At the 2011 New England Forest Rally, former Formula Drift racer  and champion Verena Mei made her debut as a rally driver.  In 2012, she’ll be tackling the whole Rally America championship series with a new sponsor.  We look forward to following her progress next year and welcoming her back to the NEFR!  Get the lowdown on Verena’s new gig by clicking on this World Rally Sport link.

The New England Forest Rally has been working with the Australian Summit Rally Team to offer VIP Bus ticket holders a chance to win a joy ride in one of their “400bhp fire breathing monsters” during the Thursday night Shakedown.  Between now and Friday, June 1, 2012, each two-day (Weekend) VIP Bus ticket purchased will qualify to win two (2) rides in one of Summit Rally’s turbo-charged, rear-wheel drive Nissan Silvias during the Shakedown stage at Sunday River Resort on Thursday evening, July 12.

Summit Rally drivers Ross Allen & Will Orders

Summit Rally Team will be coming to the United States in 2012, hitting four major events, including the New England Forest Rally.  To learn more about Summit Rally, connect with them on their Facebook page,  or check out www.summitrally.com.au.

In case you’ve forgotten, this deal is just the cherry on an already sweet deal. Remember to buy your VIP bus tickets by December 15, 2011, and you’ll not only get an early-bird discount, but you’ll also receive an event polo shirt AND a New England Forest Rally metal plate! Click here for more information about rates and to download the bus registration form.

We all know that rally is a year-long sport, but with the New England Forest Rally taking place in the heat of July, it can be easy to forget about the event while you’re planning for turkey dinners, visits with in-laws and holiday shopping lists.

Well, those of us involved in organizing the event are out straight already planning for the event, and planning to make it even better for all involved next year.  And we’ve come up with a holiday offer for you (thought we’d try to help you out with those aforementioned holiday lists) that is good now through December 15!

You can find all of the details by clicking on the VIP Bus web page, but in addition to the gourmet food, best viewing spots, great company and ease of traveling that riding the VIP bus affords, our holiday offer includes an early bird discount, a 2012 metal rally plate and a 2012 worker’s polo shirt (both of which we’ll get to you at the rally – we’re not quite ready to order those yet!), all packaged in a festive gift certificate and envelope so that all you have to do is give, and receive the gift of gratitude in return…

Tickets for the VIP Bus make a unique and exciting gift for the rally lover, auto enthusiast, race fan (or, if you’re a rally competitor – the sponsor!) in your life.

Be sure to purchase your tickets no later than December 15, 2011 – after that, our prices go up and you won’t be able to buy the plates or shirts!

Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital will be selling raffle tickets during the Rally.  UCVH is a sixteen bed critical access hospital in rural northern NH, and is the second smallest in the United States. After hearing several complaints about the televisions in the hospital, nurses Amy Lane and Jen Radun decided to do a fundraiser to install new TV’s and DVD players in all patient rooms and waiting areas

Raffle tickets will cost $10.00 and be available for purchase at the Errol Super Special and Errol Service area.  Winners will be drawn at the end of the Rally. First prize is a 32” flat screen TV, Second prize is green fees for 4 at the Panorama Golf Course at the Balsams Grand Resort, and Third prize is a $50.00 gas card.  50/50 raffle tickets will also be sold.

Also partnering with the rally, Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity (TRHFH), an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, will be selling water bottles at the Errol Super Special. All proceeds from the bottle sales will help support TRHFH in its efforts to eradicate substandard housing in the North Country by building or renovating homes, which are then mortgaged to their partner families with a no-interest mortgage that only covers the cost of construction materials and the property.  At the same time, TRHFH’s efforts also help individuals become involved citizens in their communities. TRHFH works across 15 North Country townships, east from the Androscoggin River and west to the Connecticut River.

Please help us support these worthy local organizations!

Rally fans are invited to stop by the Phoenix House & Well in Newry, Maine, on Thursday evening (July 14) between the hours of 5:30pm – 8:00pm for an Autograph Signing session with New England Forest Rally drivers.

Scheduled to appear at 6:30pm:

• 2010 Rally America Champion and 2010 New England Forest Rally winner Antoine L’Estage!
• TV Personality and rally/drift driver, Andrew Comrie-Picard
• Ex-Mitsubishi Rally Team factory driver Lauchlin O’Sullivan
• Drifter turned rallyist Verena Mei
• Rookie of the Year contender Adam Yeoman
• Last Ditch Racing’s John Cassidy
• Exedy RacingClutches’ Evan Cline

These drivers and more will be stopping by the Phoenix, located at 9 Timberline Drive (and on the right side of the road just before you reach South Ridge base area and the parking lot at Sunday River, on South Ridge Road in Newry – click here for a map), to sign autographs and chat with fans throughout the time frame mentioned.

Rally team Last Ditch Racing signing autographs. Photo: Francisco La Torre/WorldRallySport

While you’re in the neighborhood, plan to grab dinner at the Phoenix!  They’ll have a barbecue going, and they’ll also offer their full dinner menu inside (lower level of the restaurant).  Shipyard Brewing Company is sponsoring this event, so be sure to grab a cold one while you’re there.