with respect and has the balls to push it to the limit. I’ve got sooooo much to learn!

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Crazy Leo is happy to make it to the first service.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Dave Shindle a.k.a. Detour Dave and one of the many co-driver’s duties: checking fuel calculations.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Flat over crest :)

Mental note: don’t lift off!! The Beast is brilliant at the limit!

there’s no larger image available, however the credit goes to motorsport.com

 
 
 

Iron Bridge spectator stage: R4 BIG CUT EARLY.

no high rez pic again, but the shot is really good! motorsport.com

 
 
 

Devoted rally fans are on the stages day or night, rain or shine… or show! It was a great confidence boost to see a “GO LEO” sign! I’m flattered :)

credit for both the idea and the shot goes to a friend of mine Stephen Hollema

 
 
 

L3 < ↑

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

The Machine Of a Dream!

Download Queen’s song of the same name

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Sheer ecstasy!

don’t think you’ll need a high rez of this one :)      credit goes to Diane Richardson

 
 
 

Waaaaaaaaaay too fast over that jump!

Unfortunately, Dave and I didn’t trust the Beast enough and thought we damaged the car on the landing. I was confident that whatever the damage, the guys could get it fixed in service, so decided to back off on the following stage and lost over a minute by doing so. Oh well, a rookie mistake. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the car didn’t suffer at all!

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Can’t wait to get to the night stages! The trick to keeping it on the road is to have a 3 minute talk with the best driver coach in the world - Stewart Hoo.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Castledine’s Corner. The Beast is limping: turbo gave up the ghost at the end of the previous stage.

Thanks to Dmitri Kishkarev’s cell phone, quick disconnect oil line and the team’s experience, we were able to continue and finish my first Tall Pines!

unfortunately, we don’t have a larger version of this sick shot! :( credit: motorsport.com

 
 
 

Sadly, all great things come to an end. Fun is over, everyone is exhausted. I had a blast and can’t wait to do it all over again!

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

At the finish of the 2007 Rally of the Tall Pines.

full size image credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Our great co-driver Detour Dave at the after party.

full size image this one would make an awesome poster! ;)

credit: Anton Ulanov

 
 
 

Our team would like to thank all the organizers and volunteers for making this possible and all the fans for their support!

Also, I’d like to thank all my friends and family who are always there for me. I couldn’t have done it without you!

What a great rally! What a great sport! What a great way to get the real adrenalin.

See also:

Leo’s First Rally Car Tribute