DSG and Lagemann/Fennell going to X-Games!
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dent Sport Garage
RAMANA LAGEMANN WINS MAINE FOREST RALLY, SECURES SPOT IN THE X GAMES
Bethel, ME, July 22, 2006 � American rally driver Ramana Lagemann emerged victorious today in a highly competitive edition of the Maine Forest Rally, one year after last driving a rally car. Co-driven by Jamaican Michael Fennell, the duo clinched a coveted spot in X Games 12.
Driving the Dent Sport Garage run Ford Escort Cosworth, the team came to the Maine Forest Rally determined to achieve one goal: qualify for the inaugural X Games Rally. The fact that they were able to do so is even more remarkable considering the team had a mere four days to prepare for the event. “A week ago we had given up all hope of competing in Maine, and much less qualifying for the X Games,” explained Lagemann. “When the Ford became available on the Sunday prior to the event, we took it as a sign to go for it, and it certainly paid off more than we could have hoped for.”
Up against several drivers already nominated to compete in the X Games, including the factory Subaru Rally Team, Lagemann and Fennell began the rally with a measured approach. “We knew that we didn’t have to win in order to qualify, but we certainly had to finish, so we drove conservatively on the first day,” commented Fennell. It soon became clear that the lure of the X Games was bringing out the best in the competitive field of drivers who had yet to qualify.
At the end of the first day, the team found themselves solidly in seventh position, less than 30 seconds behind the leader. “We realized that on day two, we needed to up the pace. Maine is a fast rally with lots of exposed rocks in the road- it’s really punishing. Luckily, the Ford is an especially strong car, and we knew we could drive it hard and it would take the abuse.”
On day two of the rally, as other teams fell victim to mistakes and mechanical failures, Lagemann and Fennell guided the Ford Escort Cosworth quickly and safely over the challenging terrain. With two stages to go, the team found themselves in third place. “At that point, we knew that third place would be like losing because we wouldn’t make the X Games, so we threw caution to the wind and attacked,” recounts Fennell.Throughout the event, the car and crew never skipped a beat, winning the rally by a slim 6.8 second margin. “We accomplished our goal of qualifying for the X Games, but to actually win the event in the process is incredible,” concluded Lagemann. “Our performance here gives us immense confidence that we will be highly competitive at the X Games. We know we can get more out of the car, and I know I can get more out of myself as a driver. It was tough being away from competition for a year and returning to full speed straight away, but that has made the result all the more satisfying!”
The X Games Rally, held from August 1 – 5, will feature top North American driving talent, plus WRC veteran Colin McRae. The event will be televised on ABC, with the final stage airing live and in prime time from the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.
Dent Sport Garage, located in Norwood, Massachusetts, specializes in fabrication, car preparation, engineering and race and rally support with an emphasis on customer commitment. For more information, please visit www.dentsport.com
For more information on Ramana Lagemann Racing or the X Games Rally please contact info@rlagemann.com
Information found at www.rally-america.com http://www.speedtv.com/articles/rally/auto/29468 Congratulations to Ramana and Mike for an unbelievable performance!
