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2002 Mountain Trials Spectator Information
ORGANIZER'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 3rd annual Mountain Trials Rally, round five in the Western Canadian Rally Championship, presented by Yokohama.   This event promises to attract more teams than any other event in BC in the past. The championship point's battle has heated up with new teams climbing the ranks, challenging seasoned teams to a grueling battle in the forest roads of Merritt. 
Merritt is a fantastic community to host our event, with more businesses and local individuals becoming involved each event. Big thanks to Mayor Bob Baird and the town council for their continued support of the rally. Thank you to all the businesses who places sponsorship and ads in this spectator guide. Please support those who support us! This rally would not exist in Merritt without the dedicated efforts and co-operation of all the local businesses, ranchers, local government, local media and Aspen Planers.
Earlier this year, we hosted the Pacific Forest Rally in Merritt as a test event for the 2003 National Championship event to be held in June. The results were excellent, the participation was phenomenal and the feedback was very positive. West Coast Rally Association is pleased to announce that Merritt, BC will be the official location of the 2003 Pacific Forest Rally as round 5 of 9 in the National Canadian Rally Championship calendar. This brings opportunity to business and the local economy and raises the awareness of Merritt as a destination for tourism and for Motorsports
We must thank the following people who worked with us to give us permission to race on their roads and lands: AMR: AME Corporation Claude Lelievre, Aspen Planers Ltd Norm Brigden, Gene & Ginger Ewalt, Bob Chambers, Beth Nedeau, Lower Nicola Indian Band Gerry Swakum, Midday Valley Ranch Rick, Wayne Schinler, Bob Neil, John & Kate Andersen, Nicola Ranch Matt Williams, Pentangle V Ranch Bern Vere, Gordon & Mark Pooley and the Ministry of Highways and Ministry of Forest. We also thank all the businesses of Railyard Mall for accommodating our Service area for the event. Thank you to the volunteer course workers, ham radio operators, stewards that make this happen. Thank you also to our family and friends that support those of us who love this sport.
Rallying is a lot of fun to watch, but it is also a dangerous motorsport. We're happy to bring it to you, but with the fun also comes responsibility from you, the spectator. Please make sure you read all the spectator cautions in this guide and listen to the rally officials' instructions. They are here not to ruin your fun, but to ensure everyone goes home safely after the event. Have fun and enjoy the show!
Paul Westwick and Ken Kwong
Mountain Trials Organizers
Event Schedule

Friday October 4

  • 17:00-20:30 Registration ( Best Western - Nicola Inn)
  • 18:00-20:00 Scrutineering ( TireCraft - Merritt, BC)
  • 21:00-21:30 Mandatory meeting for all seed 5 & 6 teams
  • 21:30-22:00 Drivers' meeting and introduction of officials

Saturday October 5

  • 09:30 Start of first leg (Railyard Mall)
  • 14:00-15:00 Lunch stop (Railyard Mall)
  • 15:30 Start of second leg (Railyard Mall)
  • 19:00 End of Rally (Railyard Mall)
  • 20:00 Dinner and Awards ( Day's Inn Banquet Room - $15 at door)

Directions to Spectator Point #1:

From Merritt, proceed along Highway 5 southbound.

  • Take Exit 276 (Comstock Road), and turn right at the cattleguard.
  • Follow this road for 1.6km, to the top of the hill where it meets Veale Road.
  • Follow the marshall's directions to park along the side of the road past the junction.
  • You must be in place by 9:15am.
  • The competitors will pass this location twice:
  • First Pass - from 9:45am to 10:10am
  • Second Pass - from 10:40am to 11:05am.
  • After the cars have passed the second time, do not leave your location until
  • Rally Sweep has passed your location.

· To return to Merritt go back by the way you came in.

Directions to Spectator Point #2:

From Merritt, proceed south along Voght Street.

  • After crossing a small bridge, keep to the right (don't drive into the Tolko yard)
  • And then take the next left onto Midday Valley Road.
  • 0.8km from the start of Midday Valley Road, continue straight ahead where it turns to gravel.
  • 1.2km beyond that, turn left into the spectator parking area.
  • Follow the marshalls instructions on where to park.
  • There will be a concession on site.
  • Radio NL 1230 AM will be broadcasting live on site.
  • The competitors will pass this point three times, running continuously from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm.

After the cars have passed the third time, return to Merritt by the way you came.

Directions to Spectator Point #3:

From Merritt, proceed along Highway 5 northbound.

  • Take Exit 315 (Helmer Lake), and follow the road around to the right and under the highway to the west side.
  • Then proceed straight ahead through the gate.
  • Follow the marshalls directions to park in the open area on your right, just past the gate.
  • The best viewing areas are about a 1 kilometer walk into the stage from here.
  • The cars will pass this area four times:
    • 1st · 1 pass - from 2:30pm to 3:15pm,
    • 2nd · 2 pass - from 3:30pm to 4:00pm,
    • 3rd · 3 pass from 5:00pm to 5:45pm,
    • 4th · 4 pass - from 6:00pm to 6:30pm.
  • After the cars have passed the fourth time, do not leave your location until Rally Sweep has passed your location.

· Return to Merritt by the way you came.

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